Glass Block Rods and Mortar step by step guide |
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Rods and Mortar (Wet Build) Glass Block Installation step by step guide:
Step 1 - Preparing of the opening Calculate the correct opening size. Make sure the opening is square and perpendicular. Lay bitumen expansion material along base of opening. Secure expansion foam to jambs and head. All four sides of the opening should now be covered in expansion material (See fig.1). Bitumen is necessary on the base to take the weight of the glass block wall.
Set out dry your first row of glass blocks to ensure opening size is correct. Mark accurately and drill oversized holes in between the blocks, vertically and horizontally where rods will be positioned. Fill holes with silicon and fit vertical bars in place (fig.2).
Mix Colmef Vetromix glass block mortar following instructions on reverse of bag (fig.3). The mix should be a semi dry consistency (Slump 1 or less). Lay down abed of mortar.
Fit first glass block and tamp down gently, fit second block and repeat. Ensure there is enough mortar between the blocks and the base to create sufficient adhesion, compact the vertical mortar joint using a wooden instrument. (fig.4) Note: Spacer pegs are not required between base and first row of blocks.
Repeat Step 4 until you have completed the first row. Insert spacer pegs in between blocks, this prevents steel rods from touching glass (fig.5). Lay half the quantity of mortar and fix the horizontal rod in position, not forgetting to put silicon in the holes, then cover over the rod with remainder of mortar (fig.6). Rods have to be positioned every row vertically and horizontally. If using a ‘U’ channel, two stainless steel reinforcement rods are required around the perimeter.
Fit next row, checking vertical and horizontal alignment.
When the wall has set, snap off spacer tabs and grout all joints with diluted Colmef mortar.
Mastic around perimeter of expansion foam to create a weather proof seal. |
