Mortar question

[Mike in Ohio]

I have to replace a basement window this weekend after an attempted break in, going with a pre made glass block window. We are expecting a high temp of 43 on Saturday, inside the basement will be low to mid 60s probably. Do I need a special mortar or an additive for that outside temp? I've installed these in new construction once but never as a replacement, any tricks I should know about?
Thanks
Mike

 

[PCustoms]

I have to replace a basement window this weekend after an attempted break in, going with a pre made glass block window. We are expecting a high temp of 43 on Saturday, inside the basement will be low to mid 60s probably. Do I need a special mortar or an additive for that outside temp? I've installed these in new construction once but never as a replacement, any tricks I should know about?
Thanks
Mike

How quick can you work? Maybe one of the fast set bags is a good idea...

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Do I need a special mortar or an additive for that outside temp?

no

 

[cgrutt]

How low will temp get? Want to protect from freezing temp for first 24 hrs. I believe they also recommend heating mixing water and/or sand to min above 40 degrees if temps are expected to drop between freezing and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Article attached on mortar considerations for glass block.





Cold weather considerations:

 

[Mike in Ohio]

Thanks for the help guys

 

[Mike in Ohio]

Didn't come out too bad

 

[captain14]

Looks good.

Which direction does the opening face? How much light gets through?

 

[Mike in Ohio]

Faces east, but is shaded by trees

 

[Danno1]

.


Do the glass blocks have a better R value than CMU's?

.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

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Do the glass blocks have a better R value than CMU's?

.

I didn't look into that, but it has to be a lot better than the window that they replaced.

 

[Bert_]

I did not know premade glass block windows were a thing. Learned something new

 

[zendriver]

I did not know premade glass block windows were a thing. Learned something new

The only way for ease of standard install.

I did mine (five) two years ago with the units with the little screened vent window in the middle. Way better than the **** steel frame windows and boxed in insulation. Cut out the cold great.

To ease grouting I used a grout bag, to basically squirt grout into the edges.

Nice work, OP. FWIW Grout should not touch wood, normally, if you used it on the top. I used spray foam.

 

[The Cobbler]

I did not know premade glass block windows were a thing. Learned something new

yeah ,looks like they are siliconed together ... easy to DIY

 

[Kaizen]

If i were you i'd be making steel frames with prison bars or something on the inside of that and other windows as long as they are not larger exit type windows. Thieves talk. Something that you can secure into the sides of the openings. If you want to keep ventilation attach on outside with security screws.

 

[Dagny]

I put that same thing in my basement window where we used to throw wood in. I set it in GE silicone then caulked all the way around it inside and out.

 

[hobie18]

Our glass block seems to have lost its r-factor. Ideas? Even putting outdoor window plastic is on the table