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 Glass Blocks to Replace Windows, is it secure enough?

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TSlowyat101
post Jul 3 2020, 05:08 PM, updated 6y ago

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Hi guys and girls,

The windows at my bathroom (as per the picture below) doesn't provide good privacy at night (can see the shadow clearly), and also need to install a grill inside which will rust after some time since it will be always wet (near the shower).

user posted image

Thinking of replacing it with glass blocks (as follows) and keep a small top hung window on top for ventilation.

user posted image

May I know if this type of glass block is good enough that people will not be able to break it easily?

Thanks

mini orchard
post Jul 3 2020, 05:21 PM

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QUOTE(lowyat101 @ Jul 3 2020, 05:08 PM)
Hi guys and girls,

The windows at my bathroom (as per the picture below) doesn't provide good privacy at night (can see the shadow clearly), and also need to install a grill inside which will rust after some time since it will be always wet (near the shower).

user posted image

Thinking of replacing it with glass blocks (as follows) and keep a small top hung window on top for ventilation.

user posted image

May I know if this type of glass block is good enough that people will not be able to break it easily?

Thanks
*
Anything is breakable if the thieves want to gain access.

I have one done at the car porch for long time but mine without a top hung window.

SUSceo684
post Jul 4 2020, 02:59 AM

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You can install a magnetic insect screen once you have a grille installed..the offset and shading by the insect screen net should have the privacy effect. It is not good for the bathroom to be unventilated, may be illegal for code compliance as well, later the toilet smell will be eminent.

Grille material can opt for stainless steel so won't rust but it can cost 80-100% more than mild steel grille
precept66
post Jul 4 2020, 11:40 AM

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Looks like a Sime Darby built unit. Like other mentioned, go stainless steel for long term.
mini orchard
post Jul 4 2020, 11:44 AM

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Can try using shower curtain. Not sure you can find those white lace type.
halcyon27
post Jul 4 2020, 01:01 PM

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QUOTE(lowyat101 @ Jul 3 2020, 05:08 PM)
Hi guys and girls,

The windows at my bathroom (as per the picture below) doesn't provide good privacy at night (can see the shadow clearly), and also need to install a grill inside which will rust after some time since it will be always wet (near the shower).

user posted image

Thinking of replacing it with glass blocks (as follows) and keep a small top hung window on top for ventilation.

user posted image

May I know if this type of glass block is good enough that people will not be able to break it easily?

Thanks
*
Glassblocks are great to let light in. There are frosted ones but at night from the outside, they may still show a silhouette of the occupant in the shower.

QUOTE(mini orchard @ Jul 4 2020, 11:44 AM)
Can try using shower curtain. Not sure you can find those white lace type.
*
Prefer this method actually. Low cost and doesn't change anything.

This post has been edited by halcyon27: Jul 4 2020, 01:04 PM
TSlowyat101
post Jul 4 2020, 02:10 PM

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Thanks for the replies

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Correct but if it involve a slam hammer where the neighbours can hear then I'm ok with it tongue.gif


» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Yes the ventilation is a must, that's why I still plan to have the top hung windows there, maybe 1/2 the size of the current one.

Also since the grill itself, the gap between the grill and windows, etc. will be difficult to clean, since there will be soap scum, hardwater deposits, etc.


» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Spot on, it's from SD. I guess you are a property master tongue.gif

But the cleaning issue with the grill is something we wanted to avoid sweat.gif


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Ya considered about it but the grill and cleaning issue will still be there


» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Yes am aware of the silhouette issue but it's still much better than the current one which you can see the clear human shape blush.gif

This post has been edited by lowyat101: Jul 4 2020, 02:10 PM
mini orchard
post Jul 4 2020, 03:08 PM

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Attached Image

Use this for the top two rows for ventilation on the glass block.
halcyon27
post Jul 4 2020, 10:28 PM

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QUOTE(lowyat101 @ Jul 4 2020, 02:10 PM)
Yes am aware of the silhouette issue but it's still much better than the current one which you can see the clear human shape  blush.gif
*
There is one concern with glass blocks in this area. If it were a dry zone or above the level of the overhead shower , glass blocks may be fine. But because it will be wet after showers, the grout and in between will potentially develop mould or green fungus over time.

What about increased opacity? There may more patterns when used in combination that may eliminate the outline when illuminated from the inside. E.g. Laminate + sanblasted Cross reed + laminate + frosted (Narco louvered pattern) + laminate.

If don't want to change the glass, an aluminium Venetian blinds can add to privacy as shown here. Apparently, there are in the market, water proof roller blinds too specifically tailored for shower areas.

As for ventilation, an 8" glass mounted exhaust can be mounted on the window furthest away from the shower. Even when not turned on, a soft breeze may still induce ventilation. I use a 6" glass mounted and a soft breeze at times does that at times.

This post has been edited by halcyon27: Jul 5 2020, 07:41 AM
TSlowyat101
post Jul 6 2020, 09:49 AM

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Thanks for the info, will check out the options smile.gif

TSlowyat101
post Jul 6 2020, 09:53 AM

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Thanks and yes did considered about this for the ventilation part on top of the windows. But a bit concern on the insects - spider, etc. might come and make the web or nest there sweat.gif

tony_mw
post Oct 8 2021, 10:43 PM

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QUOTE(lowyat101 @ Jul 6 2020, 09:53 AM)
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Thanks and yes did considered about this for the ventilation part on top of the windows. But a bit concern on the insects - spider, etc. might come and make the web or nest there  sweat.gif
*
Hi TS, may I know did you managed to find a solution for your case?
I'm currently looking for window supplier to the install casement window directly on the glass block wall(like pic below) where I planned near my kitchen area but not sure who can do the job well... rclxub.gif
Attached Image
Attached Image



This post has been edited by tony_mw: Oct 8 2021, 10:47 PM
corad
post Oct 8 2021, 11:22 PM

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old thread but can't help being a busybody.

why not install outdoor blinds (motorised) on the exterior of the building, or louvers if you're not keen on fiddling with controls before getting into the shower.
mini orchard
post Oct 9 2021, 05:22 AM

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QUOTE(tony_mw @ Oct 8 2021, 10:43 PM)
Hi TS, may I know did you managed to find a solution for your case?
I'm currently looking for window supplier to the install casement window directly on the glass block wall(like pic below) where I planned near my kitchen area but not sure who can do the job well...  rclxub.gif
Attached Image
Attached Image
*
The glass and aluminium shop guys are the one that makes the window. Visit anyone and show them the picture to find out if is possible to have a window.
Phyarc
post Oct 9 2021, 05:48 PM

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QUOTE(tony_mw @ Oct 8 2021, 10:43 PM)
Hi TS, may I know did you managed to find a solution for your case?
I'm currently looking for window supplier to the install casement window directly on the glass block wall(like pic below) where I planned near my kitchen area but not sure who can do the job well...  rclxub.gif
Attached Image
Attached Image
*
window frame can be customised to fit opening formed and find a frame profile that fit the block thickness.
one way to secure the window frame is replacing screw on fastener with fish tail like those for door frames. the glass blocks are anchored to wall and floor with metal rods so they should be sturdy. and you can also slot the tail between the rods.
then sealant at frame to glass joint.

This post has been edited by Phyarc: Oct 9 2021, 05:50 PM
tony_mw
post Oct 9 2021, 08:56 PM

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QUOTE(mini orchard @ Oct 9 2021, 05:22 AM)
The glass and aluminium shop guys are the one that makes the window. Visit anyone and show them the picture to find out if is possible to have a window.
*
I did asked Reliancehome and one window supplier nearby my place. Both say the frame can only install on solid wall.
Hence, I'm trying my luck to find anyone has any experience here. sweat.gif
mini orchard
post Oct 10 2021, 06:29 AM

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QUOTE(tony_mw @ Oct 9 2021, 08:56 PM)
I did asked Reliancehome and one window supplier nearby my place. Both say the frame can only install on solid wall.
Hence, I'm trying my luck to find anyone has any experience here. sweat.gif
*
If you dont mind to install those ready made concrete borders around the window for the anchoring of the window frame, I think it can be done. Is only whether the contractor is willing to do it.

Can custom made on site to fit on window size.

Attached Image
tony_mw
post Oct 10 2021, 04:48 PM

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Thanks, Imma talk with them and see it's possible or not.


 

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