I did allot of google searching and all i can find are recommendations on 'installing' (basically plugging in) new high tech windows.

I live in a warehouse space and am knocking out some cinder blocks where once there was a window. My plan was for the bottom half to fill it with glass blocks that I would simply mortar into the bricks. For the top half I was going to layer two old windows I found.

I was looking for advice on how to create a good seal between the bricks/glass blocks as there will be no existing molding to seal to. The windows will not need to open either.

Thank you for the help!

My housemate- a whiz at "non-traditional" installs of this nature suggests that you use a mortar formulated for use with the glass blocks- there are several available that will adhere to the masonry bricks just fine and if there is no existing header, attach one to the top of the opening or frame in the window section altogether (Your local hardware store will have the proper fasteners for this- use a double bead {line} of an appropriate silicone to create a seal between the wood and the glass blocks)to ensure a secure fit that will "flex" a bit with changing temperature and humidity.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MrsS,

so between the glass blocks and the window,

spelling it out.. I would glue a wooden sill (and rest of the window frame) using construction adhesive and sealed to the glass blocks with silicone? or could I use the Silicone to glue the sill down as well?

I should probably seal the sill with paint before putting it down or after... or am I overthinking all of this?

Thanks for bearing with me, I really appreciate it!

Hmmmm.... I don't know about paint... I think the paint might not allow as good a seal as just stained/finished, and my housemate has gone out for the evening, so I can't ask 'til morning.

Starting from the top run of brick and working up.... Mortar suitable for use with glass block, glass blocks, mortar, blocks (and so on), sealant, either a sill then the window or the window itself, depending on the window frame and the look you want, with framing on sides and top of window, properly attached to the masonry brick, probably with screws made specifically for brickwork.

I'll get the housemate to offer up more detail in the AM.

And when you get this completed, will you please post pictures? I'm fascinated with the description and would love to see the results.
I'm a country girl but I have a great love of industrial space lofts and all the potential they offer.

yeah sure!

thank you very much for all your help!

Sorry for the delay, the housemate has been elusive the last couple of days

The wood DOES need to be treated- a sealant or an exterior grade paint BUT you must choose the treatment based on the manufacturer's recomendations on the adhesive you'll use to join the bottom of the frame/window to the top run of glass block.... some will be compatable with a latex paint but not an oil based enamel, some will be suitable for use with a sealant like Thompson's Water Seal, and so on.

the windows are in!! knocking the brick out was allot harder then I thought, but it all turned out great (thanks allot to my friends/roomates that helped out)

I will post pictures soon,

Thanks for letting us know.

That's terrific! Thanks for getting back to us and I can't wait to see the final result!

sorry i havnt gotten back sooner, but i installed the window and it came out really well even if I have gotten a little lazy and neglected installing some nice trim.

I'll try to get the pictures off my friends camera soon!