Alternatives to Standard Glass Blocks

Acrylic- and glass-block products are making a statement as shower enclosures and replacement windows in homes of all styles these days.

Alternatives to Standard Glass Blocks
Acrylic- and glass-block products are making a statement as shower enclosures and replacement windows in homes of all styles these days. Popular because they allow light to enter but maintain privacy, block products shine particularly brightly in shower applications. “Homeowners want walk-in, trackless, doorless showers because they require less maintenance,” explains Brian Wright, president of Seattle Glass Block, a design, installation, distribution, and product development firm in Seattle.
Wright prefers glass over acrylic block for such shower enclosures because of its durability, noting that acrylic installations don't look as clear as genuine glass and can even begin to yellow after a few years. Acrylic manufacturers dispute that point. “We're using the latest polymers that have built-in UV inhibitors that guard against yellowing and fading,” claims Erick Felsch, marketing and sales director for Builders Accessories, a glass- and acrylic-block manufacturer.
Block windows are homeowner favorites because they provide stylish looks but require little attention. “They have a very clean look and eliminate the need for window treatments,” says Bob De-Gusipe, marketing manager for Pittsburgh Corning glass block. Acrylic- and glass-block units come in a variety of clear and obscure finishes and patterns in standard and custom shapes and sizes.
Proponents of prefabricated acrylic block tout the sturdiness of the material in window applications and note that it has t
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