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TRADITIONAL
MORTAR SYSTEM -
Installation Tips
Install Panel Anchors
The glass block panel is tied into the frame by use of panel anchors
(these become embedded in mortar). Anchors are attached to jambs
and head but not the cill. Anchors are usually DRAWING 1 placed
at 400 mm centres.
Install
Expansion Strips
Expansion strips should be stapled or nailed along jamb and head
between anchors (no strip necessary to cill).
Preparing
Glass Block Spacers
The standard spacer is actually three spacers in one. By simple
trimming of certain elements, 'L' and 'T' spacers are also created.
Position
Spacer Correctly
Normally, the spacer crossbar should face downward. The crossbar
should only face upwards at the cill as a 'T' spacer.
Prepare
the Mortar
A 15 kg bag of pre-mixed glass block mortar is sufficient for installing
approximately 13 No. 190 x 190 x 80 mm blocks. Follow the instructions
on the bag.
GOLDEN
RULE - NEVER DRILL OR CUT GLASS BLOCKS!
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LAYING
THE FIRST COURSE
1. Apply glass block mortar to clean
level cill. Use enough mortar so that a
10 mm joint will remain when blocks are
in place.
2.
Using the 'L' and 'T' spacers on the cill
and jamb surfaces, insert first at lower
corner.
3. Push the block snugly into place
ensuring it is properly seated. Place a
regular spacer on upper corner of the first
block. Apply layer of mortar to the vertical
edge of the new block and put into place.
Once again, check the block is properly
seated.
4.
Continue laying first course by repeating
steps 1, 2 and 3. Periodically, use level
and plumb line to ensure accuracy of panel.
Adjust as necessary before continuing.
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INSTALLING
THE REMAINING COURSES
5.
When first course is completed, apply layer
of mortar to top block spread and smooth
making sure that crosslegs of spacers are
free of mortar. This ensures accurate spacing.
6.
Continue laying blocks repeating steps 1-5.
7.
When you encounter panel anchors, ensure
that the top of the block (with spacer in
place) slips under the anchor. Continue
finishing that course then apply mortar
to top, embedding anchor.
8.
For panels with spans of more than 1.4 m,
panel reinforcing must be used on top of
every horizontal course for 190 x 190 x
80 mm blocks. Once mortar has been placed
on top course, simply press stripe of reinforcing
into mortar. If you use more than one strip,
an overlap of 150 mm is required.
9.
When laying top course, put appropriate
spacers in place before inserting block.
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FINISHING
AND CLEAN UP
1.
Using a sponge or damp cloth, remove excess
mortar from face of glass blocks (both sides).
Be sure to rinse often using water only
(no abrasive products). Do not let mortar
dry completely before removal from block.
Block will be left with a light film of
mortar dust which can be removed later using
a dry cloth.
2.
Twist end tabs off all spacers after mortar
has set for one hour. Use striking tool
for joints. This produces professional results
and compacts the mortar to create a moisture
resistant seal. After striking, all joints
should be left full of mortar (for shower
joints, you may rake the joints to a depth
of 5 mm and then after 24 hour cure, fill
the joints with a wide joint panel grout.
After two hours, wipe blocks with soft,
clean cloth).
3.
One or two hours after striking joints,
wipe the block faces with a soft, clean
cloth.
4.
Using a caulk gun, apply silicone continuously
along the seams where the block panels join
the jambs and the head. Be sure to apply
sealant on both sides of the panel. Trim
may also be applied at the seams. If you
have a wooden curb cover it with a suitable
moulding.
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These
instructions are for guidance only. They are not intended
to imply suitability for any purpose.
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HANDY
HINT:
ALWAYS
COVER SURROUNDING
SURFACES TO AVOID IMPACT
DAMAGE TO THE WOOD SURFACE DURING CONSTRUCTION
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