I baught a house that has a garage with broken glass block windows in it. I want to replace them as soon as possible in the most inexpensive way. It is said that you pay people more for labor, so we measured and bought new glass block already incased. I need to break out what is already there before I install the new. My husband has never done this and he thinks he knows what he is doing. I just see a disaster waiting to happen, and maybe an ambulance ride!! Please help!!!!!!!
2006-10-18 05:16:22 · 9 answers · asked by jjs12109 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I assume you are talking about replacing a complete window that has a bunch of blocks in it with another pre-fab unit that has all the blocks already attached together. Getting the old blocks out is the toughest part - after that it is a cinch.
Get a tarpaulin to cover the floor. Get a wide steel cold chisel. Get a steel mallet for hitting the chisel. Get a thick pair of gloves. Get a set of protective goggles for your eyes.
Once you get the first part out it gets easier and easier.
Go to the broken block and hit it with the chisel using the mallet. Try to smash away the glass near the edges of the broken one. When you have it mostly gone then hit the cement that is around it to knock out that cement. Do that on all four sides of that block. Now hit the cement on one side of the block above or below it. Then hit the cement on the other side of that second block. Then hit the cement on the fourth side of the block till it crumbles out. Repeat that process for all the blocks in one vertical column.
Now try hitting the cement of an adjacent block on the sides hard enough to crack the cement all around that next block. Try hitting the block now to see if it moves at all. If it does bash it with the mallet to try to get it out. If it is not moving go back to hitting the cement all around it to crack the cement. As you get more and more cement cracked it will be easier to get out the remaining blocks.
If the cement is not cracking try hitting the same cement on the outside of the window not just the inside. The glass comes out in chunks not slivers like a broken window. After the first block you may be able to get most of the blocks out without breaking them since you will be mostly hitting the concrete around them.
Sweep up periodically so you are not standing in a pile of broken glass pieces
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When all the blocks are out then hit the cement on the window edges so the entire opening is clear for the new blocks. Follow the instructions that come with them for the new install.
2006-10-18 05:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Removing Glass Block Wall
2017-01-20 12:23:45 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sure wouldn't use a sledge hammer unless you want to replace more than one glass block. Try using a regular hammer and a center punch which will concentrate all the energy on a very small spot and it should break easily. Wear safety glasses and leather gloves. You will have to get it out piece by piece and then you will have to remove the surrounding mortar which will also have to be replaced. Replacing the mortar will probably be the hardest part if you have never done it before as there is a learning curve on using it.
2006-10-18 05:59:25 · answer #3 · answered by Captleemo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to be the betta advocate here, but those things are just not big enough! They need at the very very least 2 gallons, but preferably 5 gallons. That way you can filter and heat the water. These guys do not thrive in small bowls or fancy containers. Plus, you can get a good setup for less than 45 bucks and you will see your betta be active, get big and have wonderful colors.
2016-05-21 23:39:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any man can do it as long as he wears protective clothing, including a face mask and Eye Protection.
He should use a small grinding wheel to smooth up any rough areas. Normal grinding whees will do a good job, it does not take a special type of grinder.
The Eye protection is most important. You cannot see broken glass embedded in the Eye.
2006-10-18 05:50:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen it done. Sledge will handle it. Be aware there is a vacuum in the center of the block. When they break it sounds like an explosion. careful!
2006-10-18 05:51:55 · answer #6 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not too hard, all he needs is a sledge hammer and a pair of googles and then swing away.
2006-10-18 05:31:38 · answer #7 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have a little faith in him, maybe he does know. it isnt that hard, just break out what needs to be gone & install the new.
2006-10-18 05:24:40 · answer #8 · answered by lili t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DON'T SWING TOO HARD, YOU MAY BE IMPALED BY FLYING GLASS. I'D TRY A GROUT SAW & MAYBE GET IT OUT IN 1 PIECE OR SEVERAL (FEW) PIECES. HAMMER & CHISEL TOO!
2006-10-18 06:55:44 · answer #9 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋