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Getting ready to build a walk-in shower with one free standing glass block wall. Plan to use the supports that connect the wall and than put the ladder supports every other row. The glass block wall will be set on top of a curb built out of 2×4’s. The glass block will hang over the edge of the 2×4 to allow for shower pan membrane and mortar. The wall will be 5 feet long than take a 22 degree turn for another 2 feet. The height on the wall will be 80 inches. The question I have is will the wall be strong enough? Any other ideas on how to make the wall stronger?
Thanks Brent
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Strong enough for what? Sure, it'll hold it's own weight and not sway to and fro, but what else you have in mind?
The wall will have a 22 degree turn at 5'. What are you using to make a 22 and not a 45 degree turn? Most GB I know only allow for a 45. This corner will add stability.
Other than how the GB wall is tied to a framed wall, your bigger concern is the detail of the curb. Can you be a bit more revealing in how you plan to build and finish the curb?
*I agree the curb's the weak link. Build a 2X4 curb (3 or 4 sandwiched flat,lag bolted tightly) then mud and membrane, then install GB's over that. Silicone the heck out of the joint where GB meets the curb? Why use a curb at all? Pour a concrete floor and go to the floor with the GB's? Lay down 1/2" DurRoc?Interesting possibilities.
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The curb is to support the shower pan membrane. The reason I'm looking at over hanging the glass block is to have a nice even surface to the floor. This should help protect the joint between the tile curb and glass block. The curb will be mortar with wire mesh for support.
Thanks Brent
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That might work to waterproof the joint. Consider going to a larger size GB for strength?
*Karen,Welcome to Breaktime. Don't forget to stop in the Shed and buy a round!Rich Beckman
*Thanks Rich. Where's the Shed? Cyberbrew? Speaking of which, just back from Jackson Hole. Get yer hands on Snake River Lager. Yum.
*Look for The Woodshed Tavern folder on thei Breaktime - Fine Homebuilding discussionpage.Snake River Lager? You should fit right in!Rich Beckman
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I also want to build a shower glass block wall with a 90 degree curve at one end. I do not know how to build the curb for the curved part.
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awwww your just joshing us aren't ya! I saw plenty of lumber in the States that'd suit just fine for building curved curbs.
*Brent,First I'd stay away from using timber in the curb...use brick or form and pour a concrete curb. Second, we have in the past made up GB walls with an Aluminum channel frame on the four sides. This takes a bit of planning as you have to calculate all the joints etc to ensure it's all going to fit. This frame will give both stiffness to the structure and an anchor point to the curb and wall.Did a curved one once like that..looked good. Powder coat the frame whatever colour you like.
*I've seen GB corner blocks. Also, corner blocks to make 45 deg. angles off the corner.On last job, found a GB distributor with great prices (no connection with me!). $.99 for 6X6's,$1.49 for 8X8's. Email me if want their name.
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Never did a curved one but Mark is right stay away from the wood I used morter never had any problems. I think the curved wall will look nice
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Getting ready to build a walk-in shower with one free standing glass block wall. Plan to use the supports that connect the wall and than put the ladder supports every other row. The glass block wall will be set on top of a curb built out of 2x4's. The glass block will hang over the edge of the 2x4 to allow for shower pan membrane and mortar. The wall will be 5 feet long than take a 22 degree turn for another 2 feet. The height on the wall will be 80 inches. The question I have is will the wall be strong enough? Any other ideas on how to make the wall stronger?
Thanks Brent