Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 25, 2000 03:49am | #1

   *
   How about a nice overhang? :)

   I assume you mean that rainwater is getting in. Could you add a
   one-piece storm window on the outside? I figure you could seal
   or caulk the block assembly, but that the result would be ugly
   and/or unreliable.

   I think a mortarless construction with those acrylic spacers &
   silicone would have been a better choice, I know they use that for
   shower stalls. One can also buy pre-assembled block windows,
   complete with nailing fin. Visit the king of glass block:
   http://www.pittsburghcorning.com/

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 25, 2000 04:40am | #2

   *Silicon sealant like that used to seal tile grout in wet locations? Just a thought.Pete

2. 
   Jim_K_ | Apr 25, 2000 01:41pm | #3

   *
   Thanks. Thought of silicone and spacers, but wall curves in vertical
   dimension, and their Kwik-n-ez system does not. Preassembled would not
   work for same reason.

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 25, 2000 02:11pm | #4

   *
   I'm no expert here, but I have a few thoughts from experience...

   Just swiping on some silicone over the mortar probably wouldn't do the job completely.

   Have you tried some of that liquid silicone sealant for grout/mortar ?

   If it were mine, I would remove a bit of the mortar, do several applications of the liquid silicone mortar sealant, (let each application dry before the next application, or the caulk.), then fill the gap back up with your choice of caulk. Silicone probably being what would be most likely to adhere to that sealant. Which caulk to use has been the subject of several debates here. Try the search function to find the discussions on caulk.

   The one thing I definately know from experience is the one thing that made me want to post a suggestion.... If you don't take the time to do the repair correctly right now, you will spend more time on the problem later.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 25, 2000 03:27pm | #5

   *If the mortar mix was a bit sloppy, it can shrink between blocks when drying. It doesn't have to be substantial shrinkage, just enough to set up a capillary wick between block and mortar. It could also explain the "cracks" you describe in your joints. Mixtures vary when using glass block, I'm sure you're aware that the glass doesn't absorb moisture from the mortar as does concrete block. Did you use a straight mortar mix or a modified admix of some sort?My first option would partially mirror Pete/Luka's recommendation...I wouldn't remove mortar as of yet, but I would apply several coats of a liquid sealer to the mortar lines on the exterior only. That should stop the mortar itself from bringing moisture through the structure. If water continues to come through, then you'll need to address the issue of sealing a probable gap between the block and the mortar joint itself. You need to stop the water infiltration before your reinforcing wire starts rusting and discoloring your window assembly. It's tough to address a water problem through the ether, but that would be my plan of attack if faced with your situation.Best of luck...

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 25, 2000 05:55pm | #6

   *Sorry. They do make some curved blocks... An alternative to silicone would be EPDM gaskets around the blocks.We had a glass blck and mortar window in the shower, probably installed when the double-hung rotted. On demo, no apparent sign of leakage. I think it was just a good mortar job.Sounds like silicone figures in your future. If there is any way to stop water from running down the surface of the window your future will be brighter; thanks to the remarkable characteristics of water (such as Mongo's "capillary wick") it exploits all sort of opportunities mercilessly. A tiny crack is sometimes worse than a big one, in that capillary action will even carry water uphill.I wonder if there is some sort of spray-on clear waterproofing membrane, kind of like a varnish for glass.

4. 
   Jim_K_ | Apr 25, 2000 05:58pm | #7

   *
   OK, I thought it would work but it didn't, so now what to do? Installed
   glass block in a small exterior window. Tried to follow all directions. Got
   a good mix on the mortar. Tooled joints concave to try for a smooth,
   water-tight seal. Looks nice and neat. But they leak anyway. Some water
   through hairline cracks as mortar cured. Some (probably) where the block
   and mortar join. None is from sitting water--it just sneaks in as it rolls
   down the window. What's the best way to waterproof this now? I'm hesitant
   to just spread caulk across the joints w/o first seeking the collective