Replies

1. 
   wallyo | May 06, 2003 08:00pm | #1

   Erery two course should be fine with pannel anchors but a renforcement laddder at every course would help.  MY problem was withthe very first course I got up to the forth row stopped checked it the next mornin the first course did not adhere to to the curb had to take it apart scrape all block clean.  I had durock on the curb the mortar did not stick to it.  I primed the curb with concrete bonder then took metal expandable lath and cut a strip the width of the block spred out some mortar put the lath on top or the mortar screwed through it to the curb, put some more motar on top then set my block now it is solid the company rep had no explantion why it did not adhere the first time.

1. 
   WorkshopJon | May 07, 2003 03:20pm | #2

    "MY problem was ...the first course did not adhere to to the curb"

   Could this have been caused by too dry a mortar mix? I know you are supposed to use a drier mix for glass block, but would it be beneficial to make the mix on the first layer more moist as the CBU/mortar will wick moisture out?

   Jon

1. 
   wallyo | May 07, 2003 10:05pm | #3

   No the same mix mortar was use for all four courses including setting the first course.  Block to block row to row adheasion was fine just the first row to curb failed.

   Also I agree if the angle is going between every other row as a pannel anchor it is over kill you only need the  22 gauge anchors.  I thought you were using the angle at top the last course.

1. 
   WorkshopJon | May 07, 2003 11:28pm | #4

    "I thought you were using the angle at top the last course."

   Wally,

   That is exactly my plan. I'm taking a short break right now and am 7 courses up.  Going OK except that the drier mortar mix has a shorter working time. Not looking forward to the other wall as it has its own set of challenges.

   Jon

1. 
   wallyo | May 08, 2003 08:08am | #5

   Jon

   I have done three glass block showers to date not a great deal of experience but the only other advice I can pass on is take your time.

   Your right the mortar does dry out real fast ( are you using Custom or Napp brand mortar) only mix small amounts at a time so it is always fresh.

   And check level and plumb constantly a wall like yours only being a couple of blocks per course should not be too much of a problem as far as level goes, but even with spacers plumb can get away from you.  For long walls I find it easer to set the first course get it perfect let it set over night then finish up  the rest.  That way if you need to shim up a little because your curb is out of wack you can set up a good foundation for the rest of the job.

2. 
   jimwright | May 10, 2003 06:11pm | #6

   Workshop Jon, I just did my own( and 2nd glass block job) I put panel anchors in, it was worth the extra $30. The walls are sturdy. I did it the old fashion way with mortar. I love it

1. 
   WorkshopJon | May 11, 2003 02:15am | #7

   Heavy X,

   Yeah, I'm really surprised too how sturdy and solid my wall feels.  I did imbed that 12" 90 degree angle into the second to the last course though. Still, considering the only fastening to the wall was the that and panel anchors every other course, I'm pretty impressed. Still not looking forward to the other wall though. Just got done welding up the stainless door support/wall reinforcement. That one IS going to be a challenge.

   Jon

3. 
   CAGIV | May 11, 2003 02:48am | #8

   Jon,

     Post some pics of the finished product

   Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professional build the Titanic.

1. 
   WorkshopJon | May 11, 2003 04:49am | #9

   CAG,

   Geez, you know how I feel about posting pics. So here is where I'm at now.

   
1. 
   CAGIV | May 11, 2003 05:02am | #10

   Looken Good.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professional build the Titanic.