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"I just don't want to block them all up. I really need the privacy and security of the glass blocks, but I can't afford to give up the fresh air in my basement and bathrooms to keep my family healthy," the customer said with a concerned look on her face. This has been a common concern with homeowners who want the security, privacy, and style of block windows but don't want to sacrifice air flow.

Fortunately you can now get the best of both worlds - block windows and air flow are no longer mutually exclusive. There are two ways you can make this happen - glass block windows with air ventilation systems and completely operable acrylic block windows. Let's explore these options in greater detail and also answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding vents in block windows systems.

Glass Windows with Air Ventilation Systems

Block windows have traditionally been mortared (in some cases silicone) together to provide light, security, and privacy - strong benefits but sometimes flawed if you also need air ventilation into your space or air to flow out of your home or business. The new product options and benefits for these block air ventilation systems have never been better.

o Air Vents to reduce heating and cooling costs and keep air flowing- With double pane glass and slim line vinyl frames the new generation of air vents allow air to come in while being small enough to keep intruders out. The vents come in white and tan and a wide variety of sizes to match exterior colors and maintain the symmetry of the block window.

o Power Vents to get rid of musty smell and improve indoor air quality - Power vents are vinyl framed ventilators with two powered fans that can move 145 cubic feet per minute of air to fight mold, power away smoke, circulate the air for healthier, thereby providing fresher living spaces. The Power Vent comes with an A/C adapter that plugs right into your wall.

o Removable Sash Windows for maximum air flow and to move items in and out - Removable sash windows have an inside window sash that completely removes from the inside, giving maximum air and allowing a larger space to bring materials inside or outside of a basement or other space.

o Dryer Vent Blocks to move air out from a dryer in a glass block basement window - Dryers are often located in basements and their venting is often directed through an inefficient single pane metal or wood framed basement window. Vinyl dryer vent blocks replace the space taken up by one block in a new glass window and allow you to get the benefits of the block without having to vent your dryer through the foundation (which can be considerably more expensive).

Operable Acrylic Block Windows

If you want the looks and privacy of block and the ability to completely open your windows, just like a traditional window, then operable acrylic block windows are for you. Since these windows are made of acrylic block, not glass block, they are light enough to incorporate the block-look and have the functionality of a casement window.

Acrylic block windows are enclosed in a low maintenance welded vinyl frame with the thermal benefits of double insulated or low emissivity (low e) glass. The frames are available in white, tan, or driftwood colors to match exterior window package colors. The blocks come in 3 patterns (wave, cross rib, and frosted wave) and 3 colors options (green wave, green frosted wave, and solar block for more energy efficiency).

These windows are commonly used as casement windows which cranks out side to side (either in a kitchen, bathroom, or in a basement egress situation) or as an awning window which cranks out in an up and down direction. The acrylic block windows include a removable screen on the inside as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ventilations in Glass Block Windows

Included below are the 3 most frequently asked questions about ventilation in block windows.

Question: Should I vent every window? Answer: Vent as many windows as your budget allows. More ventilation will make your home environmentally safer with less chance of mold build up.

Question: How many vents do I need? Answer: That depends on the size of area you want to freshen and how you're planning to use the space both now and in the future. Consider more venting for larger areas, spaces where people might be smoking or working, and bathrooms which have a lot of moisture and steam in the air.

Question: How much venting does the building code require? Answer: This answer will be specific to where you live. Check with your city or municipality.

In summary, the good news is that block windows and ventilation are no longer separate ships passing in the night. Yes, you can have the privacy, security, and beauty of glass or acrylic block windows and now you don't have to go without the air flow you want in your home or business.

Mike Foti is the President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, and Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton, nationwide suppliers and installers of glass blocks and related products.
Tel. 614-252-5888
mfotigb@aol.com

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