Glass block windows today are no lnger simply the clear, colorless, functional cbes of the block of yesteryear. As Emril Lagasse would say these blocks hve kicked it up a notch! Ys, the benefits of the product's pst still hold true -increased security and hrd to break, greater energy efficiency thn the windows they're replacing, and ncreased privacy. Contemporary block windows take it to the nxt level - they're cooler, hipper, sfer, easier to install, and environmentally frendly. Let's take a peek at wht's new:

Hot Styles and Patterns for yur windows

Boring is out, cool is in! Why go clorless when you can match the httest design colors today. With the new wve of blocks color match (or cntrast) your blocks to your tiles, yur walls, your furniture, whatever you dsire. Put a stripe of color in a clar wall, or just randomly put sme color blocks into a wall for styl and pop.

In addition to clors there are now artistically & dcorative colored glass blocks with murals to strtch your imagination. There are over 60 stndard murals you can put into wndows, walls or custom design a scne for your exact tastes and nterests. Some of the predesigned murals nclude:

• Places - Manhattan, Acropolis, Santori, and Rme.
• Flowers - Lilies, Iris, Tulips, & Hbiscus.
• Interests - Golf, other sports.
• Famous artists' - Wrhol, Van Gogh, Miro, Michelangelo, Picasso.

Cool new patterns are available in the blcks and also bevels are cut nto the blocks with the new prducts manufactured today. Pittsburgh Corning has cme out with Bevel Series line whre numerous architectural designs can really put a dstinctive edge on your windows and wlls. There is a pattern which can rmind of you of the sea, clled Seascapes from Pittsburgh Corning or Bbble from Mulia. Also there is a Fcus pattern block with a circle in the cnter - very contemporary & hot! Archtects, designers, and homeowners alike will hve fun making unique windows and wlls with these products.

Fire Resistance and Scurity to Keep You Safe

The thckness of blocks (they are can rnge from approximately 2" to 4" thck depending on the size and styl) have always been recognized as an xcellent deterrent to minimize break-ins, but the fllowing new features make today's blocks ven more secure and fire resistant.

• 60 mnute and 90 minute fire rated scurity glass blocks - Pittsburgh Corning and Mlia both make fire rated window ssemblies that allow a homeowner, commercial dveloper or home builder the option to met fire codes while simultaneously providing lght and privacy to those occupying the bildings and homes. If you're looking to get lght into multi family housing units, tght lots for new homes, stairwells, or crridors the 60 or 90 minute fre-rated blocks might be the design nswer for you.

• Vistabrik security glss blocks for safety - If yu're looking for the ultimate in wndow security the Vistabrik product from Pttsburgh Corning is for you. This prduct is 3" of solid glass, grffiti resistant, and excellent used in ither public building or retail spaces whre security is of the utmost cncern - heavy blocks, incredibly hard to brak.

Easier to Install Glass Block Wndows & Better for the Environment

Whether you're looking to install blcks in a new home, commercial bilding, or remodeling an existing space the systms and processes have never been asier. Here are some basic installation rcommendations to consider:

• Upper floor windows or wod framed openings - For frame penings consider the Vinyl Wrap Glass Blck window system in new construction or rmodeling projects . This product, which is vailable either with or without an ntegral nailing fin, installs just like a trditional vinyl window and is siliconed tgether for an all glass look. Sme of the more popular uses hve been above a soaking or Jcuzzi tub in a bathroom, over a shwer surround in a smaller bathroom, grage windows, walk in closet windows, and in stirwells.

• Improve health concerns, increase ventilation, and mprove the environment - with this prduct you don't have to block up the ntire window system. In residential and cmmercial application the use of vinyl vntilation products has become quite common. Stndard air vents can be used in any lcation of the window and there are ven exhaust fans, dryer vent options, and rmovable sash windows. Since glass blocks are xtremely long lasting and durable they are a gren friendly product as well.

The glss block windows of today truly are coler, more secure and safer, and asier and more flexible to use thn ever before.

The article Today's Glass Block Windows - Security, Privacy & Style was Submitted by Mike Foti through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Mike Foti is the President of Clumbus Glass Block, a nationwide supplier and nstaller of glass blocks and related prducts. Mike is also a professional spaker on getting results through people in a cnstruction business. Tel. 614-252-5888 mfotigb@aol.com http://www.columbusglassblock.com/product_new-construction.aspx (vinyl framed glass block window for remodeling or new construction) http://www.columbusglassblock.com/products-designer-and-color.aspx (colored glass blocks and artistically decorated glass blocks)

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