I mentioned that I would be providing updates as we made our home more livable, so here is the next installment.
Today we had a single glazed window unit replaced with a glass brick window, effectively giving us a very colourful double glazed window.
The old window had an aluminium frame that conducted so much heat during the summer. The glass rattled and there were gaps around the frame. It was about as effective as a hole in the wall.
Single Glazed leaky window
As you can see, not a very thermally efficient window. The aluminium is an extremely efficient conductor of heat, as is the single pane of glass. Not something that is welcomed when you are trying to keep the house cool on a 40°C day in summer!
Outside view single glazed window
There were massive gaps between the brick and the window frame. You could slip a piece of thick cardboard through the gap. The gap didn’t go all the way through, but it was a gap none the less.
The new window was installed by The Glass Block Shop, which is located in Bayswater, Melbourne. Nice friendly bunch of people who were a dream to work with. I have no affiliation with them, they are just who we chose.
Anyway, Kim designed a pattern and the installer turned up today. Here are the types of glass bricks that Kim ordered.
Coloured glass bricks
They are lovely colours. Mr Man the Installer took about four hours to remove the old window and fit the new one. We were told that the old one would be recycled.
Empty window frame
Maybe we should have fitted a door instead? Just joking. With the frame installed, it was time to fit the glass bricks.
Installed Glass Brick Window
The new frame is hardwood that we will oil for the finish. The entire window looks magnificent! From this angle you can’t really see the pattern; it looks much better when there is some light shining through it.
Outside Glass Brick Window
And the outside view. No more gaps in the framework. It now completely draught proof and airtight.
Close up of our Glass Brick window
It looks absolutely stunning. This will certainly go a long way to keep the heat out!
One window down, four more double glazed units to go, which will be installed across the north of the house. Our chosen double glazing company will be measuring up next Wednesday, with installation estimated six weeks after that. We have already paid the deposit and have the rest of the money to pay the remainder, but unfortunately that is all we can afford at the moment once these are installed in the lounge, my study, and our master bedroom. We have to save up to double glaze the rest of the house.
The good news is that we have been told that we can fit secondary glazing on the three windows on the south side of the house, including the glass sliding door in Kim’s office that leads to the pool area. This will reduce the cost for these windows by about half and they should be just as thermally effective. I better start writing some more eBooks to get a bit more money in the bank!
We are looking forward to being much more comfortable at the front of the house this summer!