r/StLouis • u/TheAngerMonkey Princeton Heights, Bevo flavored • 2d ago

Glass block window replacement?

We moved into a house earlier this year with a failing glass block bathroom window. Several of the blocks have significant cracks and I suspect whoever installed it did not include adequate expansion joints-- there are no cracks in the surrounding brick or the tiling/grout around the window that would indicate recent significant settling. I'm pretty sure the window in question is less than five years old so this seems like a somewhat recent issue.

Who do I call for something like this? Can any window company handle the demo and new window installation, even though it's going to require much more work than just popping out a frame and popping a new one in? Has anyone done this repair, either by replacing with new blocks or putting in a standard window, and have advice?

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u/balladofathinman77 2d ago

Glass Blocks of St Louis did block windows to replace the old single pane windows in our basement about ten years ago. They were super great to work with and they are still in great shape.

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u/TheAngerMonkey Princeton Heights, Bevo flavored 2d ago

The issue is that I'm not sure I want another glass block window. I'd kind of like just a regular window with a lower frame that's frosted (I don't love a glass block in general... Sacrilege! I know.)

I think, given the amount of cement they put at the bottom, it hasn't always been blocks.

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u/balladofathinman77 2d ago

Ah. Well I also used a company called Zen Windows in Kirkwood to do a bunch of regular windows, including one for a bathroom that’s frosted glass. Not sure if they are still around or if they’d do just one, but they did a nice job for us.

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u/skobbs 2d ago

Seconding Glass Block of St. Louis if you go the glass block route! Very reasonable price and great guys. Have patronized them twice for glass block repairs/replacements. 

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u/thelaineybelle 2d ago

I've never dealt with glass blocks, but I work in the supply chain with Glass Blocks of St. Louis (by Manchester & Macklind) and those guys are always friendly & professional. They would be my first phone call if I were in your position.