How to Repair a Cracked Glass Block Wall: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing a cracked glass block in your wall may not be your favorite project, but it is an important one to make sure your wall is secured. With a little patience, anyone should be able to replace their wall block without too much trouble.

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The first step when replacing a glass block is to use a grout saw to make a groove in the mortar around the glass block being replaced. This groove should typically be at least 1/2 inch deep. Making a groove on both the inside and the outside helps to keep your remaining glass blocks secure and free of damage.

Next, use a hammer and chisel to tap a hole in the center of the glass block and chip away the glass to the mortar joint. Wear safety glasses and gloves while doing this. If you find any plastic spacers in the corners, these can be removed with a pair of pliers. Once the glass and mortar are removed, it is important to make sure all the debris is gone so the wall can be properly secured.

Once the wall is prepped, begin preparing the glass block mortar. Start by adding a bit of water and the mortar to a bucket and use a margin trowel to mix it until it is the consistency of toothpaste. With the trowel, spread the glass block mortar across the bottom of the hole so that it is at least 1/2 inch tall and then lay two pencils across the bed of mortar. Now, using the trowel again, spread the sides and top of the glass block with mortar to make sure no gaps will show. Slide the glass block into the hole so that it is flush against the pencils and, with a tuck pointer, fill in any visible space with more glass block mortar.

Once the glass block is set, clean it with a sponge and warm water until it is free of mortar. Allowing the block to dry and cure for at least one day before grouting. Now, begin to mix the grout and use a margin trowel to spread it into the joints. This is an important step as it keeps the wall secure and prevents further damage. After all the joints have been grouted, allow the grout to dry for a full 24 hours and then use a grout brush to clean off any excess grout.

Replacing a cracked glass block in your wall can be a difficult and timely project, but with the right materials and some patience, it can be a project you feel proud of. By following these steps you should be able to fix your wall in no time.