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New hopper window for glass block window

DreamingoftheUP

10 years ago

I'm in the planning stages of restoring the bathroom in my 1950's ranch. Because I'm attempting a restore and not a gut/replace, I'd like to preserve the glass block window. It's a 4x5 block window made up of nominal 8"x8" argus blocks. The square hopper window in the center takes up the space of 4 blocks (2x2).

The hopper window is the original all-aluminum frame with a thick pane of obscure glass. The hopper opens into the room and has a screen on the outside.

I'm thinking about having the hopper window replaced with a vinyl hopper window with double pane thermal glass to reduce heat loss.

Is there any particular brand of window I should be looking for? Any issues I should consider or watch out for?

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Comments (10)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
There is not as much performance or quality spread when it comes to the Hopper operator.

Instead of a hopper, I would look at an awning for a more airtight and weatherproof window.
DreamingoftheUP
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, I didn't consider an awning window.

Any particular brands to recommend? I'd want obscure glass, energy efficiency (much) better than what I have now and no maintenance inside and out - no wood on the inside because of condensation. And very good quality (am staying in the house).

Is this something a window replacement company can handle or is a separate bricklayer needed to chisel out the old window?
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I have been in the same situation of looking for an excuse for years. And I never quite had a job that was big enough to justify spending several $100s. I then saw an oscillating tool at Costco for about $50 and bought it on a whim. I am sure it is lower quality than the fancy tools that I had previously been drooling about. But on the other hand, I have already gotten more than $50 worth of use out of it in just a few months. It's funny how when you have the right tool, there all of a sudden are lots more projects that you can tackle successfully. So, hypothetically, if it broke at this point, I wouldn't fret too much. And then, I'd go out and buy one of the fancy ones. In hindsight, should have done that years ago anyway. It's a great little tool that every homeowner should have. Having said that, so far the Costco tool is going strong and shows no significant signs of wear or tear.
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toddinmn
10 years ago
I'd consider replacing the whole unit.
Make sure the new window is not thicket than the glass block. A lot of glass block is 3" and most vinyl is 3.25 which will be problematic. Four 8" glass block windows would use a 16x16 vent window which is a standard size and could be had for under $40. Glass block vents also come in 2 different types,one for silicone installation and 1 for mortar . A replacement vinyl window would not the correct finning for mortar installation.
I would either replace the whole unit or use the correct vent window.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
Good feedback Todd.

Obscure glass is not problem nor is really trimming out the interior of the window to bury the 0.25" projection into the home.

Can you snap a picture of what you have? Should be easier to figure details from and image but it sounds like it should work and nothing about the options that you request is out of the range of normalcy.
DreamingoftheUP
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the responses. Following are some pictures. My home was built in 1957 and the walls are 8" solid masonry. Here's the window from the inside.
DreamingoftheUP
Original Author
10 years ago
The window currently sticks out a little beyond the glass block on the inside. Outside, it is flush to the block.
DreamingoftheUP
Original Author
10 years ago
Here's a view on the inside of the window. The roughly 4 1/4 mark is the inside of the screen. The zero mark is the start of the window.
DreamingoftheUP
Original Author
10 years ago
Inside measurement to the finished wall. If there's any other pictures that would help, let me know.
Dre Poin
7 years ago
Hi, did you ever get the vent replace? If so did you do it yourself, and how did you eat the old aluminum vent out of the glass block?
kendrick538
6 years ago
I'm also curious to see what you did to replace your window.

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