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  1. #1
    Jeff Spencer's Avatar
    Jeff Spencer Guest

    Default Lintel Needed Above Glass Block?

    In the last 2 days, I've inspected 2 houses in which glass block windows are installed in brick veneer walls. Lintels were not installed above any of the windows.

    I have not had time to search to determine if glass block is rated to support loads imposed by brick veneer installed above. I usually see lintels in this type of installation, and was wondering if they are in fact required. Any input would be appreciated.

    Jeff

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Philadelphia PA
    Posts
    3,177

    Default Re: Lintel Needed Above Glass Block?

    I don't believe lintels are needed. Glass block is a type of masonry unit.


  3. #3
    Jeff Spencer's Avatar
    Jeff Spencer Guest

    Default Re: Lintel Needed Above Glass Block?

    Thanks John

    I wasn't sure and can't get my hands on the specs I have for glass block. I'm in the middle of a re-model and can't find where I safely stored the info for quick reference.

    Jeff


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    1,592

    Default Re: Lintel Needed Above Glass Block?

    From Pittsburgh Corning:

    NON-LOAD BEARING
    Glass block panels are non-load
    bearing; adequate provisions
    must be made for support of
    construction above these panels.
    Panels are mortared at the sill,
    with jamb and head details
    designed to accommodate for
    building movement and lintel
    deflection. The compressive
    strength (for information
    purposes only) of all hollow
    glass block is 400 to 600 psi.;
    THICKSETĀ® Series Glass Block
    is 2500 psi.; and VISTABRIKĀ®
    Series is 80,000 psi.

    The above is found in this document, which also shows the lintel details:
    http://www.pittsburghcorning.com/lit...designdata.pdf

    Dom.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Lintel Needed Above Glass Block?

    In addition to what Dom said:

    While the IRC does not address glass unit masonry in much detail, the IBC does address it in more detail.

    From the 2006 IBC. (underlining is mine)
    - 2110.1 Scope. This section covers the empirical requirements for nonload-bearing glass unit masonry elements in exterior or interior walls.

    Think of glass block as being like a window or a door, which are like opening in the wall ... the wall needs to be self-supporting without the window or door installed, same with no glass block installed.

    Needs a lintel/shelf angle above it, which means it needs a flashing above the lintel/shelf angle, which means it needs weep holes.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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