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First things first: calculate the wall opening
Before anything, you will need to calculate the wall opening for your Easi Fix kit. To calculate the wall opening area, take the following steps:
- Take the width of the block (190mm) and mutliply by the number of blocks you need (in this example we use 6 blocks): 190mm x 6 = 1140mm
- Multiply the width of the spacer joint (4mm) by the number of blocks (6), and add it to the above number: 4mm x 6 = 24mm
- Add one more end joint (6mm) to close off the wall.
- Finally, add the frame width (17mm Timber x 2 = 34mm)
- The total comes to: (190mm x 6) + (4mm x 6) + 6mm + 34mm = 1204mm
Note: The Easi Fix Kit page will automatically calculate the correct opening size for you based on your selections.
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Step 1. Preparation of opening
Position 71 x 15mm planed timber into Easi Fix Sleeve U channel, when mitre cutting ensure U profile sleeve is rigid as to avoid flexing. When fixing the sleeve to perimeter of opening or end post fit at 600mm centres.
If installing directly to stud walling or end post etc, sleeve and timber may not necessarily be required. Go directly to Step 3.
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Step 2. Continue preparation of opening
Lay out blocks and Easi Fix spacers dry to ensure modules fit. Secure Easi Fix sleeve and timber horizontally and vertically to perimeter opening at 600mm centres ensuring it is both square and perpendicular.
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Step 3. Anchoring the horizontal spacer
Cut a 2.4m long length of Easi Fix spacer fractionally shorter than the horizontal length of the opening. Take two anchor brackets and bend prongs to a right angle using pliers. Insert prongs into holes of Easi Fix spacer at each end.
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Step 4. Continue anchoring of the horizontal spacer
Silicon two 5mm beads of mastic into the under-side of the Easi Fix spacer, fit to base of opening. Screw fix anchor brackets in place.
TIP: As well as siliconing the base spacer, it can be screwed to the base to secure it instantly. Ensure screws are countersunk, so screw head avoids contact with the blocks
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Step 5. Laying the first course
Take a 185mm length of spacer profile and silicon 2 beads of mastic on one side. Place over the anchor bracket.
Silicon two beads of mastic to the Easi Fix spacer profile. Fit first block. Take another piece of 185mm Easi Fix, apply silicon and fit to exposed vertical of first block. Fit next block and repeat this process until first row is complete.
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Step 6. Continue laying the first course
Note: Easi Fix spacer must always separate blocks from Easi Fix sleeve or perimeter opening. Remember each row has to be secured with anchor brackets at each end of the horizontal spacer.
Tips:
- It is advised to construct the first course and allow this to initially cure so that on returning to build consecutive courses it becomes easier building a firm bed. In ideal circumstances around 6-8 courses before the panel will wobble to much, dependant on the panel width. Back shuttering could be considered for additional support.
- At this point it is advised to stop building and allow the panel to set prior to completing construction.
- For loose build of glass blocks ensure enough time is set aside to fully build
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Step 7. Building the Panel
Repeat previous steps to complete next and following rows.
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Step 8. Finishing, sealing & weatherproofing the Glass Block panel
When the wall is complete, grout using Colmef Vetromix mortar or a wide grout joint. Alternatively, caulk the joints with silicone.
Ensure that the perimeter joint is raked back, cleaned and siliconed. If grouted over it may crack.
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