DIY glass block basement windows?

[Phil Morgan]

Question for all you handy folks out there. I have a brick duplex and am currently closing on my second one and they are both in need of glass block windows in the basement.  Is this a DIY project or something that should be let to the pros?  I am pretty handy, have done total gut down to the studs bathroom and kitchen rehab projects, but never handled glass block.  I see the preformed 6 or 9 block windows at HomeDepot that would fit perfect and already have the dryer vents in them but am clueless on how they are installed.  Thoughts?

[Jim Adrian]

@Account Closed

Glass block has about the same insulating value or a little less as than insulated glass.  Glass block is has R-value of 2.  Depending on the glass it has about R-4 (max).  Typically you are not deciding to use glass for thermal performance but for other reason like aesthetics.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SEVES-Glass-Block-Glass-Block-Common-8-in-H-x-8-in-W-x-4-in-D-Actual-7-75-in-H-x-7-75-in-W-x-3-875-in-D/1000095299

This window is R-0 but I think the info is not provided here.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-30001-Series-Tilting-Vinyl-Double-Pane-Double-Strength-Replacement-Basement-Hopper-Window-Rough-Opening-32-25-in-x-14-25-in-Actual-31-75-in-x-13-75-in/3683856

This window is R-3.33   (U-value is reciprocal of the R-value)  1/0.3 = 3.33

https://www.lowes.com/pd/ThermaStar-by-Pella-Vinyl-Double-Pane-Annealed-Replacement-Double-Hung-Window-Rough-Opening-27-75-in-x-45-75-in-Actual-27-5-in-x-45-5-in/3119077