2’7” WIDE x 3’3-3/8” HIGH STEP-DOWN WALL ON TOP OF A KNEE
WALL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION

 

To install this project using the ProVantage TM II Installation System
you will need:

  • 9 Premiere Series DECORA Pattern 8”x 8”x 4” Glass Blocks – (A)
  • 1 Premiere Series DECORA Pattern EndBlock – (B)
  • 4 Premiere Series DECORA Pattern ENCURVE – (C)
  • 3 Pieces of Horizontal Spacer (40” each) – (D)
  • 2 Packages of Vertical Spacer (10/package) – (E)
  • 1 Anchor Package – (F)
  • 2 Tubes of Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block Sealant
  • 1 Bucket of Glass Block Surface Grout
  • Grout sealer (recommended for wet environment)

Size options:

If you would like to build a bar that is longer or deeper than the one shown, add five blocks, five vertical spacers, and one tube of sealant for each column of block you would like to add.

The tools you will need to install your step-down wall are:

  • MITER SAW
  • METAL SNIPS
  • HAND SAW
  • UTILITY KNIEF
  • SCREW GUN
  • SCREWDRIVER
  • 4′ LEVEL
  • SMALL LEVEL
  • TAPE MEASURE
  • CAULK GUN
  • RUBBER MALLET
  • RUBBER GLOVES
  • RUBBER FLOAT
  • BUCKET
  • TILE/GROUT SPONGE
  • CHEESECLOTH
  • PAINT BRUSH

Before installing, make sure the jamb (anchor wall) is plumb. Make sure the floor is flat, level, and at least 4′ wide (nominal thickness of the glass block) and 32” long.

Note:

If installing in a wett environment, ensure the sill is waterproof.

Cut the horizontal spacers to length as follows:
1st – 31”, 2nd – 31”, 3rd – 23”, 4th – 15”, 5th – 7”.

Trim one end of the spacers to fit the shape of the EndBlock or ENCURVE by cutting the two corners at a 45 angle 3/4” from each corner.

TEST FIT THE FIRST ROW:

  1. Insert an anchor into the end of one of the 31” horizontal spacers and place it on the sill so that the anchor meets the jamb. DO NOT attach the anchor.
  2. Insert the vertical spacers and blocks in the first row:
      • Start with a vertical spacer in the jamb
      • Install a regular glass block on top of the horizontal spacer tight against the vertical spacer in the jamb.

    <

    • Continue alternately installing vertical spacers and glass block to complete the row, finishing with the EndBlock.
  3. Check the first row for level lengthwise and crosswise. Make sure the blocks are straight and plumb.
  4. If necessary, insert shims under the horizontal spacers to leve the row. Use a flat blade screwdriver to lift the horizontal spacer as you insert shims.
  5. Place the other 31” horizontal spacer with anchor inserted into tha jamb end, on top of the first row.
  6. Mark the location of the anchor V notch on the jamb.

    Note: This mark will be used to draw a plumb line on the jamb.

  7. Remove the top horizontal spacer, blocks and vertical spacers, being careful not to disturb the bottom horizontal spacer or shims.

INSTALL THE FIRST ROW:

  1. Apply two 1/4” beads of sealant to the sill 1/4” inside the traced outline of the spacers.
  2. Replace shims in the marked locations.
  3. Reinstall the bottom horizontal spacer, with anchor inserted, pressing it down into the sealant. DO NOT attach the anchor with screws.
  4. Line up three regular bloks and one EndBlock to install on top of the horizontal spacer. Apply two 1/4” beads of sealant across the top of the blocks, just behind the raised edges.
    Note: These blocks will be turned over when installed so the sealant beads will contact the bottom horizontal spacer. Always apply the sealant to the blocks, not the horizontal spacer.
  5. Install the glass blocks and vertical spacers:
    • Apply four 1/2” dabs of sealant to a vertical spacer, 1/2” from each corner.
    • Press the vertical spacer into place over the anchor.
    • Apply four 1/2” dabs of sealant to the vertical spacer, 1/2” in from each corner.
    • Install the first block with the sealant beads down. Push the block firmly against the jamb and sill.
    • Applay four 1/2” dabs of sealant to the side of the first block, 1/2” in from each corner and press a vertical spacer into place on the sealant dabs.
    • Apply four 1/2” dabs of sealant to the vertical spacer, 1/2” in from each corner. Install the next block with the sealant beads down.
    • Continue installing vertical spacers and glass block in this manner to complete the first row.
  6. Check the first row for level lengthwise and crosswise, and adjust shims as needed.

INSTALL THE REMAINING ROWS:

  1. Apply two 1/4” beads of sealant on top of the first row of blocks, just behind the raised edges.
  2. Install the second 31” horizontal spacer on top of the first row of block, with an anchor inserted into the jamb end. Make sure the spacer fits firmly on the glass blocks. Press the spacer down onto the sealant.
  3. Align the V notch in the anchor with the plumb line drawn on the jamb, and attach the anchor using the screws provided in the anchor pack.
  4. Remove any excess sea;ant from the horizontal and vertical joints. Adjust the size of sealant beads to prevent squeeze out (keep joints area clean of sealant). Do not change the location of the beads of sealant.
  5. Line up three regular blocks to install on top of the horizontal spacer and apply two 1/4” beads of sealant across the top of the blocks, just behind the raised edges.
  6. Install the glass blocks and vertical spacers in the same manner as the first row, alternating vertical spacers and blocks. Finish with a vertical spacer, with sealant dabs applied facing the ENCURVE location.
  7. Install the ENCURVE by applying a 1/4” bead of sealant to what will be the bottom edge of the block, just behind the raised edges. Install the ENCURVE with the sealant beads down on top of the horizontal spacer, and tight against the vertical spacer.
  8. Check the row for level lengthwise and crosswise and adjust shims as needed.
  9. Install the remaining rows in the same manner: 3rd row – two regular blocks and one ENCURVE.

GROUT FINISHING:

Important: The ProVantage Surface Grout was designed and tested for this application – DO NOT SUBSTITUTE!

Caution: When using sealant and grout, avoid contact with skin. Safety glasses and impervious gloves are recommended to minimize skin and eye contact. Provide sufficient mechanical ventilation.

DO NOT finish the joints until sealant has cured for 24 hours.

  1. Remove any sealant squeezed out from the joints with a utility knief.
  2. Mix 1/2 bag of grout according to the directions on the bucket. Since this project only requires 1/2 bag of grout, you can use the rest of your next project.
  3. Spread the grout using a rubber float, pressing the grout into the joints. Be sure to push grout in from multiple directions to ensure the joints are fully packed. Be careful not to move the glass blocks while applying grout

    Note: The bar will be a bit flexible until the grout has cured.

  4. Use a damp tile sponge and clean water to wipe off excess grout. Wipe in multiple directions, diagonally across the blocks to prevent removing grout from the joints. Rinse the spong frequently.
  5. Let the grout set for 15 minutes, then wipe it again using clean water.
  6. Let the grout cure for 4 hours, then use cheesecloth to polish any film off the blocks.
  7. Apply sealer to the grout lines with a paint brush. Immediately wipe sealer off glass surfaces to prevent it from adhering to the glass.
  8. Apply a second coat of sealer once the first coat is dry.
  9. After the grout has cured for 72 hours, caulk along the floor and wall with a bead of sealant.