Glass block windows: a how-to guide by Amy

This is how you install a glass block window.

Step 1: remove the old window and part of the frame. This could be a real pain. You may need to bend a recip blade, wrench on it with a pry bar, pound on it with a chisel and hammer, and swear a lot. When you're done, it'll look like this:


Step two: do the math to figure out how much water to mix with the powdered mortar. Use the bathroom scale to weigh the mortar. Look confused and dumb for the camera in the hopes that the photographer will do the math for you.


Step three: mix the mortar. This is easier with the stirrer that attaches to the drill. Otherwise, it sucks.


Step four: put the window in and schmear the mortar everywhere.


Step five: attempt to repeat.


Step six: discover that Lowes sold you two windows of one size and one window of another size, despite the fact that they were custom made.

Try to force the window in the frame, despite it being an inch too big. Try to demolish the frame. Get pissed off and carry the window upstairs where you can swear at it all evening long.

Wait until the following day. Take the window back to Lowes with the best fightin' attitude you have and be surprised to learn that they have a really flexible return policy. Get your money back and order a new window. Wait two weeks.

Hopefully, start with step 1 again, once you get your new window.