How to dismantle glass block wall without damage?

[Chel28]

Hi there, 

I'd like to dismantle this glass block partition near the entrance of the house. What's the best way to do this without damaging the glass blocks or the wall?

They seem to be attached to wood, which which (I'm assuming) has been glued to the wall/tiled floor.

Thanks, 
Rachel

[EricL]

Hello @Chel28 

Thanks for sharing your question about disassembling your glass block wall. 

Just a reminder that working with glass is dangerous an accidental hit with a tool or when too much force is used can make the glass shatter causing injury. Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working with your glass block wall.

I propose using Growies 50 x 25mm 300mm Hardwood Gardens Stakes - 10 Pack to lift the timber surround. I suggest placing the sharp end of the timber steak under the lip of the timber surround and tapping it gently to get it loose or lift away from the glass. This may take some time but eventually the surround will separate from the glass blocks. Once you've managed to remove the surround you can now work on the glass block itself. 

Using the same timber take, tap it gently into the grout until you get slight separation. Your goal is to gently break apart the grout until the glass block becomes loose and you can gently rock it loose. Do not rush the process, take your time so that all the glass blocks can be safely taken apart.

Please note, accidents can happen and excess force can cause the glass block to break or shatter, and we can't guarantee that this will not happen. All we can suggest is to take extreme care and take your time.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Chel28 

Love those glass blocks and yes I would save them if at all possible as well

@EricL 's suggested steps are the way to go, From the top down and work slowly.I would have used an offcut of pine to place under the edge of the top most timber, mainly because it was a cheaper wood that I have lying around. I would use a mallet to tap the timber that then taps the timber edge.

Pretty much I am repeating @EricL's words from then on

Do you have a plan to reuse the glass panels?

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @Chel28 

The following process is one I used for a window version I removed. And wear, eye and hearing protection.

I would leave the timber frame in place as this will maintain the strength and position of the lower tiles as you work your way through the removal process.

1. Starting with the top left hand corner tile, use a multi-material drill bit a few mm smaller than the thickness of the grout. to drill a series of side-by side holes around it. These bits can be used in a standard drill or in hammer mode (will drill faster holes). It's VERY important to allow the drill bit to do all the work and put minimal pressure on the drill and anticipate the break through. Basically, you dont want the drill to fall into the tile during break through. You will get the hang of it once you have made a few holes.

2. With the holes complete, you can then carefully drill on a slight angle up/down for the vertical sections and left/right for the horizontal. But don't use hammer mode for this step. This is to remove the remaining grout allowing you to then push the tile through. With each hole type you make keep the drill bit as straight as possible. Don't be too concerned about the bit touching the tile as they are a lot stronger, and heavier than you think.

3. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the tile through with the aid of a helper on the other side.

4. Use this method to work your way through each tile until all removed. The tiles will be in-reusable/saleable condition.

Nailbag

[Chel28]

Thank you @EricL, @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for your suggestions, much appreciated!

Are any of you able to confirm that I'd be able to use the multi-material drill Nailbag suggested in this Ryobi drill that I recently purchased? https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-hp-brushless-compact-drill-driver-skin-only_p0295343?srslt...

I think I found a short detailing the method that Nailbag mentioned: https://youtube.com/shorts/vdeReuAslXo?si=Qy-_8--Z6ZVRyWSv

No set plan yet for how to reuse the glass blocks - possibly a side table or a wall light. Suggestions/ideas are welcome!

[Nailbag]

Hi @Chel28 

The drill you have will work just slow going as you don't have hammer mode to speed the process up. So ensure you use high-speed. Avoid too much pressure when drilling, letting the drill bit do the work to maximise battery run time.

And yes that video is exactly the method, well done finding that. Though a normal hammer drill will work, he is using a hammer specific drill called a pneumatic  SDS hammer drill, Which you can hire for a day. A small one would be all you need.

Love to see the progress and completed photos shared.

Nailbag