Glass block cracking in mortar joints

Cause

There is insufficient allowance for structural movement around the glass block panel

Repair

  • cracks may be filled with sealant as a temporary solution
  • the only long-term solution is to demolish and re-build the glass block wall and incorporate a separation gap for movement allowance
  • if the wall was built with a separation gap between the glass blocks and the structure, the cause of the cracking must be identified and remedied before repairs are carried out to the glass block wall

Cause

Wall has inadequate strengthening to withstand the imposed structural loading 

Repair

  • cracks may be filled with sealant as a temporary solution
  • the only long-term solution is to demolish and re-build the glass block wall and incorporate a separation gap for movement allowance
  • if the wall was built with a separation gap between the glass blocks and the structure, the cause of the cracking must be identified and remedied before repairs are carried out to the glass block wall

Cause

The panel is not able to resist the imposed wind loading

Repair

  • cracks may be filled with sealant as a temporary solution
  • the only long-term solution is to demolish and re-build the glass block wall and incorporate a separation gap for movement allowance
  • if the wall was built with a separation gap between the glass blocks and the structure, the cause of the cracking must be identified and remedied before repairs are carried out to the glass block wall