How to Install Venetian Bricks?

Are you in search of a partition wall that provides separation without blocking light and ventilation? Glass bricks are an excellent option. Among the different types of glass bricks, Venetian bricks stand out as a fantastic choice for enhancing your interior space.

Venetian glass bricks are special glass bricks crafted using traditional Venetian glass-making techniques that are often characterized by their clarity, color, and intricate designs. 

This guide outlines the essential steps for storing, handling, preparing, and installing Venetian glass bricks, ensuring a successful and lasting installation.

1. Storage

• Dry Storage: Always store crates in a dry location to prevent moisture damage.
• Avoid Stacking: Do not stack pallets to avoid damaging the bricks.
• Minimize Movement: Once the crate straps are broken, handle the crates carefully to minimize movement and potential damage.
• Weather Protection: Keep crates covered with plastic and avoid prolonged exposure to weather conditions.

2. Handling

• Separate Bricks: Keep bricks apart during handling to avoid chips and scratches.
• Proper Stacking: Stack bricks on their edge, not on the face, to prevent cracking.
• Use Gloves: Wear gloves to protect both the bricks and your hands, and avoid using all-metal carrying devices.
• Clean and Dry Surfaces: Ensure surfaces where bricks are moved are clean and dry to avoid slipping and damage.

3. Materials Required for Installation

1. Glass Bricks

Both full and half bricks, preferably cut using water jet technology for clean edges.

2. Mortar

The type of mortar used for glass brick construction is crucial due to the unique characteristics of glass bricks. Unlike other masonry units, glass bricks are nonporous and do not absorb moisture from the mortar. As a result, a strong bond is essential, and **ASTM C 270 Type S Portland cement-lime mortar** is recommended for its high compressive strength and adhesive properties. 

The mortar should be slightly drier and stiffer than conventional mortar, ensuring it is workable but not too wet to avoid sliding off the bricks. Since glass bricks are often transparent or translucent, the visual appearance of the joints is important. Therefore, manufacturers suggest using white Portland cement and white quartzite sand to create whiter, more aesthetically pleasing joints. 

Additionally, a metallic-stearate admixture, such as those containing styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) latex or acrylic polymers, is recommended to increase the water repellency of the hardened mortar, as glass brick walls typically lack cavities or weep holes for drainage. This specialized mortar mix ensures strong adhesion, durability, and an attractive finish in glass brick installations.

3. Tools

Trowel, level, plumb bob, and a mechanical mixer.

5. Cleaning Supplies

A bucket of clean water and a cloth for cleaning.

6. Bonding Agent

Glass bricks are nonporous and do not absorb moisture from the mortar, which means that a standard mortar mix might not provide adequate adhesion. To ensure a strong and durable bond between the glass bricks and the mortar, a bonding agent is typically used. Some common agents are:

• Weldcrete®: A commonly recommended bonding agent for glass brick installations. It is mixed with the mortar and applied to the surfaces of the glass bricks to enhance bond strength.
• Other Admixtures: Depending on specific project requirements, other bonding agents such as those containing styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) latex or acrylic polymers might also be used.

4. Preparation of Product

• Clean Bricks: Ensure bricks are dry and free of debris. If dirty, wash them with water and allow them to dry completely before use.
• Inspect Bricks: Check for cracks or other damage before installation.

5. Laying of Product

Venetian glass bricks have no water absorption, making the use of a bonding agent essential for adequate bond strength.

• Mortar Joints: Maintain mortar joints at 3/8" ± 1/16".
• Bonding Agent: Add bonding agent to the mortar.  Before applying the mortar mix, brush the agent alone on the surface of the brick and allow to dry it for 1 hour. Then, apply neatly the mixture to all bonding surfaces of the brick, allowing it to dry for at least one hour before proceeding.
• Consistent Brick Orientation: One surface of the brick is slightly concave with rounded edges. Lay all bricks with this surface either up or down to achieve a uniform appearance.
• Bricklaying Process: Lay bricks similarly to standard masonry work, ensuring even application of mortar and consistent alignment.
• Cleaning During Installation: Use clean water and a cloth to promptly remove any fresh mortar droppings or smears.



• Movement Joints: Install movement joints as required to accommodate building movement and prevent cracking.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure the successful installation of Venetian glass bricks, creating a stunning and durable addition to your architectural project. The proper use of materials, careful handling, and attention to detail will result in a beautiful and long-lasting installation.

Read More On: Breeze Bricks for Walls