Installing glass block within wood frame

[mozzer]

I am trying to install a glass block window into a 1920's era home. There's a filled in coal chute in the basement. At some point a previous owner filled in and cemented over the chute leaving just a window sized opening.

The window frame is supported by a beam above, and a lintil on the outside. However, two or three rows of bricks are sitting on a make-shift wooden frame inside the opening, below the lintil. If I remove the wooden frame, the bricks will not be supported, and the beam will be exposed to the elements.

My question is - has anyone had any luck installing glass block within a wooden frame? I would like to avoid ripping out three layers of brick, or figuring out a way to support them. Any special precautions I should take when installing the block within the existing wooden frame?

I've read about leaving in some foam to handle the wood expanding. Any bad experiences doing something similiar?

Thanks!!!

[tbasc]

Manufacturer of glass block can help with wood frame detail. Sounds like you have need of on site review of brick. TB

[Charles Spitzer]

since you can buy ready built panels of metal and glass block, there's no reason why you can't use a wooden frame. you just have to worry about flashing/waterproofing. think of it as a really thick window.