General information for homeowners, not legal, code or engineering advice. Permit and code rules change and vary by municipality; check with the City of Milwaukee or your suburb’s building inspection office before you start work.
Glass block window installation is a common job in Milwaukee, especially for basement and bathroom windows in older homes. Knowing how the work usually goes makes it easier to compare contractors and know what to expect on install day.
How install typically works
- Site visit and measuring. The contractor measures each opening and checks the frame, sill and surrounding masonry or siding.
- Choosing pattern and vents. You choose a pattern based on how much privacy you want, and decide whether any panel needs an air or dryer vent.
- Removing the old window. The old sash and frame are taken out. In older homes this should be done with dust control, because old paint may contain lead.
- Preparing the opening. Rotted wood, loose brick or uneven sills are fixed so the new panel sits level and solid.
- Setting the panel. Blocks are mortared in place, or a panel built to size is set and anchored.
- Sealing and finishing. The exterior is sealed against water, and the interior is trimmed or patched.
- Cleanup. Old windows and debris are hauled away.
How long it takes
It depends on how many windows you have and what the contractor finds when the old ones come out. Mortar also needs time to cure, so ask whether you need to keep the area clear afterward. Your written estimate should include a schedule.
Questions to ask a contractor
- Do you carry liability insurance, and can I see proof?
- Does this job need a permit at my address, and who pulls it?
- Do you lay the blocks on site or install pre-built panels?
- What patterns and vent options do you offer?
- What happens if you find rot or damaged masonry, and how is that priced?
- How do you seal the outside, and what do you do with the inside trim?
- Do you follow lead-safe practices on older homes?
- What warranty do you give on the work, in writing?
Permits in Milwaukee and nearby suburbs
Whether a glass block window needs a permit depends on the scope of the work and where you live. The City of Milwaukee and each suburb, such as Wauwatosa or West Allis, handle their own permits and inspections. Changing the size of an opening or work on a bedroom window is more likely to need review. Ask your contractor and confirm with your local building office.
Before winter
Mortar and sealants have temperature limits, so mention your timeline if you want windows done before cold weather sets in. The contractor can tell you what is realistic.
Ready to start?
See glass block windows or read what drives the cost. Every request gets a free written estimate.