Glass Block vs. Egress Windows: What’s the Difference?
We get this question constantly from Ohio homeowners: “Do I need glass block windows or egress windows for my basement?” The short answer is they solve completely different problems — and in many homes, you actually need both.
What Do Glass Block Windows Do?
Glass block windows are sealed, mortared panels of thick glass that replace your existing basement windows. They don’t open (unless you add a small hopper vent for airflow). Their strengths are security, energy efficiency, and privacy.
Glass block is extremely difficult to break through. It is virtually impossible to kick in, pry open, or push through. Nothing is completely burglar-proof, but glass block is far more resistant to forced entry than a typical basement window. For homeowners concerned about basement break-ins — especially in garages, laundry rooms, or ground-level windows — glass block dramatically reduces the vulnerability. They’re also significantly more energy efficient than old single-pane windows and allow natural light while maintaining complete privacy.
What Do Egress Windows Do?
Egress windows are full-sized, code-compliant windows that open wide enough for a person to climb through in an emergency. They’re installed in a window well dug outside your foundation. Their primary purpose is life safety — providing an emergency exit from below-grade living spaces.
Beyond safety, egress windows flood basements with natural light and fresh air in ways no other basement window can. They transform dark, enclosed spaces into bright, livable rooms. And they’re generally required for any basement room used as a bedroom in Ohio. (See our full Ohio egress requirements guide.)
How Do Glass Block and Egress Windows Compare?
| Factor | Glass Block | Egress Window |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per window (installed) | $400–$900 | $5,000–$22,000 |
| Installation time | 2–4 hours | 1 day |
| Excavation required | No | Yes |
| Permits typically required | Usually no | Yes |
| Security | Excellent | Moderate (standard locking window) |
| Natural light | Good (diffused) | Excellent (full daylight) |
| Ventilation | Limited (small vent option) | Full (wide opening) |
| Code-compliant for bedrooms | No | Yes |
| Lifespan | 30+ years | 20+ years |
| Energy efficiency | Excellent | Good |
For a full cost breakdown on the egress side, see our egress window pricing guide.
When Should You Choose Glass Block?
Glass block is the right choice for basement windows that don’t need to serve as emergency exits — utility rooms, laundry areas, storage spaces, garages, and non-sleeping areas. If security is your primary concern and the room isn’t used for sleeping, glass block is the superior option.
Glass block also works well in bathrooms (privacy without blinds), as decorative sidelights, and in shower wall applications. Anywhere you want light and security without the ability to open the window.
When Should You Choose Egress?
You generally need egress whenever someone sleeps in a basement room. Ohio building code requires it for sleeping rooms per IRC Section R310. This includes bedrooms, guest rooms, and any room regularly used for sleeping. Many jurisdictions also apply egress requirements to other habitable basement spaces.
Even where code doesn’t strictly require it, egress windows are worth considering if you want dramatically more natural light, real ventilation, or increased home value. A finished basement with proper egress can often be counted as legal living space on an appraisal — one without egress often can’t. If you want the maximum transformation, a basement walkout takes it even further with a full exterior door.
Can You Have Both in the Same Basement?
Absolutely — and that’s actually what we recommend for most Ohio basements. The ideal setup is egress windows in every bedroom and living space (for safety and code compliance) plus glass block in utility areas, laundry rooms, and garages (for security and efficiency).
A typical project might look like this: two egress windows for a finished bedroom and family room, plus four glass block windows replacing the old single-pane windows in the laundry room, utility area, and along the unfinished side. You get the best of both worlds at a fraction of what most people expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can glass block windows be used as egress?
No. Standard glass block cannot open and therefore cannot serve as an emergency exit. Even panels with small hopper vents don’t meet the 5.7 square foot minimum opening requirement. If a room needs egress, you need a proper egress window.
Which adds more home value?
Egress windows generally add more because they can create legal living space. A basement bedroom with proper egress can often be counted in your home’s square footage on an appraisal. Glass block adds value through security and efficiency, but the dollar impact is typically more modest.
Do I have to replace all my glass block if I’m finishing my basement?
No. You only need egress in rooms used for sleeping (and potentially other habitable spaces depending on local enforcement). Glass block can stay everywhere else. Most homeowners keep their glass block and add egress where needed.
What if I already have glass block but need to add egress?
Extremely common in Ohio homes built between 1950 and 1990. Keep the glass block where you want security, and add egress windows where you need code-compliant exits. We handle both and can assess your entire basement in one visit. Here’s what the installation process looks like.
What about above-grade windows — glass block or regular replacement?
For above-grade windows that don’t need egress, glass block is great for security-focused applications and replacement windows are better where you want full ventilation and natural light with an operable sash.
Note: This article is general information. Code requirements and enforcement can vary by jurisdiction and project conditions. Always confirm requirements with your local building department or a qualified professional.
Related Reading
- Ohio Egress Window Requirements (Full Code Guide)
- Egress Window Cost in Ohio: Real Pricing Breakdown
- Window Wells in Ohio: Types, Covers, and Drainage
- Replacement Windows in Ohio: What Actually Matters
- Basement Walkout Cost and Options in Ohio
Ready to figure out the right combination for your basement? Get your free quote — we’ll assess every window and recommend exactly what you need.
Cleveland: (216) 941-5470 | Akron: (330) 449-0513 | Columbus: (614) 852-4608 | Cincinnati: (513) 776-1805