Fencing: Effective but Kind to Wildlife

« Back to Home

A Few Tips When You're Considering a Glass Fence

Posted on

A glass fence for the yard can mean an unobstructed view of the kids playing in the pool, or a more open and uncluttered look for your entire property. Glass is very durable so you don't need to worry about it rotting, chipping, or warping when exposed to moisture and pool chemicals, and it doesn't fade in the sun or allow for insect infestation like a wood fence. When you're considering a glass fence for your property, note a few tips to ensure you get the right choice and are happy with that choice for years to come.

Glass versus Plexiglas

You might assume that Plexiglas is more durable than actual glass, but note that the glass used for fencing is actually very strong and resilient and meant to withstand flying debris, people leaning on the sections, and the like. Plexiglas is also known to discolor over the years especially when exposed to direct sunlight, so it might eventually start to look cloudy. Opt for real glass for your glass fence so you know you'll like its look for as long as you own it.

Framed versus frameless

A framed glass fence refers to the sections of glass being secured either on two sides or all four sides, usually with metal posts of some sort. This framing might look nice in a catalog, but note that it can interfere with your view to the other side of the fence. Rather than an entire vista or panoramic view, your fence might seem choppy and certain parts of that view would be cut off. 

Note too that the posts for a framed fence can need maintenance or replacement over time. Steel is very durable but it does eventually corrode, especially if it's exposed to pool water or saltwater. Aluminum is corrosion resistant; keep this in mind even when opting for a frameless fence, as that fence will still have clips that hold each frame. A set of aluminum clips can mean that they last without damage for many years to come.

Invisibility

You may love a glass fence for being able to see through it, but remember that this means wildlife can't see it either! If you have a glass fence around a residential property in a rural area, consider planting low shrubbery along the fence. This will keep open most of your view but also alert wildlife of the fence so they can more readily avoid it.


Share