Glass fences might be right for some, but not so ideal for others. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of glass fencing and rails.
Looking for a design element that makes your home feel unique, while also adding some elegance and even a bit of utility at the same time? Glass fences are an interesting option that some homeowners are deciding to incorporate in their home designs. If you have a landscape that you’re proud of, or if you want to close a pool off in a way that isn’t too obtrusive, this may be the right route for you as well. Glass fences, great may they be, aren’t for everyone—but if you’re considering installing them for your home, read on to find out some benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Enlarges your space. Glass fencing can help a smaller yard look more spacious, particularly if you use the right outdoor design touches to make everything pop.
- Keep views free. If you’re thinking about glass fences, it may be because you’re trying to preserve a scenic view. Better views can also increase your property value.
- Easy to incorporate. No matter what kind of landscape design you’ve invested in, glass fences can be the perfect match. If you want to tailor it to your look precisely, you can think about what the fastening system you’re using looks like. Metal can offer a sleek, contemporary look, or a lighter matte color may be ideal for more traditional spaces.
- Cleaning your fence. Some people worry that glass fences also come with ridiculous cleaning needs, but the truth is that it’s very easy to do. Your typical window washer tool with a soft, spongy head can get the job done when combined with some warm water and a squeegee. It’s not necessary to hire some kind of fence cleaning service (although you certainly can if you’d like).
- Great for pools. If you’ve got a pool, there are few pool boundary materials that can dazzle quite like glass can. It’s also resistant to chlorinated pool chemicals, which is why it has become such a popular choice. Lastly, it helps you keep an eye on whoever is occupying the pool and is useful for safety purposes.
Cons
- Wildlife worries. The birds and the bees are part of the robust ecosystem that makes our yards so pleasant, but they may not be privy to your use of glass. If it’s a real issue, you may want to remove any bird feeders or birdbaths in your yard.
- Cleaning BOTH sides. As easy as cleaning glass fences may be, you do have to keep in mind that both sides must be cleaned. Depending on your installation location, this may or may not be an issue for you.
- Dealing with scratches. Scratches are avoidable if you forego the use of abrasive cloths or cleaners. Remember never to use razor blades to try and scrape off any gunk.
- Purchase and repair. The cost of glass fences can be pretty handy upfront and, if you end up breaking or damaging a panel, that cost can get out of hand fairly quickly. Good maintenance practices help keep these costs in check.
- Leaning hazards. For whatever reason, people seem to enjoy leaning against glass panels. Just make sure you set a rule not to and remind any guests you may have.
HAVE QUESTIONS? ASK HERCULES CUSTOM IRON
If you are ready to install your heavy-duty iron fence and add iron railings, or you still have some more questions, we here at Hercules Custom Iron are here to help. We have many years of experience and will ensure that your chain link fence will serve you and your family for years. Visit us online or call us at 1-800-331-2590. For advice, updates, and to see what we are up to, be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.