4 Myths About Frameless Glass Fencing You Probably Think Are True

While it is true that frameless glass fencing has unique advantages over balustrades, semi-frameless glass and aluminum, it does come with a price. Any glass fence owner will claim that ‘an unblocked view is worth every cent’, but how true is this? Today we are looking at four of the most common myths surround glass fences and pointing out some areas where fact and fiction collide.

Myth #1. Glass Fences Are Impossible To Keep Clean

One reason for shying away from frameless glass is the perceived difficulty of keeping such fences clean. The truth is that it all depends on the quality of glass you choose. Some cheaper glass fences will use thin 8mm or 10mm untreated glass that will indeed be quite hard to keep clean. High quality 12mm glass, however, is typically factory-treated with a hydrophobic coating. This is a permanent version of the popular Rain-X solution you can buy for your car’s windshield. It is often guaranteed for over a decade and prevents water beading on the surface. This minimizes dirt and water spots.

Myth #2. The Main Cost Of Glass Fences Is Installation

Homeowners who are looking for chic fully frameless fencing often believe that they can buy the various parts and complete the project on their own, or perhaps with the free help of a builder friend. In fact, the main cost of any installation project is actually the glass itself. The overall cost of any glass fencing project is more dependent upon the thickness and quality of the glass panels used than the quality of the labor. The quality of the fittings such as the mini post clamps that hold the glass is another major factor. A quality fence, excluding installation, could cost between $500 and $900 per meter as just a single clamp could cost $100. You will seriously regret choosing lower-quality glass or fittings as your fence won’t last as long.

Myth #3. Glass Fences Are A Safety Issue With Kids Around

If you have had the chance to get up close and personal with a completed glass fence, you may have seen how wobbly the glass panels can be. Families with kids are often concerned that this is a safety issue as even hand force can make the glass panels move in some cases. According to one supplier of frameless glass railings in Vancouver, 1.5mm movement each way is normal in some types of glass fences. They also point out that homeowners and the contractors are responsible for getting the correct permits for glass fences from the local government. Different areas of Canada have different rules about the height the fence is allowed to be above the ground and whether or not balustrades should be fitted.

Myth #4. Glass Railings Are Unsuitable For Decking

Unlike wooden or metal fences, frameless glass fences typically require two post clamps per meter to hold the glass in place. Some homeowners believe that these clamps can promote water ingress that will rot decking faster than other types of fencing. According to the Homeowner Protection Office, a branch of BC housing, glass guardrails are fine for decking as long as they are fastened directly through the decking membrane to the horizontal surface of the balcony or deck. They suggest securing the posts to the vertical face of the decking to minimize water damage. They also highlight the importance of having the decking professionally cleaned and inspected once a year.