Glass fencing offers a sleek, modern solution that enhances visibility while providing safety and durability for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Table of Contents
What is Glass fencing?
Glass fencing, also known as glass railing, is a modern and stylish solution gaining popularity for its aesthetic appeal and functionality, offering some of the best-looking railing systems available.
Glass Railing Pros & cons?
Pros of Glass Fencing
Unmatched Glass Strength
Glass fencing, particularly with tempered glass, is the strongest railing infill in the modern market. It not only withstands high impacts but also reinforces the railing supports, making it a preferred choice for commercial projects requiring durability.
Ease of Installation
Contrary to common perception, glass fencing is easy to install. Custom-made panels customized to fit your project simplify the process. With pre-sized 4-foot sections and user-friendly hardware, installation often proceeds faster than systems like cable railing.
Maximum View Transparency
Glass fencing offers unparalleled clarity, allowing for completely unobstructed views. This unique feature makes it a favorite for projects focused on aesthetics and seamless integration with their surroundings.
Exceptional Customization
One of the standout benefits of glass fencing is its customization. Each project is engineered to fit the site precisely, overcoming challenges that other railing systems might struggle with and ensuring a polished finish.
Cons of Glass Fencing
Higher System Cost
Glass fencing typically involves a higher upfront cost compared to other systems. However, the reduced installation time, longevity, and durability justify the investment, making it competitive in the long run.
Cleaning Requirements
While some maintenance is needed, cleaning glass fencing is simple and similar to maintaining windows or mirrors. Regular cleaning keeps the panels spotless without being overly time-consuming.
Misinformation About Glass
Misconceptions about glass being fragile or unsafe create unnecessary hesitation. Tempered glass is highly durable, extensively used in commercial spaces, and offers excellent safety when paired with professional engineering and labeled panels for easy installation.
What types of glass fence railing systems are there?
Glass fence railing offers a wide range of product options, typically divided into two primary categories: Framed Systems and Frameless Systems.
Framed glass railings are the most commonly recognized style. These systems feature glass panels secured between posts, providing a classic and robust design. As the majority of the railing industry relies on posts, this system remains the most popular due to its versatility and structural reliability.
Frameless glass railings emphasize minimalism, with hardware discreetly placed at the bottom of the panels. These systems aim to provide an uninterrupted, clean view, making them ideal for spaces where aesthetics and openness are priorities.
Each system offers unique features tailored to specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize strength, style, or clarity, glass railing systems have options to suit every project.
Framed Systems:
Post-to-Post Glass
The Barrier Glass Railing is a framed glass system that combines posts and a handrail for outstanding strength and reliability. This design often comes to mind when visualizing “glass railing.” Offering every post, metal, and finish type imaginable, it’s a versatile solution, flexible for any project. Contractors typically favor post-to-post installations due to their straightforward learning curve, making it a practical and efficient choice.
This system stands out for its strength, as the glass panels are securely mounted between vertical posts, with a handrail positioned on top. It is the most durable glass railing option, ideal for diverse applications, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Barrier Glass
Barrier Glass takes a minimalist approach by forgoing the handrail. Glass panels are installed between posts but extend slightly higher than the posts, creating a sleek and modern appearance. With various post finishes and mounting styles, this system is well-suited for level surfaces such as balconies and decks.
Since each post operates independently, proper blocking is necessary for stability. The absence of a handrail speeds up installation, providing a streamlined process and an unobstructed view over the glass. This combination of efficiency and aesthetics makes Barrier Glass popular for both residential and commercial spaces.
Frameless Systems:
Base Rail
The Vedera Flight Base Rail Glass System is a frameless railing solution that uses a single continuous shoe to securely hold glass panels. This design provides exceptional strength, as all panels are mounted within the same structural framework. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial projects, ensuring long-lasting performance.
This versatile system is suitable for various environments, including residential, commercial, coastal, and inland settings. It adapts effortlessly to level runs, stairs with angled walls, and diverse architectural styles. A key consideration when choosing this system is determining whether your project requires significant drainage.
As one of the strongest frameless systems, the Base Rail provides structural consistency throughout the installation. Its robust design is particularly favored in commercial and coastal settings. The system features joining pins every 4’6″ between Base Rail pieces, facilitating efficient drainage on deck surfaces, while maintaining both practicality and visual appeal.
Surface Glass Fence Talons
The Surface Talon Glass System is a popular, low-profile, surface-mounted glass railing solution designed for simplicity and functionality. Constructed from flash-anodized aluminum with a powder-coated finish, these nails are highly durable, making them ideal for extreme coastal conditions or interior applications. Perfect for level runs on wood or cement surfaces, Surface Talons provide a clean, unobstructed line of sight and are often used on balconies, decks, and pool barriers.
While quick and easy to install, their height makes them less suitable for stair treads. Each panel is supported by two Talons, ensuring seamless glass placement and secure tightening with a socket head, making the system one of the easiest to work with.
Ascend Talons
The Ascend Talon Railing offers unmatched versatility, constructed from durable 2205 steel or powder-coated aluminum. This system accommodates both angled and level surfaces, making it suitable for coastal and interior environments. With a taller profile than the Surface Talon, it attaches through glass holes for exceptional strength.
Designed with a 2″ x 2″ body and 14″ supports, the Ascend Talon System provides robust stability while maintaining a frameless design and clear views. Its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for projects requiring strong attachment points and aesthetic elegance.
Stand Off Pins
The Stand Off Pins System is a fascia-mounted, frameless glass railing solution renowned for its strength and modern appeal. Each glass panel is supported by at least four pins, ensuring maximum durability. While installation requires more effort, the final result is both striking and highly functional.
Constructed from flash-anodized aluminum with a powder-coated finish, these pins perform well in various environments, from residential decks to commercial applications. Their adjustability makes them suitable for both level and angled runs. The Universal Standoff Pins fit a range of settings, while FLIGHT pins integrate seamlessly with pre-drilled FLIGHT treads for easy installation. Access to the fascia board is crucial during installation, as tightening occurs through the front face of the pin, ensuring a secure and professional fit.
Indoor vs Outdoor Glass Fence Railing
One of the key benefits of glass railing is its versatility, performing exceptionally well indoors and outdoors. Whether you choose a framed or frameless system, any previously discussed glass railing options can be used for interior and exterior applications.
For interior projects, the primary consideration is the aesthetic you desire and the system that fits best within your space. However, for exterior projects, there are additional factors to take into account to ensure longevity and functionality.
Material and Finish
For outdoor applications, selecting the right materials and finishes to withstand varying weather conditions is crucial. Options like Aluminum, 2205 Stainless Steel, and 304 Stainless Steel are available, with powder coat finishes for added durability. For coastal areas, extreme UV exposure, or areas prone to acid rain, 2205 Stainless Steel or Aluminum with a Fluoropolymer finish is recommended for optimal performance.
Glass Type
When it comes to exterior glass fencing, there are two main types of glass: Tempered Glass and Laminated Tempered Glass. Tempered glass, typically used in residential projects, is a solid, durable ½” panel. Laminated Glass is recommended for exterior applications, as it includes two tempered panels with an inner laminated layer. SGP lamination is preferred for its resistance to UV damage wetness and ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Drainage
Since glass fencing acts as a solid barrier, it’s essential to account for proper drainage and prevent debris buildup. Systems like Base Rail may not be ideal for areas where leaves or debris accumulate, as they lack sufficient drainage options. For such environments, glass fencing systems with gaps beneath the panels are a better choice.
Pool Fencing
Glass fencing is a popular choice for pool areas, offering both code compliance and aesthetic appeal. In these settings, the system must allow for drainage and provide clear views. Surface-mounted Talons, Barrier Glass Posts, or Surface-mounted Posts are commonly used in pool fencing systems, as they offer both functionality and style.
What Does Glass Fencing Usually Cost?
The cost of glass railing systems varies depending on the type of system supports, material, and glass panels used. On average, a system can range from $140 to $290 per linear foot.
How to Maintain Your Glass Fence System
Maintaining a glass railing system is relatively simple. Since the materials used are durable, minimal structural upkeep is required. Unlike cable railings, which may need tightening over time, glass railings remain stable.
Regular cleaning with a glass cleaner like Windex and a soft rag is sufficient to maintain the glass panels. Customers may also rinse the panels with a hose to remove salt buildup in coastal areas. For additional protection, products like RainX or similar glass protectants can be applied to prevent watermarks and debris accumulation, similar to how car windshields are maintained.
