Why Homeowners Are Loving Glass Fence Panels

The era of boxing your terrace, deck, patio, balcony, pool, or property's perimeter in wood or chain links may be on its way out. Homeowners looking to frame outdoor views without sacrificing sightlines or safety are increasingly turning to glass fence panels. But don't just take our word for it; here's what Andrey Likhman, owner and principal of Vandeck Builders, has to say about their rising popularity in his exclusive chat with House Digest. "Honestly, the demand has been pretty steady for us over the last five years. It's always been a specific ask rather than something people stumble into," he says.

In his experience, glass fence panels address a plethora of pain points. The most obvious is view preservation, especially when you want to make your yard feel like a resort or extend your rooftop's utility year-round, no matter what surprise nature sends your way. Others, though, pick them as the modern, sleek alternative to traditional fencing that allows for a seamless connection with the interior. "Most of our glass inquiries come from waterfront property owners, people on tall rooftops where wind is a problem, and clients who want their exterior railings to match interior glass or are going for that clean California look," states Likhman.

One of the biggest advantages of glass fence panels, according to Likhman, is their ability to provide wind resistance without blocking views. Touching upon this in his exclusive interview with House Digest, he states, "Unobstructed views and wind protection, that's the combination no other material can give you. On tall rooftops, especially, wind can make an outdoor space unusable for half the year, and glass blocks it without making the space feel closed in." Because glass allows natural light to pass through, outdoor spaces can feel more open and airy, regardless of size.

Another reason he feels homeowners are using glass panels to add subtle privacy and style to their exteriors is the design flexibility. "You can go semi-frameless with aluminum posts or fully frameless with a hidden shoe base where the glass looks like it rises straight out of the deck surface." This frees up space to factor in design styles and cost. Since semi-frameless panels have support, you can get away with thinner glass panels, driving down overall costs. Fully frameless, in contrast, is ideal for an upscale, minimalist look, though you must choose toughened panels to compensate for minimal support, making them relatively expensive.

Despite their benefits, Andrey Likhman feels some homeowners are hesitant to make the switch due to concerns over high maintenance. "What turns people away is almost always the fear of maintenance; they picture the glass being constantly dirty," he adds during his exclusive House Digest interview. However, he assures that with an annual application of a protective coating, you can greatly reduce maintenance requirements. "You can apply a water repellent coating once a year before the season starts, and that handles water stains and buildup." He believes beyond this point their upkeep is similar to maintaining standard windows.

e also addresses concerns about durability, noting, "Exterior glass fencing is tempered and engineered for wind loads, impact, and weather exposure." Besides, manufacturers must adhere to stringent safety rules, regulations, and standards before marketing their glass panels for exterior usage. Still, "Talk to your builder about the base system early on," he advises.

Making an exception, Likhman deems that while glass fencing is beautiful, it's not the only option for open views. In fact, if you don't care much for wind protection, cable railing is a better alternative, since it entails lower maintenance. "Clients who want the open sightlines but don't need wind protection usually go with cable railing instead, which gives you a similar sleek look with virtually no upkeep." Plus, it's typically available at a lower price point.