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Fencing materials range from metal and wood to vinyl and glass. The last is noted for its upscale look, unobstructed visibility and its surprising strength. For traditionalists, glass just doesn’t have the same strength and security as metal. While it’s true that metal’s strength is unmatched, there’s no denying that it mars the landscape especially when used as a pool fence. Though finer designs have made it much more aesthetically pleasing it still gives a ‘guarded’ look and compromises visibility. Users of glass fencing say they wouldn’t trade theirs for anything else. Real estate has much to do with appearance even if functionality and location play bigger roles. No one wants to purchase a house that isn’t pleasing to the eye. And since pools combine both function and form, hiding them from view with an unsightly fence just defeats the purpose. If you’re wondering whether glass can hold up to impact you’ll be surprised by how well it matches to load-bearing requirements. The International Building Code measures the strength of glass based on structural load and impact load. Structural load includes wind, snow, seismic and dead loads while impact loads refer to human impact and wind-borne debris loads. Manufacturers that comply with the standards market products as such with a mark indicating glass thickness and type. According to contractors who’ve routinely worked with glass, they attest to its strength and durability. Unlike metal which rusts or corrodes and wood which rots, glass is impervious to such conditions. The metal fasteners used are chosen with great care so there’s no chance of ugly stains forming. They’re also incredibly strong and help glass support its weight. The glass used in fencing is tempered which means it’s thermally and chemically treated to increase strength by four or five times. The inner part is in kept in tension while the outer surface is compressed so in the event it does break it’ll shatter into small pieces not sharp enough to cause serious injury. To appreciate just how strong tempered glass is, it’s what’s used in the side windows of vehicles. A few cons to consider Glass fences do have a few cons, all of them thankfully minor. Unlike other materials, tempered glass is significantly more expensive. Installation too is not as simple and requires the aid of certified professionals. People living in rural areas may have difficulty finding a capable installer. Though durable, glass can scratch if scraped by hard, sharp objects or cleaned with abrasive cleaners. Following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions can help avoid this. As for routine maintenance, glass has to be kept clean to maintain visibility though dust and dirt don’t cause physical damage. When shopping for glass fencing, choose the frameless variety which offers a clear view of the pool and the landscape. If you’re worried about durability, don’t. Frameless glass can be as sturdy as framed glass as the support systems and fasteners used are designed to bear the weight as well as impacts it may witness. Purchasing glass fencing and having it installed by a reputable company go a long way in determining how lasting it is. Do your research, insist on a warranty and look for products that meet building code specifications. Glass pool fences are not only protective coverings for your pool, but they possess an equal amount of aesthetic value along with durability and strength. To learn more about the benefits of glass fencing, browse this website!
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