Glass fences, railing systems, and balustrades have become a popular fencing choice in recent years. Often used around pools, patios, gardens, and walkways, glass fencing offers a sleek and modern aesthetic.

However, despite its curb appeal, glass fencing requires proper care and maintenance to prevent issues from arising.

If not properly maintained, glass fences can easily crack, shatter, or get scratched, leading to costly repairs or replacement. This article explores the most common glass fencing problems homeowners face and provides tips to avoid them.

Top 5 Common Glass Fencing Issues

Glass cracking or shattering

Glass is fragile, so one of the biggest concerns is the glass panels cracking, chipping, or shattering completely. This often occurs from impact with objects like trees branches, sports balls, lawn mower debris, or even extreme shifts in weather. Strong winds, storms, and temperature fluctuations can also stress and damage glass over time.

Glass scratches

Glass is highly prone to scratches, which can quickly make a fence look worn and aged. Scratches most often occur from wind-blown debris rubbing against the surface or improper glass cleaning techniques dragging grit across the panels.

Loose fittings

The metal or aluminum fittings that hold glass fence panels in place can become loose over time. This occurs naturally from fence vibrations, ground movements, and aging fittings. If loose fittings are not promptly fixed, panels can fall out or shift out of alignment.

Rusting metal frames

Metal frames and posts that support glass fence panels can rust when exposed to moisture and weather elements. Coastal areas with saltwater accelerate corrosion even faster. Rust compromises fence strength and aesthetics over time.

Foggy glass appearance

Glass fences can develop a foggy, cloudy opaque appearance over time. This occurs when the glass surface erodes from environmental exposure. Airborne chemicals, hard water spots, pollution, and minerals in sprinkler water slowly damage the glass.

Tips to Prevent Glass Fencing Issues

Inspect regularly

Make it a habit to inspect all areas of your glass fencing at least twice a year. Check for any cracks, missing fittings, gaps, scratches, and other damage. Catching issues early makes repairs less costly.

Clean properly

Use only soft microfiber cloths and mild glass cleaners when washing glass panels. Avoid abrasive pads or paper towels that can scratch. Rinse away dirt without rubbing it across the surface. Be extra careful spraying water, as pressure can crack glass.

Maintain surroundings

Keep the area around your fence clear of debris, overhanging branches, or anything that could blow against and damage glass. Trim back vegetation and plants so they don’t creep onto the fence.

Seal glass

Have a glass coating professionally applied to your fence when it’s newly installed. Reapply sealant every 2-3 years. Quality glass sealants prevent erosion and make the surface more resilient.

Fix loose fittings ASAP

Don’t delay when you notice loose fence fittings. Even slightly loose fittings will worsen quickly. Have them properly tightened or replaced right away to prevent falling panels and misalignment issues.

Choose durable materials

When installing a new glass fence, select thick, tempered safety glass. Compared to standard glass, tempered glass is 4-5 times stronger and more shatter-resistant. Also use high-quality, corrosion-resistant metal frames and fittings made of aluminum, stainless steel, or ultra strong powder coated steel.

Professional Glass Fencing Maintenance Services

While diligent DIY care can minimize glass fence issues, professional maintenance is recommended to keep fences looking pristine for many years. Reputable glass fencing companies offer routine service plans for regular inspections, cleaning, and preventative repairs.

Professional services typically include:

Thorough inspections of all fence components to spot minor damage before it worsens
Loose fitting adjustments and replacements
Glass sealant reapplication
Scratch removal and polishing
Precision glass cleaning without risk of cracks
Vegetation trimming around fence perimeter
Rust removal and metal treatments
Leveling adjustments if panels sink or shift

Some providers even offer glass repair services for minor chips and cracks to avoid full panel replacements. Discuss all available services when hiring a maintenance company.

The cost of professional maintenance varies depending on the size of your fence and services needed. On average, budget about $200-500 per year for a basic service contract. Compare rates of a few reputable companies before deciding.

Be sure to clarify exactly what’s covered in the quote. Understand all terms and cancellation policies as well. Reputable companies usually offer free consultations and quotes for new customers.

How Often to Schedule Professional Maintenance

Schedule professional cleaning and inspections at least once per year. Biannual services are even better for high traffic areas or coastal climates. Harsher environments with extreme weather, dust, debris, and salt air may need quarterly maintenance.

It’s also smart to arrange a professional service call after major storms with heavy winds or hail. This ensures any resulting damage gets promptly repaired before worsening.

Final Words

Glass fences certainly require more care and diligence than vinyl or wood privacy fences. However, the visually light and contemporary style is worth the effort for many homeowners. Following the maintenance tips provided can help prevent the most common glass fence problems related to cracks, scratches, rust, and loose fittings over time.

Know that no matter how careful you are, glass is fragile, and accidents inevitably happen. Budgeting annually for professional inspections and cleaning is highly recommended. This minimal investment in proactive maintenance goes a long way to maintain visual appeal and safety.

In a worst case scenario where glass panels suffer irreparable damage, replacements are of course necessary. Reputable glass fencing companies can quickly source and install new panels that match the original style and appearance. Be sure to keep good records of your fence specifications including the brands used. This makes replacing damaged sections much easier.