Totally agree about the vibe—glass just opens everything up in a way aluminum can’t. I’ve done both, and honestly, the cleaning on glass isn’t as bad as folks make it out to be. Quick tip: if you squeegee after hosing down, you barely get water spots. As for aluminum, I’ve noticed the powder coat fading too, especially on the sunniest side of my yard. Not sure if it’s just the cheaper brands or what, but it’s definitely a thing over time. Semi-frameless panels are actually a nice compromise—still feels open but with a bit more definition. If you’re handy, installing them isn’t much harder than full glass either.
That’s a good point about the powder coat fading—seen that happen on a neighbor’s fence after just a few years, especially where the sprinklers hit it every morning. I’ve always wondered if the eco-friendly powder coats hold up any better, or if it’s just the nature of aluminum in full sun. For glass, I’ll admit the squeegee trick is a game changer, but I still get nervous about scratches from sand or grit (kids and dogs are always tracking stuff around).
One thing I’ve found with semi-frameless is you can swap out individual panels way easier if something gets damaged, compared to full glass. That’s saved me a headache or two. Curious if anyone’s tried recycled aluminum or glass for their fencing? I’ve heard mixed things about durability but haven’t seen much real-world feedback.
I’ve looked into recycled aluminum panels, mostly for the price, but I’m not convinced they last as long—seems like the finish isn’t as tough. Has anyone noticed more corrosion or dents with recycled stuff, or is it just marketing hype?
Honestly, I’ve noticed the same thing with recycled aluminum panels. The finish just doesn’t seem as durable—mine picked up a couple dings way faster than the “new” ones I’ve used before. Not sure if it’s the actual metal or just the coating process, but I wouldn’t say it’s all hype. Still, for the price, sometimes it’s worth dealing with a few extra touch-ups down the line.
I get where you’re coming from—recycled aluminum can be a bit of a gamble. I’ve had panels that looked rough after just one season, but honestly, the cost savings sometimes make it worth the hassle. A couple of touch-ups here and there beats replacing whole sections, at least for me. If you’re flipping or just want something that looks good for a few years, it’s not a bad trade-off.
