I hear you on the maintenance. I’ve seen a few properties where the glass looked amazing at first, but after a couple years, the hardware and water spots really started to show. Like you said,
For rentals or flips, aluminum just makes more sense—less hassle, fewer calls from tenants about rust or grime. Glass is great for curb appeal, but I’m not sure it’s worth the long-term headache.“the ‘wow factor’ fades a bit when I’m out there every weekend with vinegar spray and a squeegee...”
I totally get what you’re saying about the glass. I was obsessed with the look at first—thought it’d make my backyard feel like a resort. Fast forward a year, and I’m out there scrubbing fingerprints and bird droppings way more than I ever expected. My neighbor went with aluminum, and honestly, his fence still looks new while mine’s just... meh. Maybe glass is worth it if you’ve got the time (or money) to keep it spotless, but for me, the extra work just isn’t worth the “wow” anymore.
Totally hear you on the upkeep—glass does look amazing at first, but man, it’s a magnet for every smudge and bird in the neighborhood. Have you noticed any difference in resale value between glass and aluminum? I’ve seen buyers get wowed by glass, but then they ask about maintenance costs and sometimes rethink it. Wonder if it’s really worth the hassle long-term, or if aluminum just wins for practicality.
I’ve seen buyers get wowed by glass, but then they ask about maintenance costs and sometimes rethink it.
That’s a fair observation. Glass definitely has curb appeal, but I’ve noticed that savvy buyers start asking about water spots, cleaning frequency, and even replacement costs if panels get scratched. Aluminum might not have the same “wow” factor, but it’s low-maintenance, durable, and often made from recycled material, which is a plus for some. In terms of resale, I’ve seen both work, but aluminum tends to be less of a sticking point during negotiations.
I totally get the appeal of glass, but I keep coming back to this:
Have you ever seen how quickly glass gets cloudy near a saltwater pool? I’ve had clients who regretted the upkeep. But then again, glass does make the space feel bigger... Is it just me, or does aluminum sometimes look a bit too utilitarian for certain styles?Aluminum might not have the same “wow” factor, but it’s low-maintenance, durable, and often made from recycled material, which is a plus for some.
