I get wanting that resort vibe, but honestly, the glass is just so much upkeep. With aluminum, yeah, it might not have that “wow” factor, but it’s way easier on the wallet and low maintenance. As for kids and pets, you can get really close picket spacing—my neighbor’s dog hasn’t escaped yet. The heat thing is real, but I’ve only noticed it gets bad in direct sun for hours, which doesn’t always happen depending on your yard layout. Sometimes I think practicality wins over aesthetics... especially when you’re cleaning paw prints every day.
- Totally agree on the practicality front—aluminum is just way less hassle.
- From a property value angle, I’ve noticed buyers care more about safety and long-term upkeep than the “wow” factor of glass.
- Glass looks amazing for sure, but those fingerprints and water spots are relentless.
- I’ve seen aluminum fences last years with barely any touch-ups, even in rental properties where things get rough.
- Only downside: if you’re aiming for that high-end look, glass does turn heads... but yeah, your weekends might disappear into cleaning duty.
I hear you on the glass—looks killer, but unless you’ve got a live-in squeegee, it’s a full-time job. Aluminum’s like that friend who never asks for much but always shows up. One thing I keep wondering, though: has anyone factored in how these materials hold up in super sunny climates? I’ve seen some aluminum fences fade or get chalky over time, but maybe that’s just the cheap stuff. Anyone had glass actually crack from heat, or is that just an urban legend?
has anyone factored in how these materials hold up in super sunny climates? I’ve seen some aluminum fences fade or get chalky over time, but maybe that’s just the cheap stuff. Anyone had glass actually crack from heat, or is that just an urban legend?
Here’s how I break it down after a few years sweating it out in a sunbelt backyard:
1. Aluminum: You’re spot on about the chalkiness. It’s usually the powder coating breaking down from UV exposure. The pricier brands use better coatings, so they hold up longer, but even then, after 5-10 years, you’ll probably see some fading. A quick rinse and a wipe with car wax can help, but it’s not a forever fix.
2. Glass: The cleaning is real—unless you love water spots, you’ll be out there with vinegar and a microfiber cloth more than you’d think. As for cracking from heat, I haven’t seen it happen unless someone’s blasting it with a pressure washer or there’s a manufacturing defect. Tempered glass is made to handle temperature swings, so unless you’re living on the surface of the sun, it’s pretty safe.
If you’re in a spot with brutal sun, both materials need some TLC, but glass holds its looks longer if you can keep up with the cleaning. Aluminum’s lower maintenance, but yeah, it can start looking tired after a while. Just my two cents from the trenches.
