Maintenance is no joke with glass, coatings or not... they help, but they’re not magic.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve had buyers who see the glass and it’s an instant “wow” factor. Yeah, fingerprints are a pain, but for the right property, that clean look can bump up perceived value. Aluminum’s practical, sure, but sometimes it just screams “budget.” If you’re flipping in a higher-end area, glass can be worth the hassle. Just gotta know your market.
Honestly, glass looks slick but I keep coming back to the environmental side. Aluminum’s way easier to recycle and usually has a smaller footprint, especially if you source recycled material. Glass is flashy, sure, but it’s heavy on resources and not so great for energy use. I’d rather have something that lasts and can be reused down the line... fingerprints or not.
I hear you on the environmental side, but from a resale angle, buyers seem to love the look of glass. Have you factored in how either material impacts property value or curb appeal long-term? That’s usually where I get stuck deciding.
Honestly, I wrestled with this when redoing my old place. The glass looks sharp and modern, but on a 1920s house it felt out of place—almost too sleek, if that makes sense? Ended up sticking with aluminum for the vibe, even though I know glass turns heads.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve got a 1915 Craftsman, and every time I see those glass fences in magazines, I think, “Wow, that’s slick,” but then I picture it next to my old brick and woodwork and it just feels…off. Aluminum’s not perfect, but it blends in way better with the original details. Plus, I worry about fingerprints and cleaning with glass—seems like a nightmare if you’ve got kids or dogs running around. Maybe glass works for new builds, but for these older homes, I’m convinced aluminum’s the way to go.
