Frameless Glass Fencing – FAQ

Frameless glass fence
What type of glass do you use?
Our frameless glass fences use 1/2″ tempered glass. Tempered glass is regularly used in applications in which standard glass could pose a potential danger. Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass and does not break into sharp shards when it fails. Tempered glass is used around hockey stadiums.
What is tempered glass?
Tempered glass is manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it harder than normal glass. The brittle nature of tempered glass causes it to shatter into small oval-shaped pebbles when broken. This eliminates the danger of sharp edges. Due to this property, along with its strength, tempered glass is often referred to as safety glass. The thermal process that cures tempered glass also makes it heat resistant. Tempered glass is used to make the carafes in automatic coffee makers and the windows in ovens. Hockey Stadiums, computer screens, skylights, door windows, tub enclosures, and shower doors are more examples of places you will find tempered glass. Building codes also require the windows of many public structures to be made of tempered glass.
How strong is tempered glass?
Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than the same thickness of regular glass. The typical glass used in residential windows and showers is 1/4″ thick. For glass fencing we use 1/2″ thick tempered glass.
Our frameless glass pool fences have been tested with 100kg (220 lbs) of weight applied to the top edge of a 48″ high fence. The posts and glass were not affected.
How are the posts installed?
The posts that hold the glass in place are made from type #316 polished stainless steel. They are attached to the glass prior to installation and no screws or bolts are visible. A hole is core drilled into the patio and the glass panel is set into position. We then pour a rapid setting liquid bedding cement into the hole around the post. The cement dries within a few minutes and fully hardens to maximum strength over the next 48 hours.
What is the ordering procedure?
If you would like to install a glass pool fence, we first come to measure the location and design the fence. Tempered glass panels cannot be modified after tempering and so every fence is built to order. After measuring, we will submit a design layout, contract, and estimate for approval. In order to proceed, the contract must be signed and returned to us with an initial payment of 50% of the contract price. We will then order the materials and have them delivered to site.
What is Diamond Seal?
Diamond Seal is an amazing polymer coating that actually bonds with glass and causes it to resist staining from hard water deposits, soap scum, and surface corrosion. As a result, your glass will be more resistant to bacterial growth and much easier to clean. Diamond Seal is often described as ‘Rain X’ on steroids. It aggressively repels water and keeps the glass clean. We can coat your glass fence with Diamond Seal during installation or at any time later. Diamond Seal is guaranteed to be effective for 10 years. 
How much does Diamond Seal cost?
The cost of coating with Diamond Seal is $2.00 per square foot.
Are the gates self-closing?
Yes, they are self-closing. We use hinges made by an Australian company called Polaris. The hinges have a three-stage closing mechanism involving a strong spring, magnets, and a dampening device. The gates do not slam and are guaranteed to close. 
What is the installation procedure?
As soon as the materials have been delivered to your location, we will schedule the installation. The installation procedure involves assembling the fence panels, positioning, core drilling the holes, final positioning, and pouring the cement. Once the cement has set, we install the gates and clean the glass.
How do I maintain the fence?
Soap and water is all that is needed to maintain the glass and stainless steel. We have a couple of blog posts that detail methods of keeping glass clean.
What size are the panels?
Glass panels can be made in any size up to around 6′ 6″ in length. Larger panels can be made, but they are difficult to move and install due to the weight. The tempering process can also introduce some twist to larger panels.
The CT building code requires that the fence is a minimum of 48″ high with no more than a 2″ gap at the bottom. We manufacture the panels 47″ high and use a 1.5″ gap at the bottom to allow for variations in the patio surface. This results in a fence that is 48.5″ high.
How do the posts hold the glass in place?
The posts consist of two halves and a tightening mechanism in the base. The posts clamp the glass and are tightened using a bolt mechanism in the base.
How long does it take to get a fence installed?
Typical installation times will vary of course depending on the complexity of the fence layout. A conservative estimate would be 3-4 weeks for a typical fence.
How do you handle grade changes and steps?
Glass panels can be cut to handle grade changes, walls, and steps. 
How do I keep the glass clean?
Soap and water.
What if a glass panel breaks?
In the unlikely event that a glass panel breaks or a post is damaged, we remove the old posts and set new ones in its place.
Can I modify my fence layout at a later date?
The fence layout can be modified if necessary. The existing posts will be removed and new ones set to the new layout. The old holes will need to be filled and might be visible.
Is the glass fence covered by a warranty?
Our fences are guaranteed for a period of 12 months.
For more information please contact us on (718) 600-2294