How important are the fittings and glues used in my glass fence?

Though there is no substantiating proof that Emmert Wolf wrote the quote, “A man is only as good as his tools”, but it is meaningful. Everything we buy costs so much, and perfection is everyone’s goal. When we spend the money we want quality and we want it to last.

When deciding to use glass for the ambient effects it provides around the home or business it is important to keep the quality factor in mind. There are multiple choices out there and the quality is usually aligned to the price.

As well as quality you need to have the right products to suit the situation and it is always wise to seek expert advice.

As a good starting point there are some key things to take into consideration, such as:

How thick is the glass

Glass in Australia is available in 8mm, 10mm and 12mm thickness. It is probably a no brainer that the price of the glass is directly related to the thickness. 8mm is usually only recommended for light weight situations and is a conversation you need to have with an expert.

Any Safety Glass used in Australia must conform to Australian Standards.

What type of accessories should my fence have?

Making the decision about quality vs price when it comes to the fittings that are going to keep your fence upright and secure can be daunting. To make it easy to balance your decision remember the important job the fittings do.

The posts, spigots and accessories hold the fence in place and depending on whether it is an internal balustrade or external balcony or pool fence – may be exposed to the weather.

Posts, spigots and accessories are available in both aluminium, stainless steel and a non conductive material. It is always recommended that you choose a thicker gauge of marine grade stainless steel to avoid tarnishing or powder coated aluminium if using metals and be guided by the experts on the right non-conductive products available.

Any Glazier, Glass Installer or Retailer of products associated with the installation of glass will advise on the best choice for the job. It is probably not worth sacrificing quality, safety and durability for what may be a minor difference in cost.

Adhesives & Sealants

Not unlike your accessories the adhesives and sealants used in your glass fencing must be suitable for the particular situation.

There is a wide range of adhesives and sealants that can cause confusion for the everyday consumer. If you are engaging someone to instal your glass they will use a sealant suitable for the job.

For the DIY person, it is advised that you make contact with a specialist glass products and tools supplier who will be able to assess your individual situation and make a recommendation.

If you have the right glass, right accessories, right adhesives and sealants your glass fence should be maintenance free and serve the purpose of adding beauty to your space for many years.