PRODUCT BASICS

What is Frameless Glass Pool Fencing?

Frameless glass pool fencing consists of 1/2″ thick tempered glass panels held in place using small stainless steel posts set into concrete or secured to a wall or deck. There are no side posts or top rails and so the fence looks simple, sophisticated and provides an uninterrupted view in and out of the pool area.

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.

Will my Glass Panels Have an Ugly Stamp in the Corner?

We do not etch a stamp into the surface of the glass unless we have been requested to do so. If required, we can provide a certificate from the glass manufacturer to show that the glass is tempered.

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 800 lbs of weight applied to the top edge of a 48″ high fence. 

What is 'Starphire' or Low Iron Glass?

Regular clear tempered glass has a very slight green tint to it. This is not normally noticeable if your glass is surrounded with trees, lawns and foliage. 'Starphire' or Low Iron glass is a more refined glass that is crystal clear and colorless.  Low Iron glass is more expensive than regular glass. 

DESIGN & INSTALLATION

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 are the posts installed?

The posts that hold the glass in place are made from type #316 marine grade 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.

How do you handle grade changes and steps?

Glass panels can be cut to handle grade changes, walls, and steps.

Can frameless glass fences be used as a safety railing of barrier?

Mergelock stainless steel posts are the only posts that have been tested and certified for use a safety barrier. US Glass Fence is the exclusive distributor of Mergelock posts in the USA.

Can you do curved glass?

Yes we can produce glass panels that are curved or we can use shorter flat panels to create the curves.

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.

GATES & HARDWARE

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.

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 US 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 big are the gates?

Our standard gate size is 36”. We can make a larger gate by adding an additional hinge to make sure that it closes properly. We can also supply a double gate where one side is fixed using a traditional Cane Bolt. 

How are the gates supported?

The gates are usually supported by the adjacent glass panel as long as the panel is large enough to take the weight. If not, we can install a stainless steel gate post to support the gate.

INSTALLATION

Do you provide an installation service?

Yes we do in most areas. We are probably the most experienced glass fence installers in the United States having installed thousands of feet of fencing. We have developed installation techniques and tools that ensure a perfect installation every time.

What if you do not cover my area?

We have a network of Certified Installers and will also work with other Contractors to facilitate a satisfactory installation.

Can I install a glass fence myself?

Glass fencing is not easy to install. The glass is heavy and installation requires special tools and equipment. We do not recommend a DIY installation. If the fence is not absolutely level, plumb and straight it will not look very nice and safety could be compromised.

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.

MAINTENANCE & CUSTOMIZATION

How do I keep the glass clean?

Soap and water. Coat it with DSS Reactive Sealer. Here is a blog posts that shows how to keep the glass in great condition.

https://usglassfence.com/glass-cleaning-2/

 

What is US Glass Fence DSS Reactive Sealer?

DSS Reactive Sealer is an amazing polymer coating that has been formulated for US Glass Fence by Micro Med Systems. DSS Reactive is a nano-coating that actually bonds with glass and causes it to repel water and resist staining from hard water deposits, soap scum, and surface corrosion. DSS also reacts with sunlight to breakworn hydrocarbons. Normal weather paterns tend to keep the glass clean. DSS is a hydrophilic coating. Water will sheet flow of the surface.

I some situations we may use a Hydrophobil coating called Diamondize XP. Water will bead up on the surface and be repelled. It aggressively repels water and keeps the glass clean.

We can coat your glass fence with Diamond Seal coatings after installation or at any time later. Diamond Seal is guaranteed to be effective for 5 years with the minimum of maintenance.

How much does Diamond Seal cost?

The cost of coating with Diamond Seal is $2.00 per square foot.

How do I maintain the glass?

The glass can be cleaned using a typical soap and water solution designed for cleaning glass. Glass cleaning soap is available from Amazon of Home Depot. It should be mixed with Distilled Water which is available in all supermarkets. Apply the solution to the glass sparingly and then remove using a rubber squeegee.

Alternatively, Diamond Seal Systems have a product called Diamond Blue Wash which is excellent at keeping glass clean. Just spray it on the glass and clean with a microfiber pad. 

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.

WARRANTY

Is the glass fence covered by a warranty?

Our fences are guaranteed for a period of 60 months.

REGULATIONS & SAFETY

How do I find out about my local building regulations?

A google search for your local area would be a good start. There is also a web resource called municode.com/library which provides codes for all states and municipalities. We would also suggest calling your local Building Inspector.

How do I find out more about pool safety?

Here is a link to poolsafety.gov which provides more general information.