When it comes to pool fencing in Perth, aesthetics are often the first consideration for many homeowners. Frameless glass pool fencing is a highly popular choice for those looking to create a modern, elegant look without compromising their view. However, with the scorching hot summers, strong winds and salt-filled coastal air we experience in Western Australia, durability is just as important. You might find yourself asking, “Will frameless glass pool fencing really hold up against these conditions?”
In this article, we’ll explore why frameless glass fencing is more than a stylish choice, but also a practical and durable solution for Perth’s unique climate. We’ll examine how it handles everything from scorching heat, strong winds and heavy coastal exposure, ensuring you’re able to make an informed decision about the most suitable pool fencing material for your home.
Understanding The Perth Climate & Implications For Pool Fencing
Perth is known for being sunny for a vast majority of the year, but it’s not all smooth sailing for outdoor structures. From blistering 40+ degree summer days to fierce winter storms, the weather here can be punishing. Let’s explore some key weather factors and how they can impact your pool fencing:
- Extreme Heat: Perth summers can be relentless to say the least. High temperatures can cause traditional fencing materials like wood to warp, and even lead to fading and deterioration of certain finishes on metal fences.
- Strong Winds: The ‘Fremantle Doctor’ breeze might be a welcome relief in the evening, but strong winds – particularly those inland – can test the strength of fences, often leading to stability issues for poorly anchored structures.
- Heavy Rain & Storms: Sudden downpours and storms can not only hammer fencing, but also introduce moisture to fence materials, increasing the risk of corrosion and fixings being weakened.
- Salt Exposure in Coastal Areas: If you live in a coastal suburb, your fencing is exposed to a high concentration of salt in the air. This can accelerate the corrosion of metal components, leading to patches of rust and potentially compromising the structure’s integrity.
Why Frameless Glass Fencing Is Built For Durability
Frameless glass pool fencing isn’t just about uninterrupted views; it’s also one of the toughest options on the market for pool safety. Here’s a few reasons why it stands the tests of time, even under Perth’s harshest weather conditions:
- High Strength Toughened Glass: The glass used in frameless pool fencing is toughened, meaning it’s designed to withstand significant impact and resist thermal stress. In other words, it won’t crack or shatter easily, even during extreme temperature changes.
- Corrosion Resistant Hardware: Any reputable installer will use marine-grade stainless steel for fixings, clamps and spigots. Marine-grade stainless steel is specifically designed to resist corrosion, making it ideal for coastal locations.
- Wind Load Tested Designs: Quality frameless glass pool fencing is engineered and tested to handle high wind loads, which is essential for areas of Western Australia that experience strong gusts. Ensuring correct anchoring and secure fixings are used keeps the panels stable and safe, even during periods of intense winds.
- Minimal Maintenance Requirements: Compared to some traditional fencing materials, frameless glass is less prone to wear and tear. It won’t warp, rust or rot making it a durable option that maintains both its effectiveness and appearance with minimal upkeep.
With these features, frameless glass pool fencing is purpose-built to handle the unpredictable weather patterns we experience here in WA.
Impact of Coastal & Inland Weather On Glass Fencing
The effects of Perth’s weather vary significantly depending on your location. Here’s a closer look at how the conditions in coastal and inland areas affect frameless glass pool fencing:
Coastal Weather
Living close to the beach is a dream for many, but the conditions in these areas can have adverse effects on your outdoor structures. The salt content in the air can damage traditional fencing materials, but frameless glass pool fencing holds up well:
- Salt Exposure: Salt in the air can cause the rapid corrosion of metal components, leading to unsightly rust and weakened structural integrity. Frameless glass fencing counters this with marine-grade stainless steel hardware, which is specifically designed to resist corrosion in salty environments.
- Sea Breeze & Humidity: The constant presence of moisture, combined with high humidity levels, can accelerate the deterioration of fencing materials. Glass itself is unaffected by these factors, ensuring it remains strong and clear.
To maintain the beauty and strength of your frameless glass pool fence in a coastal area, some extra maintenance may be required, such as more frequent cleaning to prevent the formation of salt deposits on the glass.
Inland Weather
For those living further away from the ocean, inland conditions bring a different set of challenges:
- High Winds: Inland suburbs can experience severe winds, which puts pressure on fencing structures. Frameless glass pool fencing panels, when correctly installed, are tested to withstand high wind loads without compromising safety or structural integrity.
- Fluctuating Temperatures: Perth’s inland regions are known for rapid temperature changes. Unlike plastic or wood materials, which can expand and contract, frameless glass is highly resistant to thermal stress, ensuring it remains stable and crack free, no matter the temperature.
Maintenance Tips For Frameless Glass Pool Fencing
While frameless glass pool fencing is built to endure the demanding climate of Perth, regular maintenance ensures your fence continues to look and perform at its best over time. Proper care not only helps to prevent the build up of dirt, grime and salt deposits, but also safeguards the fence hardware from early wear and corrosion. Here’s a few maintenance best practices you can implement to keep your frameless glass pool fencing in top condition.
Clean Glass Panels Regularly
Frameless glass pool fencing is valued for its clear, obstruction-free look, so cleaning the panels regularly to maintain this clarity is important. Accumulated dust, dirt and salt can make the glass appear cloudy and diminish the overall visual impact of the fence. Use a soft sponge with a gentle, non-abrasive glass cleaner to wipe down the surface. Harsh chemicals that can degrade the finish over time should be avoided.
For homeowners closer to the coast, it is recommended to clean the glass more frequently due to increased salt in the air.
Inspect & Clean Stainless Steel Hardware
The strength of frameless glass pool fencing lies in its supporting hardware, so regularly inspecting these components is essential to maintaining safety and stability. Check for signs of rust, discolouration or pitting on the stainless steel spigots, brackets and clamps. Even though marine-grade stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, continual exposure to salt air can still lead to minor surface rust over time.
Lubricate Hinges & Moving Parts
It’s crucial to ensure your gate hinges and other moving parts remain smooth and secure. Over time, exposure to moisture and salt can cause the hinges to stiffen, making it difficult to operate gates or doors.
A silicone-based lubricant can be used on the hinges to prevent rust and keep the mechanisms functioning smoothly. Oil-based lubricants should be avoided as they can attract dust which may lead to clogging.
Check For Loose Fixings & Fasteners
Strong winds and heavy use can occasionally loosen fittings over time, which can impact on the stability of your frameless glass pool fence. Regular checks should be conducted on all fittings, including spigots and brackets to ensure they are securely tightened.
If you notice any loose components, you’ll need to use the appropriate tools to tighten them. However, be cautious to not overtighten, as this can place stress on the glass panels.
Apply A Protective Coating
Although marine-grade stainless steel is designed to withstand tough conditions, adding an extra layer of protection is never a bad idea – particularly in Perth’s coastal areas. A high quality anti-corrosive coating can be added to the metal surfaces to provide additional resistance against salt and moisture.
At Clear Choice Pool Fencing, we are a certified applicator of EnduroShield glass coatings. EnduroShield provides superior glass protection, using nanotechnology to seal the porosity of the glass panels, cutting cleaning time and repelling both oil and water.
Is Frameless Glass Pool Fencing The Best Choice For Perth’s Climate?
Absolutely! Frameless glass pool fencing is designed to be both visually appealing and highly resilient. Its high strength panels, corrosion resistants fixings and ability to withstand fluctuating temperatures make it a perfect fit for the unique weather in Western Australia. Regardless of whether you reside in a coastal suburb or further inland, frameless glass fencing is a durable, low maintenance option that will suit any home.
Clear Choice Pool Fencing’s Frameless Glass Solutions
At Clear Choice Pool Fencing, we don’t just install frameless glass fencing, we provide peace of mind. As a trusted name in industry for over 20 years, we are committed to delivering high quality products and installations, ensuring long term durability and safety. All our products are manufactured to adhere to stringent Western Australian Standards so you can rest assured that your pool fence is compliant and made to last.
Ready to make a choice that combines luxury with practicality? Reach out to our team of experts today to discover why frameless glass solutions are the best possible choice for your Perth home.