Deck reno questions

10 years ago

We are looking at replacing our current deck boards and railing system with trex deck materials. We are wanting to use a glass rail to expand our view of a pond. Is this glass difficult to keep clean over time? Is there anything that can be put on it to keep it from forming water spots and to keep dirt from adhering to it? Do you need to replace the ledger board and supports underneath the deck if it solid and not out of level?

Featured Answer

Judy Mishkin

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

well, i expect its a lot like windows.... they look clean in some light and then the sun shines on them the right (wrong) way and you get out the cleaning supplies.

mostly, how difficult will it be to clean the water side? is it reachable from the ground or will you be getting out ladders (or leaning over) all the time? my windows tilt in.....

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Comments (13)

Judy Mishkin
10 years ago
how about a cable rail system?
mkeanini
Original Author
10 years ago
thanks for your response. I can see by the picture that it allows the view of the lake but I am really partial to the glass. Do you know whether it is high maintenance or not?
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
I have a mix of glass and upright black post railing around my pool I clean the glass with vinegar water and a microfiber cloth about 3 times a year
Longbranchstitch
10 years ago
We have a glass rail system on our deck. It was installed when we built so I can't speak to adding it to an existing structure. We wash our glass once a year, in the spring. I'm sure there are spots where a light layer of dirt or tree pollen land on it but we sure don't notice.

We use our deck a lot and very much enjoy the glass. We considered cable rail but it was out of our budget and as it turns out, we are more than happy with our end choice.
mkeanini
Original Author
10 years ago
thank you for the response. Do you have trees nearby that sap and pollen adhere to it?
Longbranchstitch
10 years ago
We have cedars and firs on our property but not adjacent to the house. We just finished with cedar pollen season here and our deck floor was covered with it. Took this photo two minutes ago...and we haven't washed the glass yet this year.

Hope the picture shows up...doing this from my phone.
mkeanini
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the pic. Looks beautiful with the lake in the background. I guess my question is do you regret the glass choice? Is it too much maintenance?
Longbranchstitch
10 years ago
It's actually salt water rather than a lake. We love the glass and have never regretted our decision. In fact, we were talking a while ago about how this turned out to be the better choice (for us) than the cable rail, as lovely as that is.
Longbranchstitch
10 years ago
Forgot to reiterate we wash the glass once a year. Takes maybe an hour for the whole deck glass and it is a large deck. The picture shows the glass as it is today, 11 months since we last washed it. That's on our May list of things to do. We never give it a second thought once we clean it in the spring.
mkeanini
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate it.
s c
10 years ago
Rain-X
mkeanini
Original Author
10 years ago
Wow how fortunate you are. Salt water would definitely be more work. Looks like it is completely manageable.