Storefront glass is an essential component of the aesthetics of commercial buildings, but above all, it is entirely functional. Storefront Glass adds a touch of elegance that cannot be matched, while letting in natural light and giving an open feel.

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Storefront glass can not only be found in commercial settings such as stores and office buildings but can also be found in residential construction.

When you use storefront material in residential construction, it gives the home a modern and elegant touch.

Storefront glass is the best choice for any commercial property or retail establishment. It adds beauty, exclusivity, and class to the overall appearance of your business, and more importantly, it attracts potential buyers who enjoy a high end and friendly environment.

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Security

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Commercial storefront glass is versatile – it can be configured to fit any desired opening or entrance from storefronts to back warehouses. Glass doors may also be fitted with  a myriad of security access options. Frameless glass doors are also available when design and cosmetic appeal are priorities. Commercial glass doors often come with any number of hardware, ranging from standard door handles and closers to fully automated closers, access controls, and custom handles. Special hardware is also available for high traffic entrances or where wind might be a factor.

Commercial storefront glass windows also come with a variety of security options ranging from window locks to alarms and secure glass. Plexiglas, as well as laminated glass, both help to prevent glass panes from shattering.

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Efficiency

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Not only can your building increase in value with new glass, but it can also make your building more efficient. Commercial storefront and doors can help eliminate drafts and increase energy efficiency. They insulate better to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter without driving up your electricity costs. Commercial glass is an investment in your building. 

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Curb Appeal

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The addition of new storefront and doors can give your building a sleek modern look. While it is very simple, the  look  of the glass and the geometric positioning gives a great aesthetic to add a new feeling to your building.

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Versatility

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Another great thing about commercial glass is that it can be designed in  many shapes and sizes. This gives you more room  to create a layout that you love or that represents your company. 

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Transparency

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In an office setting, more windows increase the flow of natural light. This can help reduce the cost of electricity but also keep office morale high. People can be more connected to the outside world and there isn’t a feeling of being stuck in a cave all day. This is great for office space as well as a retail setting. Storefront glass can give you the ability to show off your products and make a welcoming entrance for your customers.

Storefront Windows and Doors Framing

 

The aluminum extrusions for storefront framing are cut to size for a perfect fit, providing a solid structure that is also aesthetically pleasing. The window frame can be cut in our shop, and assembled on the job site.

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Aluminum extrusions are stocked in two finishes, anodized bronze and clear adonized, but if your project requires a different color, it can be special ordered.

When building Glass Storefronts, it is essential to consider thermal performance. Storefront material can contract or expand depending on the temperature. We take this into account during installation in order to avoid future problems such as water intrusion.

Storefront Glass Windows and Doors Glazing

When it comes to storefronts, there are four main types of glass: annealed, tempered, and laminated. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so it's essential to understand the differences before deciding which type to use.

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Tempered Glass

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Tempered glass is used for its safety and strength in various applications, including passenger vehicle windows. The process by which it becomes stronger than standard window panes begins with heating the outside surfaces to high temperatures, where they are then treated through different techniques such as echoing or adding chemicals so that when broken into small granules, there will be less chance of causing injury. Safety and strength is what makes tempered glass perfect for storefront glass

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Laminated Glass

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Laminated glass is a type of safety that holds together when shattered. The polymer interlayer keeps the layers from breaking apart and becoming dangerous sharp objects while also preventing any injuries due to impact with nearby people.

Unlike tempered glass, laminated glass is much more challenging to breakthrough. This makes it more effective in terms of protection against vandalism.

Annealed glass

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Annealed glass is regular glass that has not been heat-strengthened or tempered. Annealing float glass is the process of cooling it down slowly to stop any stress in the glass. This process happens when the hot glass is cooled in a special room called an annealing lehr. This releases any tension in the glass to be cut and processed after it's made. Annealed glass can be cut, machined, drilled, edged, and polished. Annealed glass is not a safety rated glass.

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Insulated Glass Units

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Insulated glass units (IGU) are made up of two panes (annealed or safety glass ) separated by a spacer material and sealed at the edge. The insulating airspace is filled with air or noble gas, such as argon or krypton inside which is fundamental energy efficiency. IGUs can be used in curtain walls or storefront systems.

The performance of insulated glass is determined by the thickness and insulating space between each pane. Windows are a well-known problem in energy efficiency; IGUs help lower your bill with their ability to stop heat from going out while still letting light in.

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When it comes to storefront glass, the type of commercial building drives the kind of glass used to make the insulated units. In modern facilities, a widely used combination is Low E glass over the clear tempered glass or laminated glass.

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Storefront Glass Doors

It is impossible to talk about storefront systems without mentioning storefront doors. The glass doors for storefronts are essential; choosing the most feasible will avoid future problems.

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In glass storefront systems, the doors come in three types: narrow, medium, or wide stiles. Narrow stiles are very common in small offices or retail storefronts since less traffic is expected here.

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Medium or wide styles are commonly used in commercial buildings where high traffic is probable, such as hospitals, schools, or other public institutions. it's very important that customers know which is the right type of door for them.

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Glass Storefront Glass Installation Steps

Measurement

When installing new storefronts, it is essential to take precise measurements of the entrance's masonry opening.

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We start by measuring net frame height and find out if your elevation has been stabilized so that we can level off any unevenness in this area before installation begins. 

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We carefully re-measure your rough opening width at the top, middle and bottom with each change over location; and subtract from the shortest dimension when computing the overall length for glazing bars or other hardware needed during the construction process

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Handling and Storage

AII aluminum materials and glass products at job site must be stored in a safe place, well removed from possible damage by other trades. It's important to keep records of where materials are stored, so that you can account for each item when it is needed. Prevent the plaster, cement or others type of material from damage the finish.

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Fabrication

There are two common ways to install storefront systems. The screw spline and shear block methods. They both let the glass contractor put together single units in a shop or at the job site.

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The screw spline method is a way to attach sidelight horizontal glass stops with screw spline door jambs. the best practice is to cut the flat glass stop for daylight openings below 1/32 inch, and the vertical door jamb should be cut longer because it goes from the top of the storefront to the floor. When assembling screws on vertical members, use drill jigs to drill holes.

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The shear block storefront system uses blocks to assemble at the tops of sill flashings. Once put together, they can be stacked and left in place or taken apart for transportation purposes before being installed again on site. 

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Installation

As your storefront system is installed, we make sure to attach them to the rigid foundation and framing. Once these are in place, the units and installed together at each end until there remain only two remaining pieces on either side of your business's entranceway. Then, those last pieces are installed inwardly so they fit flush against one another when completed.

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After that, we securely attach your storefront with the right fasteners. The structural perimeter anchor attaches to other components of an installation. Next, we install the glass, making sure to follow the instructions from the manufacturer and safety guidelines.

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Are you looking for a new, modern look for your glass storefront?

Tennessee Glass & Metal can give you the perfect look with our skilled installers and high quality products. We have a wide variety of options to choose from so that you can find the perfect design for your business.

With our professional installation and design services, you’ll be able to enjoy your new storefront glass immediately. You won’t have to worry about any headaches or hassles – we take care of everything for you.