Types of Commercial Glass to Consider for Your Storefront

With 8 out of 10 impulse buys made in a brick-and-mortar store, investing in a storefront that shines is worth it for shop owners.

It takes exciting product selection, cleverly targeted sales tactics, and skillful visual merchandising to create a compelling window display. And that’s necessary if you want to be the shop those impulse purchases are made in. But none of that effort matters if you don’t have the right commercial glass frontage to show it off.

Whether you’re opening a new shop or need same-day storefront commercial glass repair, read on to find out which type of glass you need.

Annealed Glass

If your store is situated inside a mall or shopping center that’s protected from the elements and intruders, you could consider a frontage of annealed glass. This glass type is the most common and the least expensive of glass styles.

Annealed glass is also commonly known as standard sheet or float glass. It’s relatively easy to manufacture, and its lightweight makes it surprisingly versatile.

Are you planning an unusual design for your storefront, say, a dramatic geometric frame? Or is your shop wedged into a tight corner or booth? Then consider annealed glass.

It can be easily cut into the sizes and shapes required by unconventional architecture. You can even curve it!

The cooling treatment annealed glass goes through makes it more durable than the standard glass you see used in, say, a stained-glass window or fish tank.

Tempered Glass

If you’re looking for a little extra security for your retail store without breaking the bank, consider tempered glass in place of annealed glass. This type of glass is actually made from annealed glass with a thermal tempering process or heat treatment.

Tempered glass is much stronger than annealed glass–anywhere between two and four times stronger, in fact. This makes it a good choice for stores situated in locations vulnerable to extreme weather or break-ins.

Instead of breaking into dangerous shards, tempered glass shatters into small, square fragments. These pieces are easier to clean up and less hazardous to shop staff, customers, or passersby.

In most cases, it’s slightly more expensive to purchase tempered glass. But given the benefits, it may be worth the extra investment–depending on your needs. It may even be a building code requirement for storefronts with large door frames or floor-to-ceiling window displays.

Laminated Commercial Glass

To make laminated glass, manufacturers take two sheets of annealed glass and sandwich a tough plastic film between them.

The film is usually made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyvinyl butyral (PVB)–depending on the application of the resulting glass. The same layer is used to strengthen the windows in cars and trucks.

The addition of the film, as well as double-thick glass, makes laminated glass virtually shatter-proof. It’s UV-resistant, making it great for retail outlets with products that fade, such as clothing stores. Have a storefront that’s located on a busy road? Laminated glass is also somewhat soundproof, so it keeps street noises out and your sounds in.

Laminated glass has become popular in commercial glass installation in recent years because shop owners can easily decorate them with digital imagery, such as logos or advertising.

Security Glass

Security glass and safety glass are sometimes confused with one another. Safety glass is basically laminated or tempered glass; it’s hard to shatter, but it can’t withstand directed impacts.

Security glass, on the other hand, has extra treatment to bump up the strength considerably. Often that means a triple-layered laminated glass or perhaps something like heat and chemical resistant Mylar has been used instead of plastic or resin film.

Because it’s a deterrent against smash-and-grab thefts, security glass is an excellent choice for storefront glass installation in stores that stock highly valuable or dangerous goods. Think shops selling high-end jewelry or weapons or businesses that deal with large volumes of cash.

It’s also a good choice for restaurants or cafes with moveable patio doors as their frontage. You won’t have to worry if staff or patrons move them or bump into them throughout the day.

Insulated Glass

If you thought laminated glass was insulated, it’s got nothing on the aptly named insulated glass. Air or gas, such as argon and krypton, trapped between two or three panes of glass acts as an energy-efficient insulator.

This durable, eco-friendly glass comes in three different types:

• Treated glass
• Dual-pane (or double-glazed) glass
• Triple-pane glass
• Gas-filled glass

Insulated glass can save on utility bills, keep your display area cool in the summer sun, or keep the heat in on a cold winter’s day. It’s perfect for shopkeepers who need to store food or beauty products at cooler temperatures.

There are many different kinds of insulated glass, so it’s a good idea to seek the advice of a professional installer to help you make the right choice.

Tinted, Frosted, and Colored Glass

If you’re looking to snazzy up your storefront glass replacement, why not go with decorative glass. Tinted or frosted glass is great for creating some privacy, or choose colored glass that matches your brand’s unique palette.

You can change the thickness, tint, color, and even texture of tempered and laminated glass panes. For example, manufacturers insert additives into the glass at the molding stage to create panes in a wide range of tint colors.

Of course, adding special effects to glass, especially custom additions unique to your design, will drive up the cost. Make sure you’re clear on exactly what the glass will look like when it’s finished, and get quotes on the making, delivery, installation before you put down any money.

Application Matters More Than Glass Type

Perhaps you’re looking to add energy efficiency to your storefront design. Or maybe you just want an attractive commercial glass frontage? Whatever type of glass you choose, make sure it’s suitable for the needs of your business before getting a professional storefront glass installer in.

Best Offer Glass is a professional glass company in the Washington DC and Virigina areas. We offer high quality glass repair, installations, replacements and more for windows and doors. Contact us here for a no-obligation, completely free consultation today or call (202) 288-6441.