A commercial storefront is more than just where clients enter your store. It is also the face of your business and the first thing people view when they approach your building.
One vital element of this storefront is the kind of glass being used. Indeed, it can have a big impact on your store’s overall appearance. So, choosing the right kind of glass can better engage clients and create a good impression.
In this article, we delve into essential factors to consider when making this selection.
Let’s get started.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Glass for Your Storefront
Here are the key things to consider when selecting appropriate glass for your storefront.
Safety
When it comes to choosing the right glass for your commercial storefront, safety is an important factor. The glass must resist breakage, withstand impact, and avoid injuries in case it breaks.
There are two types of glass used for this purpose: laminated glass and tempered glass. Tempered glass is created through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling which makes it stronger than standard glass. Whenever tempered glass is broken, it shatters into round and tiny round pieces that are less likely to cause injury than non-tempered glass.
Laminated glass is made by squeezing in a layer of tough plastic resin called polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two layers of glass. This glass can withstand force and resist breakage. If the glass is broken, this PVB layer makes the glass layers adhere to it so it doesn’t fall from the window frame.
Durability
Tempered and laminated glass is also durable. While tempered glass resists impact from debris and other objects, the laminated kind withstands breakage and maintains its structural integrity even after undergoing damage.
The thickness of the glass is another important consideration when it comes to durability. Thick glass is stronger and more durable than thinner glass and can withstand greater amounts of force without breaking.
Location of the Storefront
‘Location’ refers to the storefront’s physical position and surrounding environment. For instance, if your storefront experiences adverse weather, like strong winds and storms, you must choose glass that can withstand these conditions.
Tempered glass is a storm-safe choice because it is not only strong and durable. When it does shatter, it does so into tiny pebbles without sharp shards or edges. This reduces the risk of damage from flung glass or during clean-up.
The storefront’s location will also affect the amount of sunlight it receives so affects the type of glass that should be used. For instance, low-E (low-emissivity) glass can filter out heat, glare, and harmful UV rays.
Soundproofing
When choosing glass for your commercial storefront, opt for a type with excellent soundproofing properties. Laminated and insulated glass are popular options. As mentioned, the former uses an interlayer of plastic which creates a barrier to sound transmission. The latter is made by placing two or three panes of glass together, with a sealed air space in between. This space also helps to reduce sound transmission.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient glass can reduce cooling and heating costs by stopping heat transfer through your storefront glass.
Low-E glass is a popular choice for an energy-efficient storefront. It was made to reduce the total amount of infrared and UV rays coming through without reducing the natural light that enters your home. This low-E glass has a microscopically thin transparent coating that reflects heat.
So, if interior heat energy tries to escape in winter, this coating reflects it back inside, decreasing heat lost through the glass. The opposite occurs during the summer. This helps to keep your store warm in winter and cool in summer.
Another energy-efficient glass is insulated glass. It has two or more glass panes in between which is sealed air that acts as a buffer against heat transmission.
Appearance
The appearance of the glass used for a storefront should reflect your business’s purpose. One important consideration is the colour of the glass. Clear glass is a popular choice for storefronts, but the frosted glass may also be used for a more stunning design.
Another consideration is its pattern. For example, the textured glass comes in a variety of patterns and designs, such as ribbed, patterned, or fluted. This may add a touch of beauty to your storefront and can also be used to obstruct the view inside the store for added privacy.
Maintenance
Make sure you consider the maintenance requirements of the glass you choose for your commercial storefront. Some types require more than others. For instance, clear glass is simple to clean and maintain, while frosted or textured glass requires more specialized cleaning.
When choosing the right glass for your commercial storefront, it is important to consider factors like durability, energy efficiency, and beauty. By taking these into account, business owners can create a storefront that not only looks great but serves its purpose effectively. For more information, consult Academy Glass. We help you choose the best glass from our wide variety of products and also charge affordable rates.
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