What to Expect With Commercial Glass Replacement

by | Dec 7, 2023 | Commercial Glass, Commercial Windows | 0 comments

Are you in need of a commercial glass replacement? Maybe you think that you are, but perhaps you are unsure.

In this article, we will look at the most common reasons you might need to replace the glass in your commercial building and what to expect during the replacement process.

Here are the top reasons why you may need to replace your commercial glass:

  • Damage and Cracks: Commercial glass is susceptible to damage from various sources, including impacts from flying debris, accidents, and severe weather conditions such as hailstorms. Cracks in glass compromise its structural integrity, allowing for potential shattering. Immediate replacement is crucial to prevent the glass from breaking completely, which could pose safety risks to occupants and property.
  • Broken Windows: Break-ins, vandalism, or accidents can lead to shattered windows in commercial spaces. Broken glass poses safety hazards and exposes your business premises to external elements like rain, wind, and dust. Prompt replacement of broken glass ensures the security of your property and maintains a professional appearance.
  • Thermal Inefficiency: Outdated or single-pane glass is notorious for its poor insulation properties, leading to energy inefficiency and increased heating and cooling costs. Upgrading to double or triple-pane insulated glass with Low-E coatings can drastically improve thermal efficiency, creating a more comfortable indoor environment while reducing utility expenses.
  • Foggy or Cloudy Glass: Moisture infiltration between double or triple-pane glass unit layers can lead to fogging or cloudiness. This occurs when the seals between the glass layers break down. Foggy glass not only obstructs visibility but also indicates compromised insulation. Replacing foggy glass panels restores clear visibility and improves energy efficiency by eliminating heat transfer through the compromised seals.
  • Scratched or Etched Glass: Over time, commercial glass can accumulate scratches due to cleaning procedures, abrasive materials, or environmental factors like dust and sand. Deep scratches or numerous smaller scratches can detract from the appearance of the glass and create an unprofessional image for your business. Replacement of scratched glass ensures a clean, polished look that enhances your business’s aesthetics.
  • Outdated Aesthetics: The appearance of your commercial space greatly influences customer perception and engagement. Outdated glass designs might not align with current architectural trends or your business’s branding. Replacing old and uninspiring glass with modern, stylish alternatives can refresh the aesthetic appeal of your establishment and attract more customers.
  • UV Protection: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause fading and deterioration of interior furnishings, fabrics, and merchandise. Upgrading to UV-resistant glass with specialized coatings can significantly reduce the penetration of harmful UV rays while still allowing natural light to enter. This protects your valuable assets and preserves their quality.
  • Frame Damage: The frame holding the glass can suffer from various forms of damage, including warping, rotting, or corrosion. Damaged frames compromise the overall integrity of the window system and can lead to further issues like air leaks and water infiltration. Replacing the glass and the damaged frame ensures a structurally sound and long-lasting solution.
  • Noise Reduction: In noisy environments like busy streets or near transportation hubs, commercial spaces can benefit from glass replacement designed to reduce sound transmission. Acoustic or laminated glass options effectively minimize external noise, providing a quieter and more conducive environment for customers and employees.
  • Safety Regulations: Evolving safety regulations often dictate specific requirements for glass in commercial settings. For instance, certain areas may require safety or tempered glass to mitigate potential injury risks in case of breakage. Adhering to these regulations through glass replacement ensures the safety of occupants and avoids potential legal liabilities.
  • Customization Needs: Renovations, rebranding efforts, or desiring uniqueness might require custom glass solutions. This could involve non-standard sizes, shapes, or designs that cater to your business’s individuality. Customized glass replacement aligns with your vision and enhances the distinctiveness of your commercial space.
  • Crucial Upgrades: In regions prone to hurricanes or intense storms, impact-resistant glass is essential for minimizing damage and protecting your property. This specialized glass can withstand the impact of flying debris, reducing the risk of glass breakage during extreme weather events.
  • Security Enhancements: Commercial spaces, especially those housing valuable assets, might require reinforced glass for added security. Laminated or tempered glass resists breakage and deters potential break-ins, providing extra protection for your property.
  • Deteriorated Seals: Over time, the seals around insulated glass units can deteriorate, accumulating moisture and condensation between the glass layers. This not only obstructs visibility but also compromises the insulating properties of the glass. Replacing the glass units resolves condensation issues and restores optimal insulation.
  • Obsolete Technology: Smart glass technology has revolutionized how commercial spaces manage light and privacy. By electronically adjusting transparency, smart glass eliminates the need for curtains or blinds and allows precise control over lighting levels. Upgrading to smart glass can enhance functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics.
  • Business Expansion: Expanding your commercial space or altering its layout might require adding new windows or resizing existing ones. Glass replacement ensures that the new windows seamlessly integrate into the expanded space, maintaining design continuity.
  • Structural Changes: As your business evolves, you might decide to reconfigure your space’s layout. This could involve relocating or resizing windows to align with the new layout. Replacing the glass to accommodate structural changes ensures a harmonious and functional transition.
  • Excessive Condensation: Excessive condensation on glass surfaces indicates poor insulation, ventilation, or humidity control. If left unaddressed, it can lead to mold growth and deterioration of surrounding materials. Replacing the glass with more energy-efficient options helps eliminate condensation problems and improves indoor air quality.
  • Interior Renovations: During interior renovations, the layout and design of your commercial space might change significantly. As a result, window types, sizes, or placements need to be adjusted to align with the new design aesthetic and spatial arrangement.
  • Accidental Damage: Accidental damage can occur during routine maintenance or repair activities. This damage might compromise the glass’s integrity, appearance, or functionality. Timely replacement restores the glass’s original condition and functionality, preventing potential safety risks or further deterioration.

These comprehensive explanations delve into the intricate reasons behind the need for commercial glass replacement, encompassing many concerns, from aesthetics and energy efficiency to security and compliance. Replacing glass when necessary ensures that your commercial space remains inviting, functional, and up-to-date.

Now, here is a look at what you can expect with commercial glass replacement: 

  • Assessment and Measurement: A team of skilled professionals will arrive at your commercial property to assess the condition of the damaged glass. They’ll take precise measurements of the dimensions, considering factors like width, height, and thickness. This step is crucial to ensure the replacement glass fits perfectly and functions correctly within the existing frame.
  • Glass Selection: After the assessment, you’ll engage in a thorough discussion with the glass replacement team. They will present you with various glass options, each with its own characteristics, such as energy efficiency, UV protection, and tint. You’ll consider the specific requirements of your commercial space, your aesthetic preferences, and the functionality you need from the replacement glass.
  • Quote and Agreement: Once you’ve chosen the type of glass and other specifications, the glass replacement company will provide you with a detailed quote. This quote will encompass all costs, including materials, labor, potential permits, and additional expenses. Upon your agreement, the project can move forward.
  • Ordering Materials: With your approval, the glass replacement company will order the chosen glass materials. Depending on the type and specifications of the glass, this might involve custom manufacturing. The materials will be sourced from reputable suppliers to ensure quality and reliability.
  • Preparation: The replacement team will begin preparing the area around the damaged glass for replacement. They’ll place protective coverings over nearby surfaces to prevent damage or debris from affecting the surrounding environment.
  • Safety Measures: The safety of the commercial space’s replacement team and occupants is a priority. The team members will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and potentially hard hats. If necessary, they’ll set up safety barriers to restrict access to the work area.
  • Glass Removal: The team will carefully and systematically detach the damaged glass from its frame using specialized tools designed for glass removal. They’ll take precautions to avoid further damage to the frame, surrounding materials, or the rest of the structure.
  • Surface Cleaning: The frame and adjacent surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared once the old glass is removed. This ensures a clean and smooth surface for installing the new glass.
  • Sealing and Weatherproofing: Depending on the specific requirements of your commercial property and the type of frame, the replacement team may apply sealants and weatherproofing materials to the frame. This step helps prevent air and water leaks, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the replacement glass.
  • Glass Installation: With meticulous precision, the replacement team will position the new glass within the frame. They’ll ensure that the glass fits snugly and aligns perfectly, maintaining the intended functionality and aesthetics of the commercial space.
  • Securing the Glass: To hold the new glass securely in place, the team will employ appropriate methods such as adhesive tapes, clips, or mechanical fasteners. These securing techniques will be chosen based on the glass type and frame used.
  • Quality Check: Thoroughly examining the newly installed glass, the replacement team will look for defects, imperfections, or misalignments. This meticulous quality check is essential to deliver a flawless result.
  • Cleaning and Finishing: After the glass is securely installed, the team will clean it meticulously to remove any smudges, fingerprints, or residues from the installation process. This step guarantees a clear and unobstructed view through the glass.
  • Reassembling: If any parts or hardware were removed during the replacement process, such as window handles or locks, the team will reassemble them carefully to restore the full functionality of the glass.
  • Final Inspection: A final inspection will verify that the glass is firmly in place, perfectly aligned, and meets the high-quality standards set by the glass replacement company.
  • Testing: For windows and doors, functional testing is crucial. The team will open and close the glass panels to ensure smooth operation and proper fit. This testing confirms that the glass replacement doesn’t compromise the original functionality.
  • Cleanup: Once the replacement process is complete, the work area will undergo a thorough cleaning. Any debris, dust, or remnants from the installation will be cleared away, leaving the commercial space neat.
  • Client Walkthrough: A knowledgeable representative from the glass replacement company will guide you through the completed work. They’ll address any questions or concerns you might have about the replacement process, the new glass, or the maintenance of the glass in the future.
  • Documentation: As part of the final handover, you’ll receive detailed documentation on the replacement glass. This might include warranties for both the glass and the installation work, care instructions to ensure the glass’s longevity, and any relevant information about the glass’s specifications.
  • Payment and Feedback: With your satisfaction confirmed, you’ll make the agreed-upon payment for the services rendered. Additionally, the glass replacement company might request your feedback on the overall experience, which will contribute to their continuous improvement efforts.

This comprehensive and detailed process guarantees a successful and well-executed commercial glass replacement, enhancing aesthetics, functionality, and overall satisfaction.

Need Help With Your Commercial Glass Windows? Northern Utah Glass is Here For You!

Whether you need new commercial glass windows, glass repairs, or anything in between, the professionals at Northern Utah Glass are here to help.

Northern Utah Glass is your reliable source for top-notch glass solutions in Northern Utah. Our values of trust, hard work, and honesty drive us to ensure safety, customer satisfaction, energy efficiency, and affordability. We specialize in high-quality residential and commercial window and glass installation and repair services in Davis, Weber, and Salt Lake County. For your free quote, to schedule a free, in-home estimate, or to learn more, contact our trusted team online or at 801-528-2800 today.