There is a lot to know about commercial glass windows, and we’re filling you in on all of the details with our total guide.
If you own a commercial property, you are probably interested in ways you can lower your daily operating costs and how to increase property value. One of the best ways to do this is to swap out old windows with more energy-efficient commercial glass.
Today’s guide to commercial glass windows reviews various types of commercial glass, tips for general maintenance, benefits of proper care, and the best place to find your commercial windows.
Continue reading to learn more below.
Types of Commercial Glass Windows
With today’s improved technology and exciting advances, commercial glass windows can be made in more ways than before! Regular glass, like that used in homes and some office buildings, is not the same glass that is used in various commercial buildings like skyscrapers.
Common glass types used for commercial windows include:
- Gas-filled
- Single, double, and triple-pane
- Tempered
- Tinted
- Impact- and crack-resistant
- Bulletproof
- Reflective
Some common commercial glass specifications include:
- Heat loss and gain control
- Shading and sun control
- Visual treatments
- Thermal regulation for your comfort
- Noise suppression
- Ultraviolet control
- Color effects
- Energy requirements
- Condensation control
- Waterproofing
- and more!
The Best Windows for Store Fronts
Your storefront is your best advertising asset that needs to draw people in and increase the number of word-of-mouth referrals you receive. There are many options out there, but here are some storefront features you may want to consider for your windows:
- Security and Tempered Glass Windows — Discourages theft and break-ins while preventing customer injury by holding them together when broken.
- Clear Glass Windows — Allows natural light to flow in and provides a premier area to display your product.
- Frosted or Tinted Glass Windows — Allows for customer or employee privacy while still allowing some natural light and providing a unique design opportunity.
The Best Windows for Restaurants
While the food is probably the most important part of your restaurant, it is essential for your patrons to enjoy their view and for any passerby to see into your establishment to see what the talk is all about. Some of the best commercial windows for restaurants include:
- Casement Windows — These windows open in or out, allowing the sounds of nature and a temperate breeze to flow.
- Picture Windows — Perfect for premium, large-scale viewing in or out.
- Awning Windows — Awning windows hinge at the top and swing out from the bottom, allowing for viewing and ventilation.
The Best Windows for Skyscrapers and Commercial Buildings
Window glass in large commercial buildings such as high-rises or skyscrapers is designed with maintenance and safety in mind.
- Tempered Glass — Shatter and break-proof glass designed to be less damaging if it falls.
- Other Features — Other features that are ideal in commercial building windows include insulating properties, color and tinting, reflectiveness, and waterproofing.
Commercial Glass Windows Maintenance Tips
Staying on top of necessary commercial window maintenance is key. The frequency at which building managers need to clean, repair, otherwise maintain, and inspect depends on the size of the building, and the following tips can ensure windows are in tip-top shape:
- Regular Washes and Inspections — Regular commercial window washing is essential for the general care and maintenance of your windows. The more the glass is cleaned, the better they look and function, and there are more opportunities for inspections to catch minor problems before they become major issues and concerns.
- Schedule Inspections by Qualified Professionals — Yes, window washers and maintenance crews can handle surface-level inspections; however, professional inspections should be done twice yearly or seasonally, depending on your climate.
- Tackle Cracks ASAP — Small cracks and chips may not seem like a big issue, but it will not take long for them to become a significant problem. Weakened glass is likely to break further and poses a major safety concern to those in and around the structure. Small cracks may be able to be repaired; however, major damage likely requires glass replacement.
- Closely Monitor Scratches — Scratches may not be as urgent or serious as cracks and chips, but paying close attention to them is essential. In the right environment, where winds are high, and temps are low, scratches can open glass to further damage and cause eventual breakage.
- Know the Glass Type Used — Not all types of glass are created equally, nor are they treated and maintained the same way. Each glass type has slightly different guidelines for what it can and cannot tolerate. Knowing the type of glass used in your building is key to understanding the maintenance methods and repairs.
- Repair vs. Replace — Quick repair jobs may get the job done to get a damaged window stable when dealing with a minor problem. Other times, a total replacement is required right away to protect the integrity of your building and for the safety of others.
- Air and Water Penetration Tests — Your visual and professional inspections should include air and water penetration tests. These tests will help you pinpoint any present issues with your commercial glass windows so you can make quick repairs or replacements.
- Use the Right Type of Sealant — The wrong sealant can be the difference between functional windows and windows that leak and are susceptible to other types of damage. To avoid issues like this and damaged weakened glass, it is essential to use the proper materials and products for your windows.
- Maintain Your Entire Exteriors to Aid in Maintaining Your Windows — When one building component is off, it is like a domino effect. One issue affects another part of the structure, and then another, and another. Maintaining the rest of your property, such as gutter systems, your roof, surrounding trees, and more, is important to keep your windows in tip-top shape.
The Benefits of Regular Glass Maintenance
A wide range of benefits comes with routine and proper window and glass maintenance. Here are some of those:
- Safety is the #1 Priority — Regular care means a safe and secure working environment for staff; similarly, a safe environment for clients, customers, and anyone else visiting your commercial building.
- Conserve Energy — Regular inspections will help you catch efficiency issues fast, thus conserving energy and saving you money in bills.
- Structurally Sound Environment — As we mentioned above, an entire building structure is interconnected, and every component is directly correlated and may affect the next. Routine maintenance means a structurally sound environment.
- Adequate Natural Light — It is normal and expected for dirt, smog, debris, and dust to accumulate on your windows over time. Cleaning and otherwise maintaining your windows ensures that sufficient light is able to pass through them, offering two related benefits. One, employees or customers inside can benefit from natural lighting. Two, vitamin D from sunlight is essential for optimal emotional, physical, and mental well-being. These benefits mean happier, healthier, and more efficient employees.
- Looks Better — When you think of an abandoned building, one of the first characteristics you think of is likely shattered windows. It’s not a coincidence that the windows are the first to go. Keep your commercial building from looking like an eyesore with regular care.
- Prolong Your Building’s Lifespan — Skipping out on your commercial window care means significantly shortening your building’s overall lifespan. You may save a buck or two by skipping inspections and other maintenance at the moment, but it’ll cost you in the long run. Prolong your windows’ and building’s lifespan by prioritizing glass care.
- Reflect, Not Absorb — Glass covered in dirt and grime cannot adequately reflect glass. In fact, it will absorb light. Regular glass care helps improve building efficiency and allows light to select off the building and light short structures and streets below.
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.
The team at Northern Utah Glass is dedicated to supplying quality glass services and products to home and business owners in Northern Utah. Our company is built on trust, hard work, and honesty and prioritizes safety, customer satisfaction, energy efficiency, and affordability. We are committed to providing quality residential and commercial window and glass installation and repair services in Davis, Weber, and Salt Lake County in Utah.For your free quote, to schedule a free, in-home estimate, or to learn more, contact our trusted team today.