Whether it’s a school, hospital, or a government building, selecting an effective fenestration system has always been a challenge. Most common fenestration systems for large non-residential projects include curtain walls and storefront system. What is storefront windows? Storefront is non-load bearing system that involves windows and an entrance system that extents between the floor and the top part of structure. It is a fine blend of steel reinforced PVC frames and glass that can easily bear strong, repetitive use and remain to be weather resistant. Unlike curtain wall system, storefront cannot bear the structural load and spans for only 2-3 stores of the structure. Nonetheless it combines aesthetics and energy efficiency as well as large glass panes that allow to showcase products very well. Are commercial windows more expensive than residential? In most cases commercial buildings require windows of a larger size than residential projects. Also, many builders choose to install colored Tilt and Turn windows for which increases their costs but simultaneously increase the value of property. Many homeowners decide to purchase regular white windows for residential projects which cost less than colored ones. This can explain the generalization about higher prices of commercial European windows when compared to residential ones.
Can I Use Storefront Windows in a Residential Buildings
Yes of course. But, before doing so, check your local building code. Storefront windows are large windows. As such, it is important to take inconsideration the direction the windows are facing. An optimized window order can lead to overheating and disbalance the heating system of the house or unit. It is also important to choose the right level of visual transmittance and solar heat gain coefficient.
If large windows are utilized, it is recommended that you choose a good level soundproofing to prevent comfort issues. Another problem may be glare. Noticeably uncomfortable glare starts to occur with a reflection rate of 20% and above. This can be a problem as during the night, inside, the windows can turn into mirrors. Some storefront windows use highly reflective glazing. It is great in the day time, when it is brighter outside than inside. High reflection, in the daytime, can drastically improve your privacy and comfort. We offer up to 30-45% reflection. However, high reflection out also means high reflection in. This can be uncomfortable after the sun goes down. High glare on the windows can reflect light from televisions and other lit objects inside. The easiest way to solve this is with blinds or curtains or drapes.
Purpose & Benefits The success of any business depends on the number of customers the store can draw. Store’s purpose is to sell products and when there are not enough visitors, the price or quality of products do not make much of an impact. A well designed display and beautiful window display can draw customers. Entrance door is the first thing customers would see when they enter the store, s o it is important to make it look attractive and welcoming. Glass windows and PVC doors of a storefront system make the first and a great impression to potential customers. Windows are the most essential part of this system that provide a premium look to the entire building. Similar to the popular phrase; “eyes are the mirror to the soul”, storefront windows are the eyes to the business. While protecting the store and customers from weather condition, the system allows a lot of natural light inside while keeping it at a set temperature due to thermal performance of the windows.
1. Visibility Store owners are also able to customize the transparency of the glass. Storefront entrance is the most valuable place of a store. If a store owner does not pay attention to it, then customers might not pay attention as well. A perfect balance of transparency increases the value and energy efficiency of the store.
2. Energy Savings Right combination of glazing option can help the property owners to balance reduction in energy consumption with visual transparency of the glass. Commercial windows often take a large portion of the wall, so it is important to optimize the amount of heat loss while keeping storefront display attractive. GL Advanced Windows offers triple glazed energy-efficient windows and doors to ensure that customers’ needs are being met and that they received a high level of thermal insulation. 3. Durability GL Advanced Windows offers very durable and high quality products with a 25 years of limited warranty. Our products are highly weather resistant and serve well in territories with harsh weather conditions. Storefront system require to adhere to high building standards and we have all certifications to provide storefront windows for such commercial projects. The hardware options that is used in the storefront glass windows and entrance doors are manufactured in Germany and is made to withstand harsh weather conditions as well as excessive usage.
4. Comfort GL Advanced Windows offers different upgrades that can make the atmosphere in the store more comfortable. In addition to sun heat gain control glazing option, we offer a variety of soundproofing upgrades for the storefront system. They help to minimize the outside noise and make the in-store environment more relaxing. Such acoustic insulation would be especially beneficial in urban areas with loud traffic noise that can affect the way customers feel inside the building. Storefront windows are tested according to stringent standards of air, water, and thermal performance by North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS). There are certain limitations in the characteristics of storefront systems as administrated by NAFS:
- Distance from floor to the must be less than or equal to 10 feet
- Length of the mullions should be less than 20 feet
- Only installed at floors closer to ground
- 1 inch of insulating glass in glazing pockets
- Re-glazing must be possible
- Conduct maintenance regularly
PVC profiles with steel reinforcement perform just as well as aluminum framing but require much less maintenance. Choosing storefront system that GL Advanced Windows offers can make the life of the property owners much easier as they would get beautiful and functional products and would not need to worry about maintenance. Windows consist of tree glass panels with Argon gas in between to maximize energy efficiency. In addition to offering three glass panes instead of two like many other companies, we use two low-e glass panes to take a better control over sun heat gain. This allows us to prevent overheating if windows face South or West. Retail storefront display windows are meant to serve several specific purposes. First of all, like any windows, they need to allow a lot of natural light into the room. For commercial buildings it is especially crucial since lighting affects the way customers see displayed products. Light atmosphere can also help customers to feel more comfortable and relaxed, enjoying shopping experience. Second purpose is to attract customers by showcasing retail products and presenting them in the best possible way. Many stores and shops that are located in areas with high foot traffic gain most of their clientele by grasping their attention with appealing display what they have to offer.
Not only are storefront windows the most visible part of your store, but they are also the most expensive. Choosing the right windows for your store will provide a unique and beautiful look to your store. You will not only be able to save money, but you will also be adding value to your store. Retail storefront windows also come in different styles. There are many options available to a business owner. Choosing the right type of storefront window is very important, because it will provide your customers with the experience that they are looking for when they enter your store. There are many different materials to choose from when you purchase window treatments for your storefront. UPVC storefront windows will continue to perform well and look attractive for a long period of time. Choosing a color of the exterior part of the window frame can draw attention to displayed products and attract customers to the store.
How to reduce glare on storefront windows
Glare can be a big problem, especially for storefront windows. Regular two low e glass panes with cardinal glass 272 -180 would have a reflection percentage of 17-18%. Standard triple pane windows with no low-e panes would have 21% reflection. This is all too high for a good storefront window. For storefront windows, you are going to want the lowest percentage of glare. Reflective glass in a storefront is undesirable as it does what you do not want a storefront window to do. Specifically, you want you storefront window to be very see-through and in this way display your products. As such, reflective windows with higher than a 17% reflection rate are not recommended. Instead of displaying the products inside, reflective windows do the opposite, they act as a mirror on the outside in the day. Reflective windows also have another problem, they reflect from the inside at night. This is not comfortable if you are working inside as the windows become mirrors. To best fix this issue you can hang blinds or curtains. But, this is not subjected for storefronts as bladed can indicate that the shop is closed and discourage customers from entering.
We offer windows specifically designed for storefronts. They have a reflection percentage of only 13-14%. This might not seam like a big deference from what others offer but a percentage drop of even 4% can decrease the overall glare by over 20-22%. This is a noticeable difference. We also use two low-e glass panes which help increase the energy efficiency of the windows. We have many different options and depending on your situation and budget, we can work out the perfect solution for you.
How much do storefront windows cost
The prices are starting from $ 20-25 per sqft and depends on several factors:
– the quality of the windows
This is a large factor that greatly impacts the final price of the windows. As an example, the price difference (based on quality) between a single pane thin plastic window and a quadruple pane window with maximum soundproofing and ultra thick glass may be up to $20 of dollars per sqft. But, a sweet spot exists, our triple pane windows have premium quality for a budget friendly price.
– the size of the windows
This is also a large contributing factor. As logical as it is, large windows, as an example, will cost more than small windows. However, the prime difference between small and large windows is not the only deciding factor. For example, a high-end black wood window, even be it small, will cost more than even a large dual pane vinyl window.
– The quantity of windows
This is an important factor. The less you order the more you would unfortunately have to pay for the windows. This is not the biggest deciding factor but it can play a small role.
– Upgrade chosen
We offer several different upgrades. Many being soundproofing, reflective glazing optimization, and sun protection upgrades. These can change the way the window(s) behave and can be very useful in many scenarios. For example, if you live near a loud highway, we could offer you soundproofing optimized for your situation. This can be a very noticeable improvement and may end up making your house much more comfortable. For the soundproofing, we offer 6 levels of protection. This way, you have a much better range to choose from. Another example: if you live in the middle of a city, you might also want reflective glazing optimized for the house. This offers plenty of privacy and can improve your overall comfort in the house. On the other hand, highly reflective windows have lots of glare. This is very visible at night when there is no sunlight. The most effective way to reduce or limit the glare is to cover the window with blades or curtains from the inside. This is relatively cheap but highly effective. Another example: if you live in a very hot region with intense sunlight, you would want to get sun heat protection. This However these options may cost you 5 – 15% more.
Add another example based on sun protection. Add low glare- not more than 5% more. But black windows may be risky in hot climate.
How much to replace storefront windows
This is not a very easy task. To reduce the cost of the replacement, it is recommended that you choose full height or full width sections. This can help you save up 50% on future installation cost. It is also recommend that you choose a crew with lower qualification. The result will be basically the same as if you hired an experienced team. This design option also limits the amount of mistakes someone can make. Mistakes made in the installation process are also not very noticeable after the installation. This reduces time on installation. This is especially important for newly removed window sites.
How to install storefront windows
For this, it is import to follow the instructions from the supplier as small product differences may require different procedures.
For storefront windows, it is recommended that you stay away from windows with a T or cross connection point. These types of designs often make the make the window have concentrated tension at one point. This is can elevate the risk of leakages and faster deterioration. So, it is better to have a full height door without a transom window on top. This also makes the doors look and feel much better can help you save money, reduce any risks, and greatly save you on labor costs.
The instillation process starts with the framing. This and everything else for the build should be done according to your local building code. This is because different regions require different methods for installation to prevent avoidable troubles. We can offer windows made to be installed from the inside, outside or even to be installed in the middle of the wall. We do this to make sure that we can meet any requirements of the customer.
We recommend hireling an experienced crew for managing the installation process. As for the workers themselves, you can cut down on the labor cost. This process and team work is efficient and reliable. If you are planning to install them yourself, we recommend using suction-cup handles for transporting the window. They are easy to use and can save you time and effort. We can even soppy them to you under request.
How to install aluminum storefront windows
Aluminum storefront windows have a very similar installation process as upvc windows have.
How to clean storefront windows & how to clean storefront doors
Cleaning store front windows and doors is not very complicated. It can be done in just a few steps:
1) Wet the glass
For this, you can use an applicator or simple a cloth cloth/rag wet in a cleaning solution.
2) Remove the fingerprints and debris
This can be done with a strong rag or cloth. Just wipe off the finger prints and debris in way that feels comfortable for you.
3) Wipe off the water and cleaning solution from the glass
There are several methods to do this but it simply comes down to what your preference is. For this step, many use a squeegee or simple and tough but absorbent towel.
4) Detail the edges of the window or door
This is a relatively optional step. But, for a better look it is worth doing it. Using a dry towel or cloth wipe the edges of the window or door in one motion per side. Remove the excess water from the bottom of the window and or door.
How to clean storefront windows & how to clean storefront doors
Cleaning store front windows and doors is not very complicated. It can be done in just a few steps:
1) Wet the glass
For this, you can use an applicator or simple a cloth cloth/rag wet in a cleaning solution.
2) Remove the fingerprints and debris
This can be done with a strong rag or cloth. Just wipe off the finger prints and debris in way that feels comfortable for you.
3) Wipe off the water and cleaning solution from the glass
There are several methods to do this but it simply comes down to what your preference is. For this step, many use a squeegee or simple and tough but absorbent towel.
4) Detail the edges of the window or door
This is a relit ivy optional step. But, for a better look it is worth doing it. Using a dry towel or cloth wipe the edges of the window or door in one motion per side. Remove the excess water from the bottom of the window and or door.
How long does it take to clean storefront windows
Cleaning store front windows does not take long. The amount it will take you to clean the windows depending on the amount of windows you have to clean, the amount of experience you have, and weather or not you clean the inside and outside. Generally it will take around 5-10 min per large window. However, if you are a professional, it may take you much less.
How long does it take to clean storefront windows
Cleaning store front windows does not take long. The amount it will take you to clean the windows depending on the amount of windows you have to clean, the amount of experience you have, and weather or not you clean the inside and outside. Generally it will take around 5-10 min per large picture or tilt and turn windows. However, if you are a professional, it may take you much less.
How to window painting for storefronts
How to paint storefront windows?
Before painting storefront windows, it is important to choose the right type of paint. Generally, Acrylic is the best option. It is easily to find and will stay on well.
For the painting process itself, we recommend you to hire someone with lots of experience. Because storefront windows are very visible, it is important to make sure that the art is in the correct proportions and without mistakes. If you are yourself good at painting, then window painting should not be a very big issue. We also recommend having the widow washed before you apply any paint. Also, after that, use rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any even invisible traces of oil. This will just help ensure that the final product is as good as it can be.
Storefront Windows in Commercial and Residential Buildings 170 GL82 GL82
