Commercial and Storefront Glass Repair & Replacement

Commercial Glass Repair: Things Florida Business Owners Need to Know

Common Commercial Glass Issues

Storefront window breaks happen because of different reasons compared to home windows—damage from break-ins, carts, delivery vehicles backing in too close to the building, and storm debris are among the most common causes we deal with. Broken windows and doors are both a security concern and an aesthetic one: they bring a security risk and can lead to further damage if somebody gets hurt from broken edges. Foggy or discolored glass in an old storefront building is usually a sign of seal failure, not a sign of an unclean window. In some cases, the glass is not broken, but the business just wants to change its appearance. If the aluminum frame is in good condition, it is typically quicker and less expensive to replace just the glass than the entire system. Full storefront replacement is necessary only if the frame is warped or corroded or is being replaced due to a larger remodeling at a number of commercial properties or is being standardized for the same type of glass in multiple buildings of the same landlord. Timeframes vary depending on availability of materials, difficulty of the installation, and replacement requirements, specifically if we deal with glass replacement or full system replacement.

Commercial Glass Types

Most commercial storefronts and doors use tempered glass, which is compulsory as stated in regulations for most first-floor applications, and breaks into small blunt pieces. Laminated glass keeps its form even after it breaks, which is preferred by shops located in riskier places or the ones that want to insulate sound. Insulated glass units reduce heat transfer and, as long as the seal is intact, eliminate fogging. This is more important for offices and restaurants with constant HVAC work, since a failed seal increases energy costs before fog becomes visible.

Similarities and Differences in Commercial and Residential Glass Repair

Various Materials Used in Commercial and Residential Glass

Due to the high traffic at commercial storefronts, their glass is of higher grade than the glass from windows, as it tends to be thicker, more often laminated, and larger in panel size, made of aluminum-framed systems supporting structures that residential frames were not made for. In case of residential sliding glass door repair, there will be one pane of glass that needs replacing, while in commerce, there may be a complete replacement of the storefront and multiple matching panels that need to work together according to energy codes.

Differences of Glass Job and the Time Needed to Complete It

When it comes to broken storefronts, a fast repair matters since the opening creates a security problem and loses revenue for every hour it stays that way. Namely, the repairs will be performed according to business hours instead of being performed around the availability of the owner.

Commercial projects are also more likely to involve a property owner or manager, require permits for larger structural work, and need coordination across multiple locations if the business has more than one storefront.