Storefront Windows in Commercial and Residential Buildings

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 […]

Can I Use Storefront Windows in a Residential Buildings

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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

Storefront windows are perfect for new construction commercial projects due to their performance and modern design. Glass doors can add to the welcoming environment of the retail space, making customers feel at ease. Glass units of the storefront system minimizes the heat transfer and serves as a barrier between inside and outside temperatures, keeping the building at a set temperature for a longer period of time. Retail storefronts would attract customers’ attention to displayed products, especially if we are talking about downtown businesses, where the foot traffic brings in most of the customers. Such display window system are especially beneficial in commercial locations where people are interesting in buying beautiful things. Such locations could be downtown areas of large urban centers or smaller tourist attraction places. Storefront window aesthetic options can be combined with other architectural elements such as different exterior finishing or creative storefront signage with original artwork help to achieve a more memorable look. This in turn can help to attract and keep retail customers and increase the value of the business and the property.

Storefront windows are perfect for new construction commercial projects due to their performance and modern design. Glass doors can add to the welcoming environment of the retail space, making customers feel at ease. 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.

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. 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

How much do storefront windows cost

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. Add another example based on sun protection. Add low glare- not more than 5% more.

How much to replace storefront windows

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. 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

How to clean storefront windows & how to clean storefront doors

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. How long does it take to clean storefront windowsCleaning 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

How to window painting for storefronts

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.

Storefront Windows in Commercial and Residential Buildings 170 GL82 GL82

Commercial Windows

Stirling Prize Winner 2019 with Idealcombi windows

At Idealcombi we are very proud to have supplied the windows and doors for Goldsmith Street by Mikhail Riches for Norwich City Council.

Goldsmith Street is a great example of how you can build better homes that are more affordable to live in. The Idealcombi windows and doors help achieve this while having slim sightlines, long lifespan and great thermal performance.

Another great PassivHaus scheme to look out for is Agar Grove in Camden, London. Once finished, Agar Grove will be the largest passive house project in the UK.

It is the idealcore™ thermal break that allow us to design windows with equally slim, 53mm, sightlines for both inward opening and outward opening windows.

Welcome to Idealcombi UK commercial

Idealcombi has been in the UK since 2002 and during that time we have supplied windows and doors on a variety of commercial projects ranging from small one-off buildings such as a doctor’s surgery or a school to multi-million pound prestigious contracts such as the Media City, Salford for the BBC, Stirling Prize winners Goldsmith Street by Norwich City Council and Accordia Living in Cambridge.

In our family owned factory in Denmark we produce high quality, ground-breaking commercial windows meeting UK demands and legislation, delivering directly to sites all over the UK. Since the ’70s it has been our mission to improve the weakest part of the window – the frame. The timber frame normally deteriorates first. That is why we have invented idealcore™ to protect the timber, extend the overall lifespan of the window and reduce maintenance.

Quality is an essential ingredient for Idealcombi, but not the only ingredient – product aesthetics and great thermal properties are there too. In the UK we pride ourselves on professionalism amongst our employees to ensure we fully understand Architects’ designs and requirements and give feedback/advice based upon our market & constructional knowledge ensuring best communication throughout projects.

Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions regarding our products in relation to your next project. We are always happy to help.

James Hutchins
General Manager

Commercial vs. Residential Windows (Full Comparison)

What are the differences between commercial and residential windows?

Here is the short answer:

• commercial windows are built to last much longer than home windows
• different materials – vinyl vs aluminum framing materials for support
• looks – commercial windows have larger glass surface space
• price – residential windows are a lot cheaper
• efficiency – residential windows are more energy efficient

To the untrained eye, commercial and residential windows may look and function in the same way. While they do look similar, there are actually quite a few things that there are different between the two.

You can’t really expect to get good results if you try to add commercial windows in a residential setting and vice versa. So, what’s going on behind the scenes that make residential and commercial windows so different from each other?

What are the Differences In Design?

Both windows are designed to be suitable for their respective placements. Commercial windows are not only made of slightly different materials, but different structural requirements must be met as well.

There are certain ratings set by the North American Fenestration Standard that all windows must meet. For commercial windows, this includes having heavy-duty framing and reinforced glazing on the panes to withstand higher wind pressure and overall structural loads.

Residential windows don’t have any issues with high altitudes and great pressure from structural loads, so these windows have thinner glass and less reinforcing. Both commercial and residential windows are designed to excel in their own placements.

Materials

There’s also a variation in the materials used for each window type. Commercial buildings tend to be larger and accumulate heat quicker via more people and larger sunlight surface absorption.

On the other hand, residential buildings are usually less crowded and don’t create much internal heat. They have lower U-factor ratings as well to keep energy costs down.

Therefore, these types of buildings benefit from having residential windows designed to let heat enter and naturally warm up the area.

Without the right materials and glazing, commercial buildings would heat up too much, causing a spike in the cooling systems and related bills.

Looks

Another way commercial and residential windows are different is in their appearance. Commercial windows are designed to let in more light for larger spaces, like offices, schools, and other business-type buildings. More light means larger frames and overall more glass. Residential buildings have smaller spaces designated for windows, so you can see less glass and more paneling in action.

Residential windows may also use other effects like tints and geometric shapes for their look. Commercial windows tend to have simpler designs, focused more on function rather than fashion. You won’t see much paneling on commercial windows, rather there’s more glass in action.

Residential windows can come in many architectural styles for cities like Park Ridge.

Durability and Performance

It’s understandable why commercial windows need to be more durable and tougher than residential windows.

Of course, residential windows are still very strong in the sense that they’ll keep everything out in terms of the elements. But more durability against high winds can be expected from commercial-style windows.

These windows are built to last for many years without having to change them. You can usually change residential windows quickly and easily compared to commercial windows. That’s why commercial windows are built in a way where you don’t have to replace them.

On a side note, residential windows are better suited for residential areas. Even though commercial windows might last longer and are generally more durable, that doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea to switch all of your home windows to commercial quality ones. They each perform better for their settings and have features that make them more beneficial for their specific areas.

Cost

The cost of having these two types of windows installed varies greatly. Residential windows typically cost less since they usually don’t require extensive use of complex machinery to reach high areas and get everything put in the right place.

Commercial windows not only require this type of equipment but also take a longer time to get the job done.

Combine this with the fact that commercial windows are just more expensive in general due to the specialized glaze and stronger material. More time and effort, plus expensive equipment add up to larger costs for commercial windows when compared to residential windows.

Regardless of the type of window, success depends on the quality of the products and the experience of the person installing them. Whether you need residential, vinyl windows, or commercial windows, it’s important to research your contractor before moving into your project.