Commercial Storefront Windows

Storefront windows represent an entryway to a retail store located on the ground floor of a commercial building. They are usually comprised of at least one display window (glass) with the purpose of attracting visual attention to the merchandise inside.

Hardware

Various types of hardware come with the package or are available as replacements, let us take a look at some of the most common, for both doors and windows.

Handles – for doors, various sizes of pull handles are preferred. This is because they are the easiest to use and allow customers easy access when their hands are full. Usually, the windows are fixed and cannot open. If, however, this is not the case, handles that allow tilt (and maybe turn) are preferred.

Hinges – in both windows and doors, the most popular choices are bronze or stainless steel, as material for hinges. The color is chosen to blend in with the environment.

Door closers – hydraulic entrance door closers are a popular choice for the convenience they provide. Automatic door closing is a huge plus for customer’s easy access whether they have their hands full or not. This hardware can accommodate most door materials.

Color

The general rule here is to attract your customers’ attention. This is usually done by creating a strong contrast from the rest of the building. Vibrant colors are usually the norm since they can easily turn a head or two, but neutral colors like white and darker shades also have their uses. White may be used for hair saloons for example.

Glass

A wide variety of options are available, depending on your most important objective. If you are interested in security above all else then any one of tempered, laminated, plexiglass, or security glass is a good option. Reducing utility bills can be done with coated and tinted or insulated glass. In terms of visibility, clear is recommended if you want to expose your products to potential customers and create a vibrant environment. In opposition to this, frosted or tinted glass is used to maintain privacy inside the store, while still allowing natural light in.

Frames

The materials used in window frames dictate its thickness, weight, durability, and design. Thermal characteristics are also an important factor to consider. Let us take a look at some of the most popular choices:

Aluminium frames – durable, strong, and light, a popular choice for most storefront frames. A high-performance finish can also be applied to increase durability even more and ensure low-maintenance overtime. In terms of energy efficiency, thermal breaks are necessary for optimum performance.

Wood frames – a traditional option preferred for its wide availability and natural beauty that create a welcoming, warm atmosphere in your store. Thicker wood frames provide better insulation, but the problem with wood is that it is not very durable and is susceptible to rot.

Vinyl frames – also known as PVC, a very versatile material with performance comparable to aluminium. They require little maintenance and have good moisture resistance. An overall balanced option in terms of cost and performance, that has become popular in recent years.

Commercial storefront windows are installed in commercial and residential buildings, turning large portions of the first floor into windows. They broaden the landscapes and allow the viewing of exposed merchandise for potential customers.

Pros

• Added beauty and functionality through transparency
• Great lighting by natural light
• Make your products seen by potential customers
• Weather-resistant
• High versatility

Cons

• Regular maintenance needed
• Requires thermal brakes for heating efficiency
• Mid-range prices

Storefront windows are perfect for new commercial projects, mainly due to performance and modern design. Glass adds a welcoming environment to any retail space, making customers feel comfortable and at ease. You would attract their attention to the displayed products especially if your business is located in a downtown area.

Most suppliers also offer installation services, so you do not need to worry about this. If, for various reasons this is option is not available to you, we have compiled a few steps to help you (you should also watch the video for better understanding). Do not forget to check the instruction manual that came with your windows for an even more detailed approach.

Step 1 – determine reference points

Using either bench marks or offset lines, mark the reference lines in both the exterior and interior planes to ensure that you know where to install the frame.

Step 2 – unpack the frame

Handling it with care, unpack everything in the frame package.

Step 3 – install the frame

Drill anchor locations into the surrounding structure using the pre-drilled frame holes as guides and anchor the frame in its place, ensuring both types of holes match (pre-drilled and drilled).

Step 4 – glazing

Make sure to avoid contact with metal objects and do not set the glass direct down to the floor. Center the glass in the frame and carefully set it into the setting blocks. Snap in glazing beads on all sides and then install glazing gaskets.

Step 5 – finishing

Fill the gaps around the frame with insulating material and pack as tightly as possible. Clean glass units using appropriate glass cleaning products.

As a general idea to keep in mind, prices start from $10-$15 per square foot and are highly dependent on several factors:

• The quality of the windows. This refers to the general manufacturing quality your supplier provides both to the frame and glass itself.
• The size of the windows. Storefront windows usually have large glass panels, but specific measurements need to be made to make sure they fit in your wall opening.
• Quantity of windows. This is highly dependent on the size of your store or commercial place. Consult with your supplier as to what option is best for you, many smaller panels or fewer but larger ones?
• Frame material. Depending on the climate and type of business you have a few options available to you that will impact the overall price. Aluminium is a popular choice in the mid-range price options.

This is usually done with professional-grade cleaning products.

Here are the usual steps that need to be repeated for every panel.

Step 1 – Dilute the cleaning product in water in the appropriate proportions stated on the label. A two to one ratio is generally used for those types of products

Step 2 – Spray the cleaning solution onto the window/door.

Step 3 – Use a scraper to remove any sort of debris.

Step 4 – Clean and dry off the glass with a piece of clean cloth.

In a dryer environment, tempera is usually the product used. Alternatively, acrylic paint is also a good option. We recommend having the paints done by professionals for maximum gains.

Ugly or failed designs will come off as off-putting for customers so they are not desirable, even more so if are going for holiday paintings.

If you want to try it yourself, here is what you should keep in mind:

Prepare – an important step, make sure your windows are clean before starting. When choosing a cleaning product, make sure it is not dust or water repellent, as it may also repel paint.

Acrylic and Tempera – both are good options but keep in mind that tempera is more likely to peel off than acrylics and it is generally more transparent.

Brushes – for smaller sections, foam brushes are a good option. A roller brush will provide a clean look for larger areas. Keep in mind that it is very hard to make your paint look streak-free when light shines on it.

Removal – moisturize the paint for a few minutes and scrape the paint off with a razor blade if you want to remove the paint.

Depending on the location, you will have different needs, for example, the glass you choose may have a big impact on appearance and customer satisfaction.

Here are some factors you should consider:

Security – while large glass panels provide a clear view of your products, it also provides additional entry points into your store and a weak point against the elements. To make sure your shop is protected, you can opt for security or tempered glass.

Energy efficiency – large glass areas invite large amounts of sunlight into your interior, heating it up and forcing your air conditioner to ‘work’ harder. Opting for double-paned windows and insulation gas is a good solution to prevent this.

Appearance – all sorts of options to improve your store’s look exist. Stained glass used to incorporate certain colors, using dividers for a charming old word appearance and more.

Privacy – for office businesses (or medical), you will have people working on the first floor that may not want to be in plain sight from the outside. To prevent this, you can use frosted glass, a less transparent, more private option. It does not block sunlight, so you don’t have to worry about lighting.

You will find most Chinese suppliers in one of those 3 regions: Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong.

You can take a look at our guide for more information on this matter.

For a quick look, you can check one of the following:

• Georgebuildings
• Made in China
• Alibaba

We understand that some international clients are reluctant to try our products, but we ensure that traditional design and perfect modern functionality awaits you, in our storefront windows.

Clear lines, large panels, and expert manufacturing will ensure that your store receives maximum amounts of natural light.

What we guarantee:

• Security glass that will ensure your property is protected from the weather and assailers to a certain degree
• Official quotation for your project
• Highest quality building materials supply offered by our international partners