Commercial Glass Guide: Solutions for Businesses

Storefront glass is the most common commercial glass application. It includes display windows, entrance doors, and glass panels that form the front facade of retail stores, restaurants, and offices.

Office interior glass includes partitions, conference room walls, door panels, and sidelights. These applications often use tempered or laminated safety glass for code compliance.

Specialty commercial glass includes security glass for banks and jewelry stores, fire-rated glass for code compliance, sound-reducing glass for offices near busy streets, and decorative glass for hotels and restaurants.

Building codes require safety glass (tempered or laminated) in specific commercial applications including doors, sidelights, and areas near walking surfaces.

Commercial glass in high-traffic areas must meet impact resistance standards. Tempered glass breaks into small, relatively safe pieces. Laminated glass holds together when broken.

Fire-rated glass is required in certain locations per building code, including stairwells, corridors, and areas near fire walls. Fire-rated glass comes in various time ratings.

Look for a glass company with commercial experience, proper licensing, and insurance coverage for commercial projects.

Consider response time and emergency capabilities. Broken storefront glass needs immediate board-up service to protect your business.

Ask about maintenance agreements for ongoing glass care, especially for multi-location businesses with regular glass service needs.