Choosing Glass for Your Storefront

If you own a business with a storefront, then you probably think that you only have one choice when it comes to glass. However, there isn't any standard type of glass for storefronts, and you can easily choose among several types to achieve the look, privacy, and security that you desire for your business. Here are some of the most common types of commercial glass and how you can use them.

Clear Glass

Clear glass is one of the most common choices for storefronts. It allows a clear view of everything inside the front of the store. Clear glass is perfect if you want to allow people to see the inside of your store and show off your merchandise. However, by itself, it does not offer much privacy or security, and it does not block sunlight or insulate against the cold.

Tinted and Glazed Glass

Tinted or glazed glass is great for creating a certain look for your storefront while protecting it from the sun. There are several types of glazes and coatings available that can either keep heat or cold out but also help maintain the interior temperature of your store.

Insulated Glass

Insulated glass is another way to keep cold and hot temperatures from passing through either inside or outside the store. Often, insulated glass is known by the name "double-pane glass" and is prioritized in many parts of the country. On top of being double-paned, each pane is individually glazed to further reduce heat loss and insulation.

Security and Tempered Glass

If you have clear glass, then you may wish to add a window security gate if you have highly desirable merchandise. If this is not practical, then you should invest in glass coated with a security film or tempered glass. Both types of glass are designed to fracture and not shatter during impact, making it more difficult for a thief to break into your business.

Frosted Glass

Frosted glass is excellent if you have office space that you want to keep private, or if you have a store that contains items that you can't show in a public setting. Frosted glass is designed to let the light show through but opaque enough that people can't look in from outside. You can even customize it to look a certain way while still being functional.

The type of glass you need depends on your business as well as your privacy needs. You can mix up different types depending on the amount of protection and the look you desire. If you are not sure about what type of glass you want for your storefront, or you want to have your glass custom-designed for your store, then contact a commercial glass installation service, such as Boulevard Glass & Metal Inc, to see what types of glass will work.