Whether designing a new store or revamping an older one, commercial establishments must leave good impressions on people to keep them coming back. From the paint to the layout, everything matters when ensuring a significant and impactful appearance. Windows may seem insignificant but they can play a huge role about how your building looks.
How a window system looks can make or break a storefront. Placement is easier to figure out, but choosing the kind of storefront glass to use might be a lot trickier. It may not seem like a big deal, but the type of storefront glass you use matters.
Why Does the Type of Storefront Glass Matter?
Choosing glass for your windows seems like a no-brainer since you want to show off what you’re selling or offering. But of course, the primary function of a window is to let in light. Still, it has other purposes that range from purely aesthetic to merchandising functionality.
- Appeal
When it comes to attracting customers, looks do matter. Therefore, your establishment must have a welcoming feel to it. You should consider the glass type that works best with the image you try to portray and give off.
- Function
Aside from aesthetics, your windows must have a good purpose. Do you want it to be solely for brightness? Or maybe for safety and security? You must consider these things when choosing a storefront glass.
The Types of Storefront Glass to Consider
When choosing storefront glass, you must consider the functions of each type first. Do this to maximize the effect you would like to have. To help you, here is a list of the five types of storefront glass you could choose from:
1. Clear or Transparent Glass
This type of glass is a common, simple, and traditional choice of a storefront window. This has two main purposes: to let in light and showcase products and merchandise in the store.
This type of glass can also showcase what’s going on inside the store, enticing customers to come in. It gives the store a lovely and spacious feel which will make establishments feel welcoming and warm.
2. Tinted or Coated Glass
This type of glass is also a simple choice of glass for a storefront window. Still, the tint on the glass gives off an air of privacy while not compromising the transparency a window provides.
This type of glass works very well in establishments where the sun shines on most of the day. The tint or coating on the glass can block UV rays and keeps the store keep cool.
Tinted glass also helps at night, a much as it does during the day. Tinted glass can look quite dark during the nighttime, providing an extra layer of security to your store. Tints and coats can vary in shade, color, or depth. You can choose these elements accordingly.
3. Frosted Glass
This type of glass functions similarly to tinted or coated glass, but it has a different look and feel. This is because the frost of the glass acts like how the tint works in coated glass.
It also gives off an air of privacy and professionalism. Even if it gives privacy, it still offers an atmosphere of brightness to storefronts. It allows natural light in while blocking the heat. For those considering both privacy and brightness, frosted glass is a valuable and recommended option.
4. Safety Glass
This type of glass is an umbrella term for multiple types of glass that provide both security and protection. It could be frosted, tinted, or even clear glass. The difference it has from regular glass types is the fact that it is very durable.
Blunt force, hard hits, or debris would not break this type of glass easily. It is made to endure situations where glass typically breaks, which is why it is such a popular choice of glass. Safety glass can also deliver other benefits depending on what subtype they are.
A few types of safety glass are the following:
- Security glass – a type of glass that could withstand projectiles, bullets, and more. It could be strengthened to protect vulnerable parts of the establishment.
- Wired glass – this type of glass with a wire mesh embedded inside. It is fire resistant and retains the broken pieces in case the glass breaks.
- Laminated glass – this type helps in soundproofing and prevents UV light. It keeps itself together when broken.
- Tempered glass – a type of glass that is toughened using thermal processes. It is very tough and hard to shatter. If it does, it breaks into small, harmless pieces and not jagged, sharp shards.
Insulated Glass
This type of glass aims to provide insulation. It helps your HVAC system prevent energy loss. It could function properly while appearing just like clear glass. It has a few subtypes such as:
- Gas-filled glass
- Treated glass
- Dual-pane glass
Need Excellent Phoenix Metro Area Based Glass Services?
Talk to the glass experts of Glass King for more information on how you can install or repair your storefront glass or any commercial glass. If you want to read more about what we do, click here!
For questions or to schedule a service, give us a call at 480-389-5656 or email us at info@glassking.com.
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