As we go through our daily activities and errands, many of us use commercial glass doors without even thinking about it.
The storefronts of our favorite shops, the cozy table overlooking the street in our go-to restaurant, or the sleek entry of a new office building—each of these features commercial glass. If you’re opening one of these places of business, or even remodeling, you might be wondering how to go about installing commercial glass. If that is you, read on.
What is Commercial Glass?
Commercial glass is formed using a six-step process to create a soda-lime-silica combination glass. Different applications of glass will also have additional chemicals added to change the property of the glass. In much the same way that different metallic compounds can be added to molten glass to create the colors of stained glass, iron and chromium can be used to create green-tinted commercial glass.
The main difference between commercial glass and residential glass is the thickness, with commercial being thicker. Where the typical residential glass thickness is 1/8”, commercial glass is usually ¼” thick, but can be as much as 1” thick. Some common types of commercial glass applications are tempered glass, float glass (clear or tinted), laminated glass, and coated glass. High impact security glass is another option that can withstand more pressure than the other types of glass, which is ideal for areas that experience heavy storms.
When to Use Commercial Glass
One of the main benefits of using commercial glass in a building is increased light. The value of natural light in a building is virtually undisputed, with one study showing that commercial real estate with no windows leases for 20 percent less than spaces with windows. Using commercial glass doors also allows customers to see into your business, creating a welcoming and inviting entrance.
Additionally, properly installed glass doors are low-maintenance and will last for years. You can easily clean them, and they don’t require any painting or staining like wood or metal doors might. Most commercial doors of glass are framed with aluminum as well, adding to their durability and ease of maintenance.
Glass Doors Installation
Unless you’re a better than average DIYer, installing a commercial glass door is best left to the experts. For one thing, these doors are often custom-made to fit both the application and the location of the project. Some pre-assembled glass doors are available, but even these will require carefully positioning the door; checking the existing wall to make sure it’s both plumb and square; mounting the door; caulking and sealing; checking for light leaks; and so on. Glass doors are heavy, and require more than one person to lift and install them properly, as well as the proper equipment to prevent breaking the glass.
Call in the Pros at Northern Utah Glass
If you’re ready to add commercial glass doors to your space, you can rely on the expertise and experience of our teams at Northern Utah Glass. Based out of Ogden, Utah, we provide installation and repair services in Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake counties with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction. For a free quote or in-home estimate, contact us today!