types of commercial glass, commercial glass choices

Discover the Power of Glass in Modern Construction

Glass has revolutionized the world of architecture, becoming a staple in residential buildings, commercial spaces, offices, and complexes. Its sleek, stylish appearance enhances any environment while offering unmatched versatility. Glass can be shaped to fit any design vision and tempered for exceptional strength.

But that's not all - commercial glass isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also an energy-efficient solution, highly sought after by offices and commercial buildings looking to reduce energy costs.

Every store owner knows the importance of commercial glass. From attractive displays to secure storefronts, the right glass can do a lot for your business. However, not all glass types are created equal. The glass you use in your store front door will likely be different than what you use in a display case. When designing, upgrading, or repairing your place of business, you want to choose the glass with the best properties for each specific application. You can learn more about the different types of commercial glass applications with this guide.

5 TOP TYPES OF COMMERCIAL GLASS

IGU and DGU – Insulated Glass Units – Argon Filled

Insulated glass, as the name suggests, provides excellent insulation for buildings. It typically comes in three main types: dual-pane glass, gas-filled glass, and treated glass. In addition to enhancing the thermal insulation of a building, insulated glass helps minimize energy loss, allowing the HVAC system to operate more efficiently and reducing overall energy consumption.

Safety Glass – Laminated and Toughened Glass

Safety glass is designed to provide enhanced safety and security. It is commonly used in buildings exposed to harsh climatic conditions, such as hurricanes, or in locations vulnerable to physical impacts or security threats. Unlike standard glass, safety glass is specially treated to withstand significant forces, whether from natural events or human actions. One of its key safety features is how it breaks. Instead of shattering into sharp, dangerous shards, safety glass either cracks while remaining intact or breaks into small, harmless cubes. This minimizes the risk of injury, ensuring a safer environment for its users.

Frosted and Ceramic Coated Glass

Frosted glass adds a unique ambiance and aesthetic appeal to a building or storefront while offering increased privacy for its occupants. While it doesn't block natural light completely, it softens its intensity, allowing a gentle, diffused glow. Frosted glass is an ideal choice for those seeking to maintain privacy indoors while still letting in filtered light, creating a comfortable and functional space for work and communication.

Clear/Transparent Float Glass

Transparent or clear glass is the classic, fully transparent glass commonly used in commercial settings. It has long been a popular choice for storefronts, allowing shop owners to showcase their products and merchandise to passersby. This transparency not only enhances visibility but also creates an opportunity for effective communication, boosting sales potential by attracting more customers.

Tinted/Coated Glass – Hard Coated and Soft Coated Low E – Triple Silver

Tinted or coated glass comes in a variety of color options, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. This type of commercial glass effectively filters out harsh sunlight while enhancing privacy. Additionally, it blocks harmful UV rays, helping to protect interiors from fading and damage. By reducing heat buildup, tinted or coated glass keeps rooms cooler during the summer, making it an ideal choice for buildings exposed to intense sunlight throughout the day.

All of the commercial glass options mentioned above offer unique benefits and applications to suit various needs. Glass Technique Elite Services takes pride in the design, manufacturing, and installation of commercial and hurricane-impact windows, doors, and store fronts throughout Southwest Florida.