5 Types of Commercial Glass to Consider for Your Storefront

Clear glass is a traditional choice for storefronts, and for good reason. Since people can clearly see what's behind the glass, it gives business owners a good opportunity to highlight their wares. Also, people who provide a service can show of the confidence they have in their skills by allowing a passersby to look in to see what they're doing and how they're doing it.

When a business uses tinted glass, they give their patrons a modicum of privacy but just enough transparency that people can still peek inside. In addition, tinted glass can work well for storefronts that take on the brunt of the sun during the day. The tints can help block harsh UV light and help to keep the inside of the store cooler during hot weather

Tinted glass also adds a little security to a storefront, especially after dark when the tint keeps people from easily seeing inside after the business closes. Tints can range in shade, and you can add coatings to give glass a tint as well as extra protection.

Frosted glass accomplishes many of the same things as tinted glass, but has a different aesthetic. This type of glass adds a brightness to the storefront while also serving to grant some privacy.

Still, this glass helps to filter out the harshness of the sun while still allowing natural light in. Businesses that want more interior privacy while maintaining an open feeling should consider frosted glass.

Safety glass is an umbrella term for all types of glass designed to promote security, and protection. You can have clear, tinted, or frosted safety glass. The difference is your glass will have a better chance to withstanding blunt force, attack, or accidents that would normally break glass. Some types of safety glass can include:

Many of these glass types also offer other benefits. For example, laminated glass helps prevent damage, but it also helps to insulate the interior from sound and UV light. If your business has a higher risk of a specific type of damage occurring, speak with a commercial glass professional about choosing the safety glass best suited for that risk.

Some types of safety glass serve to keep people safe in case the glass breaks. For example, tempered glass has strength, but if it breaks, the pieces will crumble into smaller glass balls that have less of a chance of hurting someone.

The term insulated glass represents various types of commercial glass that serve to provide insulation. Insulated glass includes:

Insulated glass can help your HVAC system perform more efficiently by reducing energy loss. Also, these windows can do the job without the need to change their appearance. For example, clear insulated glass will give you the benefits of having clear glass, but the insulation properties that come from tinted or coated glass.

Many other types of commercial glass and glass configurations exist. These are some of the most common types of glass businesses use for storefronts, but you may have a unique request or situation. Bob's Glass offers commercial glass services for businesses. When you want to decide on what type of glass will work best for your property's storefront, contact us.