Choosing the right glass for your storefront
Your glass storefront is your customer's first impression of your products or services. It also affects their experience inside your space. Your success relies upon your street-facing windows and doors standing out from the competition while targeting your desired customer base. Here's a helpful guide to getting it right when choosing commercial glass for your storefront windows and doors.
What type of glass is used for storefronts?
When considering the various types of storefront glass for your commercial location, your choice of glass should address these factors.
- Safety. Security and peace of mind for your customers and employees must be your top priority.
- Durability. Investing in a robust, low-maintenance glass product can reduce long-term costs.
- Energy efficiency. Choosing glass that minimizes your need for climate control systems and artificial lighting will improve your carbon footprint while supporting your bottom line.
- Visual appeal. Your storefront does more than communicate what products and services you offer. It attracts the attention of the customers you want and makes them want to step inside.
- Customer experience. The right choice of storefront glass helps you maintain a comfortable interior temperature and minimizes the distraction of street noise.
- Commercial branding. Set your business apart from the competition by creating a one-of-a-kind storefront. A customized glass solution is a visual differentiator which, combined with the right functional qualities, helps provide a premium customer experience.
Whether you want to display merchandise with eye-catching window dressings or convey a sense of respectful discretion, you want your windows to show your business in its best light.
Esthetic characteristics
Depending on what type of business your run, you may want fully transparent windows or glass that safeguards the privacy of your staff and clients. In either case, your storefront glass should be visually appealing on the outside and contribute to a pleasing customer experience inside. Consider these options and explore how each might best serve your esthetic goals.
- Clear glass. A classic choice for retail storefronts, transparent glass displays your inventory and activities. If you sell visually appealing products or offer a service with a performative component, clear glass can be an effective means of bringing your ideal customers into your shop.
- Tinted or coloured glass. Tinted glass protects against intense sunlight and helps maintain a pleasant interior temperature. It gives some privacy while still allowing passersby to catch a glimpse. The reduced transparency of coloured glass can also minimize visibility after dark when most businesses are closed or have reduced staff.
- Frosted glass. Frosted glass provides similar benefits to tinted glass, minimizing the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays and limiting street-side visibility into your operations. frosted texture allows natural light in and gives your customers and staff an added sense of security and privacy.
Remember, beautiful doesn't have to mean impractical. You can find storefront glass that combines visual appeal with the functional characteristics you need.
Functional characteristics
Once you know the visual qualities your business requires, you can choose a glass that delivers cosmetic appeal while optimizing a return on your investment. Explore products that can deliver added cost savings.
- Insulation. In addition to reducing your need for artificial lighting, insulated glass saves you money on your heating and cooling bills. It minimizes the amount of air moving between the interior and exterior of your building, helping maintain a stable indoor temperature. This takes some of the pressure off the HVAC system.
- Safety. Do you need your storefront glass to withstand strong impact and provide enhanced protection? Safety glass may be your best bet. Safety glass comes in various compositions, including tempered, laminated and wired, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. For example, tempered glass has fewer maintenance requirements than laminated glass and is hard to break. However, it’s prone to extensive shattering when it does.
Choosing the best glass for your storefront doors and windows doesn't have to be a choice between beauty and function. Talk to an expert commercial glass supplier about your business priorities. They can help you find a solution that meets all your needs. Be sure to hire a manufacturer who offers customization, so you can count on them for outside-the-box solutions.
Commercial glass door and window manufacturers in Vaughan
Verrage Glass and Mirror Inc. is your source for storefront glass to make your doors and windows safe, durable and appealing. We can help you attract customers, conserve energy and create the ideal ambience for your commercial space. We serve residential and commercial clients in Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Woodbridge, Vaughan and the surrounding regions. Contact us today to discuss your storefront glass needs.
