Glass storefronts are a great way for street traffic to get a glimpse inside your business, boost curb appeal, and create a lighter feel, but many business owners instantly think of the security issues. Glass reads as fragile, easy to access, and a clear path for intruders to take without much effort. But while these are understandable concerns to have, they are untrue.
Your Glass Storefront Is Secure
Modern glass storefront systems use high-performance materials that are built to resist break-ins, weather, and heavy impact. In fact, many types of commercial glass are engineered specifically for safety and security. Here’s a closer look at the options that prove glass can be both sleek and strong.
Tempered Glass: Heat-Treated for Strength
Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass. It’s made by heating the glass to high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it, which toughens the surface and strengthens its core. When it does break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than dangerous shards—making it a smart option for both safety and security. It’s tough enough to withstand significant pressure, and it’s often the minimum standard for commercial storefronts.
Laminated Glass: Layers That Hold Together
Laminated glass consists of two or more glass layers bonded with a durable interlayer—usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). If someone tries to break it, the glass may crack, but the interlayer holds the shards in place. That makes it extremely difficult to punch or break through. Laminated glass is often used in high-security environments, like banks or jewelry stores, for exactly this reason. It also offers added protection against sound and UV rays.
Insulated Glass: Durable and Energy-Efficient
Insulated glass units (IGUs) consist of two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer and sealed to form a single unit. While these are known for their thermal performance, the added thickness and construction make them more resistant to impact compared to single-pane glass. Many IGUs can be combined with tempered or laminated glass for even greater strength and energy savings.=
Other Advantages
With those myths of fragility firmly busted, we can discuss some benefits of having glass storefronts instead of the illusion of security a solid wall provides:
- Catching street and foot traffic’s attention: Window shopping is a thing, whether online or walking around town, and few can resist seeing a store full of items that are wanted. Giving people the chance to see into your business without having to enter it means fewer barriers to entry for shopping.
- Energy efficient: Walls are thought of as better insulated than glass, but that isn’t usually the case; especially in older buildings. Glass storefronts are almost always made with high-performance glass, which is two bonded panes with infused gas, reducing heat transfer and reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Natural light: Florescent lighting doesn’t look the best on people or products, and doesn’t encourage a shopping mood. Natural light, on the other hand, gives your store a vibrant appeal that helps shoppers want to stay while saving you energy costs.
Meet Denver’s Glass Experts
Any business owner would be concerned with the safety of their store and want the best security to protect their livelihood, which is why Angelo & Sons offers Denver businesses premium glass storefront options. We ensure our installations are done right and with the most durable materials you need. Schedule your appointment with the glass experts today!