Storefronts, curtain walls, and commercial glass — done right, on schedule, to code.

What commercial glazing systems include

Commercial glazing means the glass and framing systems used on business and multi-unit building projects. That includes storefront systems, curtain walls, window walls, glass railings, glass partitions, commercial windows and doors, glass facades, entrances, and retail or restaurant glazing.

A storefront is typically a ground-floor framed glass system used at entries and tenant fronts. A curtain wall is a larger exterior wall system that hangs from the building structure. A window wall is similar in appearance but is installed between floor slabs. These systems can look alike, but they are designed, priced, and installed differently.

Glass railings and interior glass partitions are also part of commercial glazing. So are entrance doors, sidelites, transoms, and replacement insulated glass units in commercial frames. If you want a plain overview of common project types, see services.

How Paneworks helps

Paneworks is not a glass, glazing, or construction company. We do not fabricate, install, repair, or give structural, code, electrical, or legal advice. We provide general educational information and help you find a licensed, insured commercial glazing contractor for the kind of project you are planning.

Our service is free to you. You tell us basic business contact and project details, and we match you with a contractor who handles commercial glazing work in your area. We only ask for business contact and project information such as your name, phone, ZIP code, what the project is, rough square footage or number of stories, and optional email or language preference.

You can see the process at how it works or start at get matched.

What to pin down in a glazing spec

A good glazing spec should be clear about the system, the glass, the frame, and the performance target. Start with the basic system type. Is it storefront, curtain wall, window wall, railing, partition, or an entrance package? Then define the location, size, elevations, and whether the work is new construction, a tenant improvement, or replacement.

Next, pin down the glass. Tempered glass is heat-treated to break into smaller pieces. Laminated glass has an interlayer that helps hold the glass together after breakage. Insulated glass, often called an IGU, uses two or more panes with a sealed airspace for better thermal performance. Safety glazing means glass that meets impact-related requirements where people could fall into it, walk into it, or be protected by it, depending on the location and code.

Frame details matter too. Aluminum framing may include a thermal break, which is a material barrier inside the frame that reduces heat transfer. Performance ratings should be stated plainly, such as air and water resistance, structural loading, U-factor, and SHGC. U-factor measures how much heat passes through the assembly. SHGC, or solar heat gain coefficient, measures how much solar heat comes through.

Also note who is responsible for engineering, field measurement, shop drawings, finishes, anchorage assumptions, permits, inspections, and warranty terms. Code and permit requirements vary by jurisdiction, so the project documents should be reviewed by the appropriate licensed professionals and local authorities.