How Paneworks works

What Paneworks does

Paneworks is not a glass company, glazing contractor, or construction firm. We do not fabricate, install, repair, or supervise work. We provide general educational information and help you get connected with licensed, insured, bonded commercial glazing contractors for project-based work.

Our focus is commercial and architectural glass. That includes storefront systems, curtain walls, window walls, commercial windows and doors, glass entrances, glass railings, glass partitions, and retail or restaurant glazing. If you need help understanding common project types, see services.

The service is free to you. We help you find contractors for commercial glazing work so you can review your options and decide what makes sense for your building, business, or project.

Step 1: Tell us about your project

Start by sharing the basics of the job. We ask for business contact information and project details so we can understand what kind of commercial glazing contractor may fit the project.

Helpful details include the building or business type, the glazing system involved, and the size of the work. For example, you might tell us whether the project is a storefront replacement, new curtain wall, window wall package, glass railing, tenant build-out, lobby glass, or commercial door and entrance work.

We also ask for rough square footage, number of openings, or number of stories if you know it. A simple timeline helps too, such as "planning for next quarter," "bidding now," or "glass broke and the storefront needs prompt attention." You do not need perfect measurements or technical drawings to start. If you are ready, go to get matched.

• Business contact name, phone, ZIP, and optional email or language preference
• Project type: storefront, curtain wall, window wall, railings, partitions, windows, doors, or facade work
• Rough size: square footage, number of openings, or building stories
• Timeline: planning, budgeting, bidding, or urgent replacement

Step 2: Get matched free with commercial glazing contractors

After we review the information, we help connect you with licensed, insured, bonded commercial glazing contractors that handle this type of work. That match is based on project scope, location, and the kind of glazing system involved.

This is still your project and your decision. A match does not obligate you to hire anyone, and it does not mean a contractor has already inspected the site or approved a scope. It simply gives you a practical next step with companies that work in commercial glass and glazing.

Because this is project work, real details matter. Storefront is not the same as curtain wall. Curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior wall system hung from the structure. Window wall is installed between floor slabs, story by story. Safety glass may mean tempered glass, laminated glass, or an insulated glass unit with specific performance needs. Matching the project type helps you have better conversations from the start.

Step 3: Compare the bids, scope, and written details

Once you speak with contractors, compare what each one is actually proposing in writing. The lowest number is not always the best fit if the glass type, framing, schedule, exclusions, or warranty are different.

Look closely at the scope. Does the proposal clearly say what is included and what is excluded? Does it identify the glass makeup, such as tempered, laminated, or insulated glass units? Does it mention low-E coating, thermal breaks in aluminum framing, finish color, hardware, sealants, and any demolition or disposal?

Ask about schedule and lead times in practical terms. Commercial glazing often depends on field measurements, shop drawings, fabrication, permitting, access equipment, and coordination with other trades. Written proposals help you compare more fairly and reduce confusion later.

• Bid amount and payment terms
• Exact scope of work and exclusions
• Glass specification: tempered, laminated, IGU, low-E, tint, safety glazing
• Framing details: storefront, curtain wall, window wall, thermal break, finish
• Schedule: field measure, fabrication, installation window, closeout
• Warranty terms in writing

Step 4: You choose who to hire

You stay in control the whole time. Paneworks does not assign a contractor, sign a contract for you, or tell you which bid to accept. You choose whether to move forward, who to hire, and when.

Before you sign anything or make payment, confirm the final written scope, glass specification, framing system, schedule, and warranty. Make sure you understand who is responsible for permits, engineering, code-related approvals, site protection, and coordination with the rest of the project team. Codes and requirements vary by jurisdiction, so the contractor should address project-specific compliance.

If something is unclear, ask for it in writing before work starts. That is especially important for exterior systems, safety glazing locations, commercial entrances, guard and railing applications, and multi-story work. Clear written terms help you make a better decision.

Why buyers use Paneworks

Commercial glazing can be technical, especially for first-time tenants, owners, or managers. Terms like U-factor, SHGC, low-E, thermal break, tempered glass, laminated glass, and insulated glass units can make proposals hard to compare. We help make the process easier to follow in plain language.

U-factor is a measure of how much heat passes through the assembly. Lower numbers generally mean better insulation. SHGC, or solar heat gain coefficient, describes how much solar heat gets through. Low-E is a thin coating that helps control heat transfer. A thermal break is a less-conductive material inside an aluminum frame that improves performance. These details can affect comfort, energy performance, appearance, and cost.

Our role is simple: help you understand the basics and get matched, free, with commercial glazing contractors. You keep control of the project, the conversations, the comparisons, and the final hiring decision.