The Importance of Installing Impact-Resistant Windows in Commercial Buildings

Sound Glass specializes in a wide range of glass and glass installations. We offer residential glass services, as well as commercial glass service. When comparing commercial and residential glass, the differences in thickness, strength, and clarity are clear. Commercial spaces often need thicker, more durable glass to accommodate high foot traffic and ensure the safety of many people. At Sound Glass, our window glass specialists are ready to tackle any project or challenge. They will guide you through the importance of investing in the right glass for your commercial building.

Choosing the Right Glass

When choosing glass for your space, you’ll want to select the perfect type of glass that seamlessly blends functionality with the stylistic vision of your space. Your commercial glass isn’t just merely a barrier, it’s also an architectural statement. 

The commercial glass that you choose is crucial to security, safety, and aesthetics. To ensure safety and security, you’ll want to select a glass that is impact resistant and deters break-ins. Tempered and laminated glass are the best choices when it comes to glass that can endure high impact. 

Tempered Glass

Also known as safety glass, tempered glass goes through a process of being heat treated and rapidly cooled making it about four times stronger than regular glass. Tempered glass is heat resistant (able to withstand high temperatures). This type of glass is also engineered to withstand impact. However, if it does break.

One downside of tempered glass is that, by design, it shatters completely upon impact into tiny, rounded shards that are much less likely to cause injury to anyone nearby. However, this means all sizing, cutting, and shaping must be final before the heat treatment in order to avoid shattering it completely.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is another great option when looking for durability. Laminated glass is basically a glass sandwich, consisting of two or more layers of glass and a vinyl or plastic base interlayer between. A huge advantage of laminated glass is that it is UV resistant, blocking out a majority of UV rays. This glass is sturdy and thick, providing excellent durability to withstand impact.

However, due to its thickness, laminated glass is not suitable for all applications, but it is often ideal for custom windows and doors. Alternatively, regular window frames could be altered in order to be compatible with laminated glass panes. 

Whether you’re starting a new project with a commercial building or searching for “commercial replacement windows near me,” Sound Glass has you covered! We have the expertise and experience to make your commercial glass projects come to life, with the top-quality glass your business deserves.