Your ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STOREFRONT WINDOWS and DOORS
Please save this list of helpful knowledge Every Chicago Property Owners should keep this guide to answer the most commonly asked questions property owners, developers, and business owners ask before investing in storefront windows in Chicago.
What Are Storefront Windows? Storefront windows are commercial aluminum-framed glass systems typically installed at ground level or low-rise buildings. Can I install them in my house? Short answer no the manufacturer does not recommend or warranty however we definitely can! These are the highest quality window currently available we are not going to sell our client cheap plastic windows. We engineer the windows to fit the need of the client and if the conditions are met and the engineer signs off then the final result is amazing high quality windows installed on there property. (Aka there house)
Storefront Windows vs. Curtain Wall SystemsStorefront Systems
Are Storefront Windows Energy Efficient?Yes — when properly designed.
Modern storefront systems can include:
What Glass Is Used in Storefront Windows?Common storefront glazing options include:
Can Storefront Windows Be Replaced Without Closing a Business?In many cases, yes. Do you do installs at night when my business is closed? Yes
Chicago Glass Company specializes in phased storefront replacement, allowing businesses to:
Do Storefront Windows Need to Meet Chicago Building Code? Yes
Not all company’s care that’s why choosing a company that will check these codes is very important Chicago glass company works directly with city of Chicago to insure all codes are meet and exceeded
Storefront installations in Chicago must comply with: we even have an expediter who get permits in less the. 24 hours in s
most cases
Why Choose a Commercial Glass Specialist like “Chicago Glass Company” because Storefront windows are not residential windows. Proper installation requires:
Storefront Windows FAQ
Who installs storefront windows in Chicago?
A: Chicago Glass Company installs commercial storefront windows throughout Chicago and Chicagoland. And ships to all 50 states including shipping to select countries
Q: What is the best storefront system for Chicago weather?
A: Kawneer is the rolls-Royce of aluminum. They provide thermally broken aluminum storefront systems with insulated Low-E glass perform best in Chicago’s climate.We also recently been selected to be the main supplier for the Midwest for All FHC Aluminum who is currently based in California but is looking to expend into colder climates
Q: Are Kawneer storefront systems good for commercial buildings?
A: Yes.the best. Kawneer storefront systems are widely used for their durability, performance, and architectural flexibility.
Q: Can storefront glass be laminated for security?
A: Yes. Laminated glass is commonly used for security, safety, and sound control.
Q: How long does storefront installation take? Can you really fix a car crash the same day?
A: Yes some cases like our client Walgreens can’t stay closed when people need medication and there drive-they windows gets broken. Chicago Glass will come out same day removed the broken glass and uninstalled temporary laminated glass along with polycarbonate panels to keep the business open. This is a huge advantage as other companies will only board it up. We provide temporary solutions that look permanent. Small medium storefronts may take 3-4 weeks, while larger commercial projects may take 1-2 months depending on scope. Most companies only do storefront, Chicago Glass company does it All!
From storefront renovation , storefront installs, storefront designing, installing curtainwalls, fabrication of curtainwall system in-house then delivered ready to install no on-site modifications are ever needed, glass railings, drive-through glass that’s is bullet resistant from level 1-16 now available (yes level 16 is 4 1/2” thick 👀) for pharmacies.
If you’re researching storefront windows, you’re likely planning a project.
📞 Contact Chicago Glass Company to discuss your storefront window needs and receive a professional consultation and estimate.
Please save this list of helpful knowledge Every Chicago Property Owners should keep this guide to answer the most commonly asked questions property owners, developers, and business owners ask before investing in storefront windows in Chicago.
What Are Storefront Windows? Storefront windows are commercial aluminum-framed glass systems typically installed at ground level or low-rise buildings. Can I install them in my house? Short answer no the manufacturer does not recommend or warranty however we definitely can! These are the highest quality window currently available we are not going to sell our client cheap plastic windows. We engineer the windows to fit the need of the client and if the conditions are met and the engineer signs off then the final result is amazing high quality windows installed on there property. (Aka there house)
- Retail storefronts
- Office buildings
- Restaurants
- Lobbies
- Mixed-use properties
Storefront Windows vs. Curtain Wall SystemsStorefront Systems
- Typically used at ground level or low-rise
- Installed floor-to-floor
- More cost-effective
- Common for retail and commercial spaces
- Used in mid- and high-rise buildings
- Hung from the structure
- Higher performance and cost
- Designed for multi-story spans
- select Residential
Are Storefront Windows Energy Efficient?Yes — when properly designed.
Modern storefront systems can include:
- Thermally broken aluminum frames
- Insulated glass units (IGUs)
- Low-E coatings
- Argon-filled glass
What Glass Is Used in Storefront Windows?Common storefront glazing options include:
- Clear insulated glass
- Low-E insulated glass(solarban 60 is standard, solarban R100 is the ultimate about 2x the cost of standard insulated glass
- Tempered safety glass 1/8 thickness to 2” inches thick
- Laminated glass for security (up to 5 layers, now offering spg interlayer, stronger then steel for glass floors and glass stair treads
- Acoustic glass for noise reduction for sound booths and podcasts studios including custom aluminum framing(yes we can clad aluminum with brass or stainless to get the look you desire 👀
- Location in the building
- Safety requirements
- Energy performance goals
- Security needs
Can Storefront Windows Be Replaced Without Closing a Business?In many cases, yes. Do you do installs at night when my business is closed? Yes
Chicago Glass Company specializes in phased storefront replacement, allowing businesses to:
- Remain operational
- Minimize downtime
- Maintain safety and security during installation
- Size and quantity
- Framing system
- Glass type
- Access and installation complexity
- Fixed storefront glazing: starting at $65 per square foot-$100 per foot depending on demo/ existing conditions/height and location as play factors into pricing
- Operable windows and doors: higher due to hardware and labor we have (2) main choices fixed operable windows with aluminum trim and newer model Zero Sight-line project out windows (these are the trendiest at the moment) about $1000 per windows add to 85 a sq foot
Do Storefront Windows Need to Meet Chicago Building Code? Yes
Not all company’s care that’s why choosing a company that will check these codes is very important Chicago glass company works directly with city of Chicago to insure all codes are meet and exceeded
Storefront installations in Chicago must comply with: we even have an expediter who get permits in less the. 24 hours in s
most cases
- Chicago Building Code
- Energy code requirements
- Safety glazing regulations
- Wind-load requirements
Why Choose a Commercial Glass Specialist like “Chicago Glass Company” because Storefront windows are not residential windows. Proper installation requires:
- Commercial-grade materials
- Knowledge of aluminum systems
- Understanding of structural and safety requirements
Storefront Windows FAQ
Who installs storefront windows in Chicago?
A: Chicago Glass Company installs commercial storefront windows throughout Chicago and Chicagoland. And ships to all 50 states including shipping to select countries
Q: What is the best storefront system for Chicago weather?
A: Kawneer is the rolls-Royce of aluminum. They provide thermally broken aluminum storefront systems with insulated Low-E glass perform best in Chicago’s climate.We also recently been selected to be the main supplier for the Midwest for All FHC Aluminum who is currently based in California but is looking to expend into colder climates
Q: Are Kawneer storefront systems good for commercial buildings?
A: Yes.the best. Kawneer storefront systems are widely used for their durability, performance, and architectural flexibility.
Q: Can storefront glass be laminated for security?
A: Yes. Laminated glass is commonly used for security, safety, and sound control.
Q: How long does storefront installation take? Can you really fix a car crash the same day?
A: Yes some cases like our client Walgreens can’t stay closed when people need medication and there drive-they windows gets broken. Chicago Glass will come out same day removed the broken glass and uninstalled temporary laminated glass along with polycarbonate panels to keep the business open. This is a huge advantage as other companies will only board it up. We provide temporary solutions that look permanent. Small medium storefronts may take 3-4 weeks, while larger commercial projects may take 1-2 months depending on scope. Most companies only do storefront, Chicago Glass company does it All!
From storefront renovation , storefront installs, storefront designing, installing curtainwalls, fabrication of curtainwall system in-house then delivered ready to install no on-site modifications are ever needed, glass railings, drive-through glass that’s is bullet resistant from level 1-16 now available (yes level 16 is 4 1/2” thick 👀) for pharmacies.
If you’re researching storefront windows, you’re likely planning a project.
📞 Contact Chicago Glass Company to discuss your storefront window needs and receive a professional consultation and estimate.