When you own or manage a retail centre, restaurant, or other such facility, the glass or windows you have out front is very important. You need to create a welcoming feeling for your business, as passersby who cannot see into your facility may not feel comfortable stepping inside. Glass also allows lots of sunlight inside, so you don't need to spend as much money on artificial lighting and can also create a bright and open feeling inside your shop. When you're ready to choose storefront glass, note a few simple but important tips so you're sure to love the look of your retail space for years to come.

Choosing the glass itself

Clear float glass is very cheap and doesn't have any type of tint or other added elements, so it lets in lots of light. However, it's also very flimsy and is easy to break, so it's not usually recommended for a storefront or restaurant; the only exception might be if you have a security grate you can close every night in order to protect the glass from vandals and potential intruders.

Insulated glass includes two layers of glass with an airtight seal between them; this seal is usually made of argon gas. Insulated glass is very clear, and it will help to keep the interior space insulated. This is a good choice for any area that suffers extremes in temperature.

Laminated glass is best for when you need maximum security; this glass is also two separate panes of glass, but they're laminated or bonded together. This makes the glass very strong and virtually unbreakable.

Framing options

Consider your framing options as carefully as you consider the glass for your storefront. Wood frames have a traditional, casual look, and may work well for family restaurants and diners. You can paint and stain the wood yourself, so you don't need to pay a contractor for touch-ups.

However, aluminium is typically more durable than wood. You can opt for anodized aluminium, which is a treatment that makes the oxidized layer on the outside of the aluminium thicker, so it's even more resistant to dents, dings, and other such damage. This anodizing can also include a paint colour, so you can create a personalized frame for the glass.

Powder coating is a type of paint colour that is added to aluminium, and this can help protect the metal from damage. Painted aluminium may not be as strong as anodized or powder coated aluminium, but it allows you to add colour to the glass frame.