When selecting glass for the windows in your business, aesthetics is only one concern. Commercial windows must adhere to strict safety standards, but you also need to think about efficiency and the comfort of your employees and customers. Whether you’re replacing existing windows or selecting glass for new construction, here are three factors to keep in mind. 

The Top 3 Criteria for Choosing Commercial Glass 

1. Safety

Most commercial window glass is developed with safety in mind, and it’s likely you’ll have to adhere to a building code that requires glass to be toughened in some way. For example, the typical commercial glass is tempered, meaning it’s designed to shatter into small, harmless pieces when broken rather than sharp shards like residential glass. Some businesses opt to use other types of commercial glass, such as laminated glass, which includes a sheet of plastic glued between two pieces of glass. With this type of glass, the broken glass sticks to the plastic rather than shattering. Regardless, it’s important to choose glass that’s more resistant to breakage and less likely to cause injury if it does break. 

2. Insulation

Energy efficiency is a priority for many business owners, and the commercial glass you select plays a major role in keeping your energy bills down. Choose glass that’s at least double-glazed, which connects two panes with a layer of argon gas or air between them to block out noise and help regulate the temperature. Again, some windows also use a combination of glass and plastic to improve insulation. 

3. Comfort 

Commercial windows may be tinted or coated with a reflective covering. Tint is typically used for aesthetics and to create privacy. It’s most often gray or blue, but other colors are available. Although tinted windows provide some protection from the sun’s glare, they don’t always block heat, so your air conditioner might have to work harder on hot days. Reflective coating, on the other hand, is a metallic coating that bounces sunlight off the building. It reduces glare and heat and provides privacy. Reflective window coatings are helpful when you have computer work stations in your business, as it reduces glare. 

If you need to replace your commercial windows in Dothan, AL, reach out to the professionals of Circle City Glass. They’ll help you find the perfect energy-efficient windows for your needs, ensuring they’re safe and attractive. Choose from a wide selection of replacement windows, including tempered glass and reflective coating options, and count on expert installation. Visit them online to learn more or call (334) 794-6160 to speak to a friendly representative.