The commercial glass windows form one of the essential parts of modern-day offices, retail shops, restaurants, and other business premises. They provide lighting, improve visibility, make the business premise look better, and can also contribute towards making the structure energy efficient and comfortable for people. But commercial window installation process is quite complicated compared to regular residential window installations.
If you have been thinking about how to install commercial glass windows, then learning about the basic procedure might give you an idea of what you are getting yourself into and why professional glazing services might be the best option for you.
Choose the Correct Commercial Glass System
Firstly, you need to identify which type of windows or glazing system your building will require. There are different types of windows that could be used for the commercial projects – the storefronts, window walls, curtain walls, and other special glazing systems. The type depends on the building itself, opening size, structural requirements, energy savings, and codes.
Just like any other part of the structure, the correct type of glass is needed to be chosen. Depending on the purpose, the commercial buildings could use tempered, laminated, insulated, Low-E or other special glasses. The right glass needs to be chosen based on the project rather than thickness or aesthetics of the material.
1. Inspection and Measuring the Opening
The first step is the assessment of the installation site. The installer should check the dimensions of the opening in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications.
The opening needs to be checked for:
- Width and height
- Level and plumb
- Squareness
- Structural integrity
- Damage
- Proper drainage and flashing
- Sufficient room for the glazing system
It is very important to make correct measurements as any discrepancies in the opening dimensions may lead to problems during the installation and sealing processes. Commercial window installation standards highlight the need to check the opening before securing the frame.
2. Preparing the Opening
After checking the measurements, it is necessary to prepare the opening properly. All unnecessary materials, including old sealant, have to be removed.
The substrate needs to be in good condition and suitable for the required anchors and sealants. Necessary flashing or waterproofing components should also be put in place.
It is especially important because poor flashing or weatherproofing may cause water leakage in the future.
3. Installation and Alignment of Frame
The commercial window frame is installed into the prepared opening and is aligned properly. Installation experts make sure that the frame is aligned levelly, plumb, and squarely before its permanent installation.
Shimming or other approved materials can be used for achieving proper alignment of the frame and maintaining proper clearance. It must be noted that the frame must not be forced into position since the undue pressure may affect the glazing system.
For large-scale commercial projects, the proper alignment of the frame is more important due to the cumulative effect of errors in larger areas of the building’s facade.
4. Installation of Window Frame
The frame, which is properly aligned, is then installed by means of proper anchors or fasteners or any other suitable attachment systems.
The exact process of anchorage depends upon the commercial glazing system and the structural requirements of the project. Proper shop drawings and approved manufacturer guidelines must be followed and not the general fastening process.
The professional commercial glazing projects always include approved submittals, product data, shop drawings, and installation requirements.
5. Install the Glass
Now that the frame has been properly installed, the glass will be positioned.
Glass panels used in commercial projects tend to be very heavy, so proper equipment should be utilized in handling such a material. The glass has to be set without pressing it against the frame.
Setting blocks and appropriate glazing components will assist in holding up the glass and achieving the right clearance. It is important to achieve correct edge clearance and use setting blocks in order to avoid unnecessary stress caused by glass weight.
In some systems, the glass is held up by glazing beads, gaskets, pressure plates, structural silicone, or other approved glazing components.
6. Seal the Window
Proper sealing is among the key aspects of installing a commercial window. The perimeter and glazing system have to be properly sealed to reduce the risk of air and water infiltration.
It is very important to use compatible sealant with the glass, frame, gaskets, and other materials. Some sealant manufacturers have certain requirements for compatibility and adhesion tests.
The installer has to make sure that the path for draining is not blocked by the sealant. A completely sealed window which cannot drain properly is likely to cause problems in the future.
7. Inspect Alignment and Functionality
After glass installation and application of the sealants, it will be important to inspect the whole assembly.
Look for:
- Correct alignment of the frame
- Even glass clearances
- Glazing components properly secured
- Correct sealant application
- Scratches, cracks or chips
- Water management components
- Loose fasteners
- Any visible gaps or defects
It is important to correct any issues that might occur prior to completion of the project.
Why Installation Should Be Done by Professionals
Commercial glass installation process is not simply putting a piece of glass in an aluminum frame. In some cases large glass installations become a part of the building envelope and hence installation quality determines weather resistance, structure strength, durability and even safety of the building inhabitants.
The professionals know the importance of coordinating shop drawings, materials, sequence of installation, sealants, hardware, inspections and quality control.
Trying to install large commercial glass panels without proper experience and equipment can lead to glass breakage, deformation of frames, water penetration or injuries. For curtain wall systems, large storefront systems, multi-story windows and structural glazing, professional installation is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The installation of commercial glass windows gives an excellent understanding of what is involved in ensuring that the façade of the building is safe, aesthetically pleasing, and weather-proof. This usually involves the selection of the proper type of glazing system, the measurement and preparation of the opening, installation and alignment of the frame, secure mounting of the assembly, the placement of the glass, and finally, an inspection.
Due to the fact that each commercial building and glazing system has its own set of requirements, it is always advisable to install the glazing system according to the project drawings, instructions from the manufacturer, building codes, and other safety measures. In case of large and complicated installations, a professional commercial glass contractor may be helpful.Bottom of Form