Your commercial property is losing a bit of its luster. It’s in desperate need of a remodel. And in particular, it’s in desperate need of new windows.
As such, you’re looking to facilitate a window replacement project. The question you have now is: which windows should you utilize?
In truth, there are all types of great replacement windows on the market today. Looking for the best replacement window possible? Make use of this guide!
Types of Window Glass
Window glass comes in a number of different types, each of which provides its own unique benefits and drawbacks. We’ll discuss the most prominent types of commercial window glass below.
Clear Glass
Allowing for a substantial amount of natural sunlight, clear glass is terrific for restaurants, offices, and the like. Though it’s not shatter-proof and while it doesn’t provide much in the way of privacy, it most certainly gets the job done, and at a price that’s affordable.
If you’re looking for something basic but functional, clear glass is the answer. It’s a low-profile, no-frills glass that serves most purposes.
Tempered Glass
When it comes to large windows that are at ground level, tempered glass is usually the best option. Why? Because it’s shatter-proof and therefore poses only a very little safety risk to passersby.
Tempered glass is generally used on the upper floors of tall buildings as well as on the front windows of sidewalk storefronts. Though it doesn’t allow for quite as much sunlight as clear glass, it still provides terrific visibility.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is similar to tempered glass but has a few differences. Like tempered glass, it’s shatter-proof. Unlike tempered glass, it does a terrific job of blocking sound waves and UV rays.
As such, laminated glass is terrific for use in busy urban areas, particularly on tall buildings that are heavily exposed to the sun.
Tinted Glass
Looking for a little privacy in your windows? Hoping to minimize the effect of sunlight? If so, you should consider making use of tinted glass.
Tinted glass is, for lack of a better word, shaded. As such, in addition to reducing sunlight, it also provides a unique aesthetic.
Window Styles
There are a variety of different window styles available, each of which has its very own set of aesthetic and functional characteristics. We’ll detail the specifics of each style below, helping you to compare your options.
Picture Windows
The first window style we’ll discuss is the picture window. Aptly named, picture windows are called picture windows because they’re framed in place… like pictures. They can’t be opened, and they don’t allow for any ventilation.
This might seem like a downside on the surface. But, in actuality, its inability to open makes the picture window the ideal choice for high areas like skyscrapers and other tall buildings.
These windows are available in a wide variety of sizes. They can take up entire walls, or they can comprise only small areas. In any case, they allow for good sunlight and visual capabilities.
Casement Windows
Another option to consider is the casement window. This is a window that’s taller than it is wide, and which opens with the use of a rotating lever. As this lever is rotated, the window will swivel out on a single hinge, creating an angular look in tandem with its corresponding building.
Casement windows allow for a good amount of ventilation variation, as they can be opened to a variety of different levels. Whether you need a full gust of wind or just a slight breeze, they will accommodate you.
In terms of sunlight and visibility, they’re terrific, fully unimpaired by crossing panels or other design elements. Great for small offices, restaurants, and other low-to-the-ground properties, they’re as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional.
Awning Windows
If you’re looking for a window with a unique aesthetic, you should consider installing awning windows. These windows are wider than they are tall, and they open and close in an in-out manner. Hinged at their tops, they create an “awning” effect when in their fully opened positions.
Awning windows are available in a variety of sizes and thrive on all fronts. Not only do they provide terrific sunlight and visibility, but they also allow for a good amount of ventilation variation.
The biggest benefit of awning windows, however, is their ability to prevent the inward flow of rain, even when in an open position. Because they take the shape of awnings, they deflect rainfall while simultaneously allowing for ventilation.
Awning windows can work on any type of building but are most commonly seen in restaurants, shops, and other small commercial properties.
Hung Windows
Looking for a window that’s cheap but effective? If so, you should opt for a hung window. Hung windows open in an up-down manner, with a sash (or, in some cases, two sashes), that slides along a glider.
The big drawback of hung windows is that they contain horizontal panels that can hinder vision. Note, though, that they’re still fairly easy to see through, and still provide a great deal in the ways of sunlight and ventilation variation.
Hung windows are taller than they are wide, and can be found everywhere from restaurants to shops to offices and more. If you’re just looking for a standard window, look no further than a single-hung or double-hung window.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are just hung windows that have been turned sideways. Instead of opening in an up-down manner, they open in a left-right manner, sliding along a gliding mechanism.
Wider than they are tall, they allow for terrific peripheral vision. Like hung windows, they also allow for a good amount of sunlight and ventilation variation.
What’s the Best Replacement Window for You?
What do you think? What’s the best replacement window for your commercial property? Well, whatever it is, it’s bound to have your building look like new in no time.
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