What a storefront system is
A storefront is an aluminum framing system filled with glass, usually at the ground floor of a commercial building. It includes fixed windows, entrance doors, transoms and sidelights. It is common on retail units, restaurants, offices and clinics.
Systems vary in frame depth, thermal performance and glass type. Insulated glazing units, thermally broken frames and coated glass all help with comfort and energy use, which matters in an Alberta winter.
Weather, security and finish
A storefront must manage water, air and heat. Sealants, flashings and drainage paths keep rain and snowmelt out, and careful detailing at the sill and head makes the difference between a dry wall and a leaky one. Install quality depends on level, plumb and properly shimmed frames.
Entrances combine door, hardware and sometimes automatic operators. Our team coordinates the glazing with the door hardware, the operator and any access control. Our electricians provide power for lighting, signage and operators, and our low voltage crew handles cameras and card readers.
Interior and exterior finishes meet at the storefront. Our drywall, carpentry and painting crews tie in the adjacent walls and trim cleanly, so there are no unfinished gaps around the frames.
- Aluminum framing and insulated glass
- Entrance doors, sidelights and transoms
- Sealants, flashing and drainage
- Hardware, operators and access control
- Interior and exterior tie-ins
What to plan for
Lead times can be long. Custom sizes, tinted or coated glass and special finishes need weeks, so measurements should be taken early and confirmed on site.
Safety glass is required in many locations, including doors and areas near them, and the specification should match code. Large panes also need safe handling and proper equipment for installation.
Weather affects schedules. Installing a storefront in extreme cold needs protection, and an open frontage must be secured. We plan temporary enclosure when needed.
Think about signage and lighting early. Fixing a sign to a new storefront needs backing and wiring, and doing it together saves time and avoids penetrating a new seal.