Does Your Store Need Insulated Glass If You Keep Its Doors Open?
Despite the push to conserve energy and keep customers in a cool, comfortable environment that doesn't see huge temperature swings, some stores have found that keeping their doors open -- not just unlocked, but propped open -- creates a more welcoming ambiance. This obviously has an effect on the interior energy use of the store, and when it's time to replace the glass on the storefront, store owners may wonder if they really need to spring for insulated glass. Single panes can be more affordable, and if energy conservation isn't currently an issue for your store, then spending more on insulated glass may seem wasteful. But you may still want to look at insulated glass for a number of reasons.
You May Change Your Policy
One reason you should go ahead and get the insulated glass now is that you might change your policy about that open door later on. Maybe there will be construction that removes the awning over the door, and you have to close it to keep out rain, or maybe you'll change your mind about wanting to use more air conditioning in the store and thus want to keep that door closed whenever possible. In those cases, the insulated glass will help regulate the temperature inside the store and help you conserve energy.
The Glass Would Still Help When the Store Was Closed
Even if you keep the open-door policy, eventually you close those doors each night when everyone goes home. You'll want insulated glass then to help protect the contents of the store from colder nighttime temperatures and excess humidity levels. Even though your energy use at night would be nominal, you still want to conserve what you can so that your store's utility bills are lower.
Have You Thought About Window Film?
One thing people may not realize about insulated glass is that you need to use window film that is meant for insulated glass, rather than just using whatever window film seems nice. One reason is that window film can void warranties; another is that film on insulated glass can create thermal stress. If you're planning to add window film, even film that is decorative only, make sure you choose the right type if you get new insulated glass.
Even if you don't think you'll change your mind about the open doors, and even if the weather where you are is generally moderate year round, insulated glass allows you to make changes to how you handle the temperature in your store with little problem.
Contact a company like Boulevard Glass & Metal Inc to learn more.
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