If your commercial building has cracked or broken glass, how long will it take to fix it? It’s a fair question. Every day that damaged glass stays in place can affect the building’s safety and give customers the wrong impression.

Below, this commercial glass replacement contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois is going to explain the turnaround time for custom commercial glass.

What makes one glass replacement job more “custom” than another?

Not all glass replacements are the same. The difference usually comes down to whether the glass is standard or custom.

For example, some smaller windows or doors might use standard-size glass that a contractor can order immediately. These jobs can be finished in a few days.

But most commercial buildings don’t use standard sizes. Storefront windows and office partitions have unique dimensions. The fabricator needs to cut and shape the glass to match these exact dimensions. That is what makes it “custom.”

There are also special features that can complicate the process. For example, you might want tinted glass to reduce glare or heat from the sun. Or you might choose insulated glass units (IGUs), which have multiple panes and help with energy efficiency.

Both options add steps to the fabrication process. The glass must be produced carefully to meet safety and performance standards. That means more time for production and quality checks before it is ready for installation.

What’s the normal timeline for a custom glass replacement job?

So, how long does it take to install new glass? In most cases, you are looking at anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

For smaller or simpler projects, things usually move fast. If you only need a single office window replaced or a small tempered panel, your contractor can get it done within 5 to 10 business days.

Larger or more specialized projects can take longer. For example, if your storefront uses oversized panes or IGUs, fabrication may stretch to two, four, or even six weeks.

You should also remember that the clock does not start ticking until your commercial glass replacement contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois finalizes the measurements, confirms the glass type, and submits the order to the fabricator. After that, the glass company carefully makes your panels to the exact specifications. When everything passes quality checks, the new glass is shipped to your contractor, who schedules the installation as soon as possible.

What do professionals do to make sure the job stays on schedule?

It starts with taking measurements. If the measurements are even a little off, the glass will not fit correctly, and that means delays.

Once the measurements and glass type are confirmed, your commercial glass replacement contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois will begin production.

While the custom glass is being prepared, the contractor usually prepares the site. They might remove damaged glass or clean the frame. If the broken glass poses a safety risk, the contractor can board it up or install a temporary glass panel to protect the area while awaiting the arrival of the custom glass.

When the new glass is ready, installation is rather quick. In most cases, the job can be completed within a day.

Looking for a commercial glass replacement contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois?

If you want to understand your exact glass replacement timeline, you can always contact a professional commercial glass replacement contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois — like Glass & Mirror America. Our team will take accurate measurements and learn your needs before giving you a clear idea of how long everything will take. Contact us at (800) 411-2801 to get started.