If you are managing a commercial property in Downers Grove, the glass you choose can impact both how well the building functions and how comfortable or appealing it feels to people. It’s important to learn about your options and consider them carefully before installing new commercial glass. To help make things simple, this commercial glass replacement contractor in Downers Grove, Illinois is going to explore some of the most common types of commercial glass below.
Tempered glass
Tempered glass is one of the most popular choices when it comes to safety and strength. It is about four times stronger than regular glass and can handle a lot more pressure and impact without cracking or shattering easily. Even when it does break, it does not turn into sharp pieces but instead breaks into tiny pebbles that are much less likely to cause serious injuries.
You will mostly find tempered glass in places that get a lot of use, like storefronts, office buildings, or anywhere people are coming and going all day long.
Laminated glass and IGUs
Laminated glass is also very strong. It has two layers of glass with a thin plastic layer in between, and this layer holds everything together if the glass ever cracks. Instead of breaking into sharp pieces that scatter everywhere, the glass stays mostly stuck to the middle layer. Laminated glass can also take a lot of impact, so it is harder to break or smash through.
You can also take a look at Insulated Glass Units or IGUs. These are made by securely bonding two or more layers of glass and leaving a space between them. This space is filled with air or a gas like argon or krypton. If you are trying to save on energy bills, you can’t go wrong with IGUs. When properly installed by a commercial glass replacement contractor in Downers Grove, Illinois, they can reduce your property’s energy use by 20-30%.
Tinted and Low-E glass
If you want to control sunlight without blocking it completely, tinted glass is a good option. Tinted glass is slightly darkened to reduce glare and some of the heat from the sun. This glass can keep your commercial space cooler and even protect your furniture or displays from fading.
Low-E (low emissivity) glass is even more impressive. While it reflects heat and blocks UV rays, it still lets in plenty of natural light, so your commercial space stays bright inside and never gets too hot.
Fire-rated and bulletproof glass
Fire-rated glass can handle extremely high temperatures without shattering immediately. In a fire, this type of glass can hold back flames, smoke, and heat, giving people more time to escape safely. You will usually see it used in stairwells, hallways, exit doors, or rooms with higher fire risks, like kitchens, boiler rooms, or storage areas.
Then there is bulletproof glass, which looks like normal glass but is made of multiple layers of strong materials like polycarbonate and laminated glass. This construction allows it to absorb force from bullets or heavy impacts without breaking. Most commercial glass replacement contractors in Downers Grove, Illinois recommend installing bulletproof glass in places where safety and theft protection are top priorities — such as banks, pharmacies, government buildings, or high-end jewelry stores.
Looking for a Commercial Glass Replacement Contractor in Downers Grove, Illinois?
Do you want to upgrade your commercial glass? If so, and if you are ready to partner with a commercial glass replacement contractor in Downers Grove, Illinois that delivers quality results, look no further than our team at Glass & Mirror America. Contact us today at (800) 411-2801 to get started on your glass replacement project.
