How to Choose the Right Glass for Your Commercial Property
Selecting the right glass for a commercial property is one of the most consequential decisions a building owner or manager will make. The glass you choose affects everything from energy costs and occupant comfort to security, acoustics, and the overall impression your building makes on customers and clients.
At Scottsburg Glass Inc., we’ve spent over 40 years helping Southern Indiana businesses navigate these decisions. This guide draws on that experience to help you understand your options and make an informed choice.
Understanding Commercial Glass Types
Tempered (Safety) Glass
Tempered glass is heat-treated to be four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass. When it does break, it shatters into small, relatively harmless granular pieces rather than dangerous shards. Building codes require tempered glass in many commercial applications, including:
- Entry doors and sidelights
- Windows near walkways
- Glass within 18 inches of the floor
- Shower enclosures and bathroom applications
- Areas near stairs and ramps
For commercial properties in Southern Indiana, tempered glass is a baseline requirement for most ground-level installations. Beyond code compliance, it provides peace of mind for high-traffic business environments.
Laminated Safety Glass
Laminated glass consists of two or more panes bonded together with a plastic interlayer (typically PVB or SGP). When broken, the interlayer holds the glass fragments in place, preventing dangerous fallout. Laminated glass is essential for:
- Overhead glazing and skylights
- Hurricane and storm-resistant applications
- Security-sensitive locations like banks and government buildings
- Sound reduction in noisy environments
- UV protection for merchandise and interiors
Many of the bank and financial institution projects we’ve completed in the Scottsburg, Seymour, and Columbus areas utilize laminated glass for both security and acoustic performance.
Low-E Coated Glass
Low-emissivity coatings are microscopically thin metallic layers applied to glass that reflect infrared heat energy. For commercial properties, Low-E glass delivers several important benefits:
- Reduced HVAC costs — By controlling heat transfer, Low-E glass can reduce energy costs by 25 to 40 percent compared to standard clear glass
- Improved occupant comfort — Less solar heat gain means fewer hot spots and more consistent interior temperatures
- UV protection — Low-E coatings block up to 99 percent of UV radiation, protecting furnishings, merchandise, and flooring from fading
- Reduced glare — Many Low-E coatings also moderate visible light transmission, reducing glare without darkening interiors
For Indiana’s climate, where buildings face both winter cold and summer heat, a properly specified Low-E coating pays for itself through energy savings, typically within three to five years.
Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)
Insulated glass units combine two or three panes of glass separated by spacers and sealed with gas fills (typically argon or krypton). IGUs are the foundation of energy-efficient commercial glazing, and most modern commercial projects specify them as standard.
The performance of an IGU depends on several factors: the number of panes, the type and width of spacer bars, the gas fill, and whether Low-E coatings are applied. Our team can help you navigate these variables to find the right balance of performance and cost for your project.
Choosing Glass by Application
Storefront and Retail
Retail storefronts need glass that provides clear visibility, security, and energy efficiency. The glass should showcase your products while keeping your space comfortable and your energy bills manageable.
For most retail applications in our service area, we recommend insulated glass units with Low-E coatings and tempered safety glass on the lower portions. The specific configuration depends on the storefront orientation, the amount of direct sun exposure, and the building’s HVAC system.
Office Buildings
Office environments benefit from glass that maximizes natural daylight while controlling glare and heat gain. Employee comfort and productivity are directly affected by the quality of the interior environment, making glass selection a business decision as much as a construction decision.
Glass partitions and glass office walls have become increasingly popular in modern office design, creating open, collaborative environments while maintaining acoustic privacy. We’ve seen growing demand for these systems in Southern Indiana as businesses modernize their workspaces.
Restaurants and Food Service
Restaurants need glass that creates an inviting atmosphere while meeting code requirements for safety and energy efficiency. Drive-thru windows require specialized glass and framing systems that withstand constant use while maintaining thermal and acoustic performance.
Our experience with restaurant chains like Burger King, Popeyes, and numerous independent restaurants has given us deep expertise in food service glass applications.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Financial institutions require glass that balances security, energy efficiency, and customer experience. Bullet-resistant and security-rated glass may be required for certain areas, while public-facing areas need welcoming, transparent storefronts.
We’ve completed numerous bank projects throughout Southern Indiana, including work for Regions Bank and other local financial institutions.
Schools and Educational Facilities
School glazing must prioritize safety, security, and code compliance. Impact-resistant and forced-entry-resistant glass options provide additional protection for educational environments. Energy efficiency is also critical, as schools typically operate on tight budgets and benefit significantly from reduced utility costs.
Building Code Considerations in Indiana
Indiana’s building codes, based on the International Building Code (IBC), establish minimum requirements for commercial glazing. Key considerations include:
- Safety glazing requirements — Tempered or laminated glass in hazardous locations
- Energy code compliance — Maximum U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC) based on climate zone
- Fire-rated glazing — Required in rated walls, doors, and openings
- Windborne debris protection — May apply in certain high-risk locations
- Accessibility — Glass must meet ADA requirements for visibility and door operation
Our team stays current with Indiana building codes and can help you navigate the requirements for your specific project. We handle code compliance as part of our standard service, so you don’t have to worry about meeting minimum standards.
Making the Right Decision
Choosing commercial glass is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The right choice depends on your building’s orientation, your climate zone, your security requirements, your budget, and your aesthetic goals.
At Scottsburg Glass Inc., we start every commercial project with a thorough consultation. We assess your needs, explain your options in plain language, and recommend solutions that deliver the best value for your investment.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
If you’re planning a commercial glass project in Southern Indiana, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you select the right glass products for your application and provide a detailed estimate. With over 40 years of experience and thousands of completed projects, we have the expertise to make your commercial glass project a success.
Call us at (812) 752-4007 or fill out our online form to get started.