Posted: 16th December 2022
It’s very easy to assume that commercial glazing and standard residential double glazing are the same. In fact, they’re very different. Here are three reasons why.
The differences between the applications of commercial glazing and double glazing
When you think about double glazing for residential projects, it’s typically standard windows and doors and perhaps roof lanterns.
Commercial glazing is used on a much larger scale and across many styles of building applications. For example, a commercial building might have standard casement windows, doors and skylights. It might also use curtain walling. There might be internal applications too, as space dividers or stair rails.
Residential glazing is designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a house. Having said that, commercial glazing has to be aesthetically appealing too. But there are other requirements and project specifications to take into account. A shopfront will need to enhance the view of what’s inside to entice shoppers in. An office building will need to maximise natural light to make it a pleasant place to work.
The differences between the regulations for commercial glazing and double glazing
The regulations for commercial glazing are more complex and demanding than for residential double glazing. This is because there are much bigger demands on it.
A commercial building may be much higher than a residential building, which means it will be subject to much more demanding weather patterns. This has implications for wind loading properties and weather proofing.
Many more people will be using the space so there are health and safety implications in terms of the performance of the glazing. Commercial glazing must be very strong to help prevent accidents and break-ins.
Residential glazing is often designed to absorb solar energy. In contrast, there are usually many more people and much more electrical equipment in a commercial building, which means much more heat is generated than in a residential building. To prevent overheating by adding solar heat into the mix, commercial glazing must limit the amount of solar absorption.
At the same time, just like residential double glazing, thermal efficiency is an important consideration. Thermally efficient double glazing in both residential and commercial properties helps to limit the amount of energy-intensive heating and cooling that’s needed, helping to reduce the running costs of a building.
The differences between the installation of commercial glazing and double glazing
As we’ve said, there are typically big differences in scale between a residential building and a commercial building.
Because a commercial building is by design a lot larger than a domestic property and there are typically more people on site during construction, there are much more demanding health and safety requirements for installing commercial glazing. It requires specialist training, materials, tools and equipment.
Because the stakes are much higher, it is important to choose the right installer for a commercial glazing project. Many installers specialise in commercial glazing and have the credentials and experience that are needed to work on projects like these. Your commercial glazing manufacturer or supplier will be a good source of advice on the best commercial glazing installer for your requirements.
Mercury Glazing is one of the UK’s leading specialist fabricators of bespoke windows and doors. We manufacture a comprehensive range of windows and doors for commercial and residential double glazing projects. Our solutions are suitable for projects featuring everything from cutting edge modern design to traditional heritage charm – and everything in between.
We supply to contractors, builders and installers across the country. They choose Mercury because we offer an unbeatable combination of product quality, customer service excellence and undoubted expertise.
To discuss how we could support your next commercial or residential window or door project, get in touch.
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From sash windows to aluminium bifold doors, our high-quality products are engineered and manufactured right here in Britain. We work with fellow UK-operated companies, Spectus Window Systems, Smart Systems, and Jack Aluminium Systems, to deliver only the very best to our trade, commercial and residential customers.
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