Guide to Glass Doors

Glass doors aren’t just for retailers any more. Businesses increasingly use glass exterior doors to provide an appealing, attractive entrance with the added benefits of improved energy efficiencies from natural lighting. Glass interior doors can create an open work atmosphere where the productivity of employees can be viewed whether doors are open or closed. Retailers know how exterior glass doors and entranceways offer a peek at products for potential buyers passing by, and service-oriented businesses can consider how decorative glass doors might create a more inviting, less corporate atmosphere throughout. 

Glass doors come in many forms-stained, beveled, etched, mirrored, sand blasted to name a few-and can be customized to create a one-of-a-kind, lasting impression. While aesthetics typically plays an important role in a decision to choose glass for doors, many other considerations should be made as to how the glass door may affect other aspects of business-namely security, privacy, maintenance, and energy costs.
 Inside this guide, you’ll find:

1. Advice on choosing the best glass doors for security and weathering the elements.
2. Considerations for ensuring maximized energy efficiencies from glass for doors.
3. Tips on glass door designs that pay off but still allow privacy.
4. Direction on how to narrow your glass door options.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose glass doors that will stand the test of time

While pleasing to the eye, glass doors are much more fragile than their wood counterparts. Businesses will want to consider what types of glass exterior doors will require the least amount of maintenance and hold up under extreme weather conditions.

I recommend: Glass doors can be framed by a number of different materials including steel, aluminum, wood and fiberglass. I recommend companies like Masonite, Pella and Dawson Doors that have longstanding histories as reputable providers of both fiberglass and steel framed doors, which are recognized for durability and low maintenance. Lowes and Home Depot offer these and other respected brands. Business.com also offers a list of vendors specializing in fiberglass and other commercial doors.

Ensure both interior glass doors and exterior glass doors are properly secured

Because glass doors are more easily broken, considerations should be made to protect your business against theft and unlawful entry or natural disasters.

I recommend: Double-strength and impact-resistant glass exterior doors may be a consideration if you're concerned about vandalism and break-ins. Testing standards set forth by the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) must be met before glass for doors is certified as impact-resistant. In addition, the Window and Door Manufacturers Association sponsors the Hallmark Certification Program for identifying products that have been manufactured in accordance with preset performance standards. 

Ensure glass doors meet the highest energy ratings

Glass doors can improve energy costs by allowing your company to take advantage of the benefits of natural lighting. On the other hand, glass doors can also decrease energy efficiencies if not properly manufactured to deflect heat and cold from the outside.

I recommend: Look for products that have an appropriate government-backed Energy Star rating. Thanks to a host of new technologies, ENERGY STAR-qualified glass doors are designed to keep businesses cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Determine whether glass doors provide enough privacy

Exterior and interior glass doors that allow clear views of what's inside can provide benefits from a number of angles-managers can easily see what employees are doing, and potential retail customers can easily view products. In some work environments, though, the need for privacy is paramount.

I recommend: Businesses can garner the benefits of aesthetics and natural lighting that glass doors offer by purchasing products from companies that offer diffused glass, stained glass, or other art deco looks that distort images inside.

Narrow your glass door choices

Consider your market before seeking out glass door manufacturers and specific styles, and be aware of distinctions between industrial, residential, and commercial markets. You will also need to consider whether the glass doors in your business will need to be custom-made.

I recommend: Consult with the experts. Many companies will offer free estimates and advice about the different types of glass available. Some companies specialize in wood only while others offer innovative fiberglass and steel options for glass. Seek out expert advice on custom retail aluminum and steel storefronts as well.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Companies seeking to make a statement with glass doors should look to companies that offer custom glass door looks instead of styles that are pre-manufactured. Consider one-of-a-kind designs that portray an element or characteristic of a particular business-such as a logo or product.
• Keep safety of staff, customers and products in mind when choosing glass for doors as an alternative. Consider needs for fire resistance, impact resistance and security.
• Keep maintenance considerations at the forefront when choosing glass for doors. Be aware of the extra time or cost entailed with keeping glass clean.

The official source of Glass Doors is the Glass Doors page at Business.com