Choosing and putting in commercial windows and doors is a big investment in the security, efficiency, and look of a property. Commercial installations are more complicated than residential ones because they have to take into account things like building performance, code compliance, and minimizing disruption to operations. It’s very important for property managers and business owners to fully understand the process of making such an important upgrade. This guide lists the five most important things to think about when planning your next installation of commercial windows and doors.

1. The Importance of Following All Codes and Rules

Following all local, state, and national building codes is the most important part of any successful commercial fenestration project. There are strict rules that commercial properties must follow about safety, fire resistance, and access.

Critical Regulatory Focus Areas:

• ADA Compliance: All doors that are open to the public must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for clear opening width, hardware operation, and operational force.
• Fire Ratings: The International Building Code (IBC) and local fire marshals often require doors to have certain fire-resistance ratings, like 20-minute or 90-minute ratings. This is especially true for exits, stairwells, and areas that lead to separate occupancies.
• Energy Codes: Fenestration products must meet minimum energy performance standards, which are usually set by ASHRAE standards or local energy codes. These standards focus on low U-factors (thermal resistance) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

Not following these codes can cause expensive project delays, fines, or, worst of all, safety risks. When you work with professionals who specialize in commercial projects, you can be sure that every product you choose and every step of the installation process is carefully checked against the most recent rules.

Call American Architectural Window & Door today at (800) 495-8175 for a free consultation!

2. Putting Security and High-performance Door Systems first

Security is not up for debate for any business. Modern commercial door systems have more advanced features than just basic locks. When making plans for an installation, put doors and windows that are strong and secure at the top of your list.

• Reinforced frames and hardware: Commercial doors, especially those made of steel or reinforced aluminum, need to be able to handle repeated use and possible forced entry. Look for locks with multiple points, high-security locking mechanisms, and strong panic hardware.
• Impact Resistance: In some places, like storefronts or ground-level areas, windows and glazed doors may need laminated or tempered glass to make them safer and protect them from impacts.
• Access Control Integration: The installation must include the ability to easily connect keyless entry systems, biometric scanners, or card readers that keep track of who comes and goes.

3. Learning How To Measure Accurately

The accuracy of the measurements and the strength of the surrounding structure are the most important factors in determining the quality and longevity of a commercial window and door installation. Commercial openings are often bigger and need more complicated support than residential ones.

To make sure a perfect fit, which is important for getting the best thermal performance and keeping air and water from getting in, a specialist will take many precise measurements. Also, during the installation process, the rough opening is carefully checked for problems like rot, water damage, or weak structures. Before installation, it’s important to fix these basic problems to make sure the new unit works right and is covered by warranty.

Did you know?

that a mid-sized office building can waste more than $1000 a year on energy costs because of uncontrolled air leakage and thermal bridging if its commercial windows are not properly sealed or installed? The best way to get rid of this energy drain is to have it done by a professional.

4. Reducing Operational Disruption During Installation

Commercial installation usually happens in buildings that are already being used, unlike an empty construction site. One important thing to think about when choosing a contractor is how well they can plan and manage logistics for projects so that business doesn’t have to stop. This means:

• Phased Installation: Doing the work in parts or during off-peak hours (like weekends or evenings) to keep the facility open and the business running smoothly.
• Safety Rules: Setting up clear, safe work areas, dust barriers, and plans for keeping debris contained to protect employees, customers, and inventory.
• Communication: Keeping in touch with the property manager all the time to talk about noise, access, and timeline expectations.

5. Spending Money on Professional, Certified Installation Skills

If you don’t install high-quality commercial windows and doors correctly, you won’t get any of the benefits. If you do it yourself or hire a general contractor who doesn’t have specialized experience, you could lose your warranty, break the law, or have your product fail too soon. Professional installation guarantees certified craftsmanship, which means that the products are put in exactly how the manufacturer says they should be. This is important for keeping thermal breaks, weather sealing, and the structure’s strength. This knowledge directly leads to the best possible energy savings, improved security, and the full life of your investment.

Secure Your Property’s Future Performance

Don’t leave the important parts of your building envelope to chance. It takes special knowledge to make sure that rules are followed, that things run as smoothly as possible, and that safety is guaranteed. Take the proactive step to protect the value of your assets and the way your business works.

Call American Architectural Window & Door today at (800) 495-8175 to schedule a professional consultation and secure expert installation for your commercial property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)