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Do you own a commercial property and are unsure of which type of window you need to replace your current ones or put into a new build? Commercial windows come in a wide variety of styles to best suit your building’s shape and design. Windows have an important role in the style and energy efficiency of a property. In this article, we will go over the different types of windows available for your property type so you can better understand how to proceed in your decision.
What Types of Commercial Windows Are There?
The two key parts of deciding on which windows to get for a commercial building is the glass type and the frame material. The main frame materials forUK commercial builds are uPVC, aluminium and timber.
UK Building Regulations and environmental factors will influence your decision in the types of frame material and glass your commercial property windows can be made from.
Glazed Windows
Glazing is the installation of glass panes into frames within wall openings so that they can become windows. They come in three distinct styles which are single glazing, double glazing and triple glazing. The more panes of glass used in glazing the higher the energy efficiency of a building should become.
Double Glazing is two panes of glass sitting in a frame separated by an air gap which is then filled with insulating gas to prevent the transfer of cold air from outside and heat from inside from escaping. Triple glazing is a similar process but has three panes of glass instead of two which should further increase a building’s energy efficiency.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is commonly used for commercial building windows. It is usually required by law for commercial windows due to its higher robustness compared to residential windows. When it gets shattered tempered glass should break into smaller, safer parts rather than residential glass which creates larger glass shards.
Laminated Glass
Alternatively, laminated glass has been designed with two panes of glass which are sandwiched together by a large plastic sheet in the middle. This is so if the glass shatters it will stick to the plastic rather than into shards on the floor. It is known to be a durable option for commercial builds.
What are Commercial Building Windows Benefits?
As well as fitting the overall style of the building, windows play a practical role in all building types. Some of the benefits are:
· Improve and maintain a building’s energy efficiency.
· Increase natural light in a building.
· Effectively ventilate areas of the building.
· Structural support.
· Creates an inviting environment.
The type and position of the windows will be some of the main choices you will have to make when selecting your windows. It will depend on how much light you will want to enter a room as well as the amount of ventilation. The changing of the seasons will also contribute to your decisions as some rooms maybe warmer than others during summer and some colder than others during the winter. You will also want to structure your room so that the sun’s glare will not disturb your employees.
Commercial Building Window Styles
As mentioned previously, there are a number of elements which can affect your window decisions. Some of these are:
· Each room’s size.
· Architectural style of the building.
· Where the rooms are located within the building.
· Weather conditions all year-round.
· The direction of the wind.
· The use of each room.
Casement
A highly popular choice of window frame, casement windows are side-hinged and open and close similarly to that of a door. They are available in single as well as multiple panels depending on your needs.
Double hung
Comprising of two panes on a single frame, double-hung windows move vertically in the frame. By achieving this movement, it enables you to open the window from the top and bottom of the frame.
Fixed Windows
With fixed windows, you cannot open or close them as there is no mechanism to allow this. They are there to predominantly let natural light intoa room and are designed to be be fixed into the window frame. Installed with glazed window panes, they ensure strong weather resistance.
Metal Windows
Predominantly made from aluminium as well as mild steel in the UK, metal windows are a popular choice for commercial buildings due to their durability and long-lasting nature. They can also be made from bronze or stainless steel as well as other metal options.
Pivoted Windows
Pivoted windows are commonly casement windows fitted with a pivoting mechanism. This enables the window to oscillate alongside the ability to move back and forth. Depending on the pivot’s positioning, the panes can move horizontally in addition to vertically.
Awning Windows
Opening outwards and built with a hinge at the top, awning windows enable plenty of fresh air to enter through the bottom of the windowpane. They also provide a lot of natural light and are a great option if you are looking to ventilate a space.
Sliding
Although secured in their frames, sliding windows have the ability to move and present an alternative option to fixed windows. Depending on your style preference they can open horizontally and vertically. They are commonly used in retail stores.
Does Your Commercial Property’s Windows Need Replacing?
At CS Windows, Doors & Conservatories, we fit a wide variety of commercial windows so that you can select the right type for your building. All our windows offer excellent energy efficiency and improved security to give you peace of mind when replacing your current windows.
If you would like to find out more about our range of windows or have a question for us, call our experienced team today on 07955821567 or fill in the online contact form.
