Storefront Windows
Storefront windows are utilized by many shops, stores, and commercial stockrooms to allow people to view examples of the store's merchandise. They tend to face the street and display the store's wares. Storefront systems are usually located on lower building floors and their vertical span is generally limited to a single story in height. Some storefront window systems may span more than one story. Storefront windows are frequently combined with entrance systems.
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[edit] Performance Requirements
Storefront replacement windows do not need to provide thermal insulation and are therefore generally manufactured from simple light-weight aluminum sections and butt-glazing.
[edit] Framing
Storefront window systems employ either monolithic or insulating glass. Storefront replacement windows may be glazed after the frame is assembled. Finishes for aluminum storefront windows traditionally have included clear or color anodized or organic coating systems including fluoropolymer resin-based coatings or polyester powder paints. The film thickness and abrasion resistance of powdercoat finishes make them suitable for storefront windows and high traffic entrances.
Operable window units may be incorporated into storefront windows and storefront entrance systems. Storefront framing may also be used for contour storefront windows, curtain wall replacement storefront windows, window-wall systems, ribbon-walls, strip-window systems and punched window openings.
[edit] Contour Storefront Windows
Contour replacement storefront windows feature curved lines which create an arched storefront window.
[edit] Curtain Wall Storefront Windows
A curtain wall is a building facade that transfers horizontal loads to the building structure through connections at floors or columns. It carries only its own dead load and not any load which is transferred from the building. In curtain walls the glass is usually located at the front of framing and can include point-supported glazing units in which the corners of the glazing units are connected to the window's supporting arms which are attached to structural mullions.
[edit] Window-Wall Storefront Windows
Window-wall replacement storefront windows are walls of window panes. The sizes of the panes can range in width from a few feet wide to several yards. Panes for window-wall storefront systems span the entire length of the opening, from ceiling to floor.
[edit] Ribbon-Wall Storefront Windows
Ribbon-wall storefront windows are horizontal windows which are openings within a flat façade of a larger wall.
[edit] Strip-Window Storefront Windows
Replacement strip-windows are constructed from a series of windows which form a horizontal band across the face of a building.
[edit] Punched Open Storefront Windows
Punched-open replacement storefront windows are window units which are installed as a series of “punched” openings that are surrounded by cladding, as opposed to being arranged in horizontal or vertical strips.
[edit] Glazing
Replacement storefront windows include two-sided, structural-sealant-glazed butt-glazed systems as well as conventional glazing.
[edit] Conventional Glazing
In conventional storefront window glazing the panels are held in place on all sides by gaskets which are set into the framing members.
[edit] Two-Sided Structural Sealant Butt-Glazing
In butt-glazing, also known as two-sided, structural-sealant-glazed systems the structural sealant attaches the glazing units to vertical framing members. Gaskets secure the glass within the frame.
[edit] Residential Applications
Storefront windows are generally installed as display windows in stores but they have residential applications as well. Homeowners may wish to install replacement storefront windows in sections of their home where they want a large glassed-in area and don't need venting windows. Possible home locations for storefront windows include a glassed-in entrance hall, a greenhouse, a pool room or a conservatory.
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