Can a Commercial Glazier Design Custom Storefronts?

Yes. A Florida commercial glazier works with the architect to design custom storefronts — custom mullion profiles, oversize lites, premium finishes, integrated lighting, and structural silicone facades. The glazier does not replace the architect; the glazier engineers the assembly and qualifies the spec.

What a glazier can customize

Custom mullion sightlines. Stock Kawneer Trifab VG 451 has a 2.25-inch sightline. Custom dies can drop sightline to 1.75 inch for a slimmer profile, or expand to 4+ inches for a structural look. Custom die tooling adds $0.50-$2.00 per sq ft.

Oversize lites. Stock storefront tops out around 5 feet wide by 10 feet tall. Custom lites to 8 feet wide by 14 feet tall are achievable with specialty aluminum systems and oversized laminated glass.

Custom PVDF finishes. AAMA 2605 PVDF Kynar 70/30 is available in 100+ standard colors plus custom-match. 2-tone finishes are achievable (interior color different from exterior).

Structural silicone glazing. Frameless or flush-glazed appearance using Dow Corning 995 or Sika SikaSil WS-305 structural sealant. Eliminates the captured glazing channel.

What the glazier needs from the architect

Sealed shop drawings on custom storefront require structural calcs against ASCE 7-22 wind pressure and FBC 1626 impact criteria. The architect provides the design intent; the glazier (with their engineer-of-record) qualifies it structurally and provides the sealed submittal package.

Lead time on custom storefront

Custom dies take 8-12 weeks to mill. Custom PVDF finish takes 8-12 weeks to coat. Custom glass takes 4-10 weeks depending on coating and lamination. The longest item sets the schedule. Custom storefront typically adds 8-12 weeks to overall project timeline versus stock systems.

Frequently asked questions

Does ACG do custom storefront design?

ACG works with the architect to engineer custom storefronts. We are not the architect of record. We qualify the spec structurally, provide sealed shop drawings, and self-perform installation.

How much more do custom storefronts cost?

Custom mullion: +$0.50-$2.00/sq ft for die tooling. Custom PVDF finish: +12-20% on the aluminum line item. Oversize lites: +15-25% on the glass line item. Net premium typically 15-30% over stock storefront.

What's the lead time on custom?

8-12 weeks longer than stock systems. Custom dies, custom finish, custom glass all run in parallel where possible. Order on signed contract — not on permit issuance — to compress 2-3 weeks.