The storefront sits on the critical path of almost every commercial project. It can't close until the frame is set. Other trades can't finish behind it. Getting glazing done on time requires understanding the full timeline — and starting early enough to stay on it.
The Short Answer
A standard commercial storefront takes 8–11 weeks from contract execution to completed installation. Larger projects or projects with specialty systems run longer.
Here's where that time goes:
| Phase | Typical Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Submittals | 1–2 weeks | Shop drawings prepared and submitted for architect review |
| Submittal Review | 1–2 weeks | Architect reviews and returns approved or with comments |
| Fabrication | 4–6 weeks | Aluminum extrusions and glass units manufactured to order |
| Field Installation | 1–3 weeks | Frame set, glass installed, doors hung, hardware installed |
| Inspection | 1–3 days | Building department inspection and sign-off |
Phase 1: Submittals (Weeks 1–2)
After you sign with a glazing contractor, the first thing they do is produce shop drawings. These are detailed drawings that show exactly how the glazing system will be installed on your specific building.
Shop drawings go to the architect for review. The architect either approves them or sends them back with comments. This back-and-forth is called the submittal process.
Important: Materials cannot be ordered until submittals are approved. Every week of slow submittal review = one week added to the end of the project.
ACG prepares first submittals within 5–7 business days of contract execution. We track review status and follow up proactively.
Phase 2: Fabrication (Weeks 3–8)
Once submittals are approved, materials are ordered. Commercial storefront components are custom-fabricated. That means:
- Aluminum extrusions are cut to specific lengths
- Glass units are fabricated to exact measurements
- Hardware is ordered to match the system
Fabrication typically takes 4–6 weeks. This is the longest phase and has the least flexibility. You can't speed up a manufacturer's production schedule.
This is why you hire your glazing contractor early. If you wait until the building is framed to call a glazing sub, you've already lost 4–6 weeks that could have been running in parallel with construction.
Phase 3: Field Installation (Weeks 8–11)
When materials arrive on site, the installation crew takes over. A standard storefront installation goes like this:
- Rough opening verification. The crew measures the actual opening to confirm it matches the drawings. Any discrepancies get resolved before materials are cut.
- Frame installation. The aluminum head, sill, and vertical members are set and anchored. Sealants go in at penetrations.
- Glass installation. Glass panels are set into the frame, glazed, and sealed.
- Door installation. Door frames, pivots, closers, and hardware are installed and adjusted.
- Final caulk and clean. All perimeter sealants installed, glass cleaned.
A small retail storefront takes 2–3 days of installation. A large multi-bay storefront system might take 2–3 weeks. Installation speed depends on crew size, system complexity, and site access.
What Causes Delays
Most storefront delays come from one of these five sources:
- Late submittal review. Architects who take 3–4 weeks to review shop drawings push the whole schedule back. Push for 10-business-day review commitments in your construction schedule.
- Late material orders. A glazing sub that waits for approved submittals before ordering materials adds weeks to the timeline. Materials should be ordered (tentatively) as soon as submittals are submitted — not after approval.
- Rough opening not ready. If the concrete or masonry work around the storefront opening isn't complete when the glazing crew shows up, the crew goes home. Coordinating the rough opening completion date is the GC's job.
- Specialty glass lead times. Standard clear or tinted glass is available quickly. Specialty glass — bird-safe fritting, specialty low-E coatings, extra-thick tempered glass — can add 2–4 weeks to fabrication time.
- Change orders during fabrication. Any change to the system after materials are ordered can reset the fabrication clock. Get decisions made before submittals are finalized.
Curtainwall Takes Longer
Everything above applies to storefront systems. Curtainwall systems take considerably longer — often 16–24 weeks from contract to completion. The engineering, anchor design, and complex fabrication involved in curtainwall installation requires more time at every phase.
See our comparison guide: Storefront vs Curtainwall — When Do You Use Which?
How to Keep Your Glazing on Schedule
- Award early. Sign with your glazing sub before the building is framed.
- Set submittal deadlines. Give the glazing sub a first-submittal deadline and hold to it.
- Coordinate rough openings. Confirm opening dimensions early. Don't change them after submittals.
- Avoid late changes. Every change after materials are ordered adds time.
Our Tampa commercial glazing team and our West Palm Beach and Naples offices are structured to move fast — first submittals within one week, proactive material tracking, and clear schedule communication from day one.
Ready to plan your project? Send us your plans and we'll give you a realistic timeline for your specific scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does commercial storefront installation take?
A typical commercial storefront takes 8–11 weeks from contract to completion. This includes 2 weeks for submittals, 4–6 weeks for fabrication, and 1–3 weeks for field installation. Larger or more complex projects take longer.
What causes delays in storefront installation?
The most common causes of delay are: slow submittal review by the architect or engineer of record, late material orders after contract execution, supply chain delays on aluminum extrusions or specialty glass, and rough opening conditions that aren't ready when the glazing crew arrives. In Florida, incomplete product approval documentation can also delay inspection.
When should I hire a glazing contractor on a construction project?
Hire your glazing contractor early — ideally as soon as the GC contract is signed. The 8–11 week storefront timeline starts the day you sign with the glazing sub, not the day you call them. Waiting until the building is framed to start the glazing procurement process almost always delays the critical path.