#1531993
Installed
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OSHA
· Tampa
What commercial storefront is
Storefront is a center-set aluminum glazing system — typically 1¾″ or 2″ deep — that sits on the floor and transfers wind load downward through its sill. Glass is held by gaskets and snap-on stops. Height limit is approximately 10 ft single-story; above that, you generally move to curtainwall.
Common applications:
- Retail strip centers and shopping plazas
- Restaurant fronts and ground-floor commercial
- Bank branches and credit unions
- Office tower lobbies and vestibules
- Small office buildings and medical offices
- Auto dealership showrooms
Variants:
- Centerline (standard) — glass set in the center of the framing. The most economical configuration.
- Front-set / back-set — glass offset to the exterior or interior face for aesthetic reasons.
- Butt-glazed — vertical mullions replaced with structural silicone joints between lites. Frameless look.
- All-glass entrance — tempered glass doors with full-height stiles. Premium retail and hospitality.
- Impact-rated — NOA-listed assembly with laminated glass and reinforced framing.
Systems we install
| System | Manufacturer | Configuration | Max DP | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro-Wall DirectSet | Euro-Wall | Impact-rated storefront | +90 / −100 PSF | Restaurant, retail HVHZ |
| ESWindows ES-9500 | ESWindows | Thermal impact | Per NOA | Mid-rise commercial |
| ESWindows ES-50 | ESWindows | Standard storefront | Project-engineered | Light commercial |
| ESWindows ES-80 | ESWindows | Heavy-commercial storefront | Per NOA | Hospitality, retail |
DPs are tested maximums. Project-specific verification required.
Storefront vs curtainwall — when storefront is correct
Use storefront when:
- Assembly is one story and ≤ 10 ft height
- Wind load is moderate (deflection L/175 achievable)
- Standard centerline aesthetic is acceptable
Use curtainwall when assembly spans floor-to-floor, exceeds 10 ft, or requires flush SSG aesthetic. Full decision framework.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the lead time for commercial storefront in 2026?
6–10 weeks material lead time. Installation 2–4 weeks for a typical 5,000–8,000 SF assembly.
Can storefront be impact-rated for HVHZ?
Yes. ACG installs Miami-Dade NOA-listed impact storefront from Euro-Wall, ESWindows, and ESWindows.
What’s the difference between butt-glazed and standard storefront?
Butt-glazed replaces vertical mullions with structural silicone joints between lites — the look is frameless.
Related ACG resources
Have a project?
Send drawings to ACG. We’ll review system selection, code path, and budget — no charge. Florida CGC #1531993. 350+ projects.