Atlanta Commercial Glass Repair
When it comes to high-performance glass goods or other necessary repairs and maintenance, money is the primary factor for many building managers. In order to cut costs during setup and upkeep, high-quality materials are often left out of the budget for a project. It is important to weigh the upfront cost of excellent glass installation against the ongoing expenses of building development and upkeep. Almost always, the savings you’ll realize from using less energy and spending less on repairs and maintenance will more than cover the initial cost of purchasing higher-quality materials. While the expense of replacing commercial glass can be high, the cost of dealing with large clean-up and replacement can be far higher.
There is more to maintaining Atlanta commercial glass than just its appearance. Investing in high-quality glass and glass treatments can have a significant impact on a building’s operational costs, including those associated with lighting and heating and cooling systems, as well as waste management and sustainability. Glass Magazine cites a Department of Energy report that “HVAC systems account for about 40 percent of total energy use in commercial buildings.” Meanwhile, lighting systems account for around 16 percent of electricity costs, which can significantly increase the cost of powering and lighting large commercial structures. High-performance glass and glazing solutions, strategic window placement, commercial glass tinting, and other energy-conscious maintenance and upkeep practices can help building owners mitigate these expenses.
What Exactly Is Business Glazier Service?
If a homeowner wants to have a window fixed or replaced, all they have to do is give a call to an Atlanta contractor or window installation professional. The work itself is simple, and at most, a ladder will be required to access high-up windows or ornamental panes in an attic or crawlspace. The method is simple and easy to follow. This, however, is not the case when dealing with commercial glass repairs in Atlanta buildings.
Only technicians with the proper training and certification are allowed to repair and maintain glass in such high places. This is especially true for commercial window maintenance. Simply put, commercial glass repair is the process of fixing broken glass on commercial buildings and skyscrapers, such as cracks, chips, broken seals, and water seepage. Apartment complexes, condo towers, office structures, shopping malls, and skyscrapers are typical targets for these services because of the sheer number of glass surfaces they include. High-rise glass restoration requires the expertise of a specialist crew.
When it comes to commercial glass, it’s crucial to hire a reliable contractor or glass firm with the proper training and experience. Care and maintenance of these glass panels might be complicated by the wide variety of specialist services available, from waterproofing membranes to tints and glazing. Cutting corners and trying to save money by providing subpar services is never a good idea at these heights due to the numerous glass windows and panels that require special care and attention. Working on glass panels, glass doors for commercial buildings, or any other glass constructions requires the assistance of trained professionals.
What factors lead to broken storefront panes of glass?
Commercial glass can be caused by the same things that harm residential glass, such as weather, vandalism, and carelessness. The specifics of how each component affects and damages the glass make all the difference. The following are some of the things that can break commercial glass:
Factors in the Natural World
One defining feature of high-rises and other metro Atlanta buildings is their vertical height. When glass is placed that high, the effects of even moderate weather conditions are amplified. Glass and windows are more susceptible to breakage at these heights because of the increased intensity of wind, rain, sun, and temperatures.
Forces of nature and divine intervention
Glass and windows are more susceptible to damage at these elevations. When storms are severe and wind pressure is strong, glass is more likely to shatter. There are other ‘acts of god’ besides weather that can cause damage to commercial glass, as well. Hurricanes, hailstorms, and other natural disasters fall within this category.
Poor quality commercial window cleaning
Windows should be kept clean for more than just looks. If dirt is allowed to build up on the windows, it can add extra weight and cause stress points. The glass may be more likely to break or crack at these spots. The accumulation of dirt and debris on the glass can also cause scratches that weaken the material.
Mishaps that occur during routine maintenance
There are some events for which there is simply no way to adequately prepare or plan beforehand. The glass may break if a worker in maintenance unintentionally bumped it. It’s possible that someone inside the structure will trip and break a window. Or, a bird might accidentally fly into the window, shattering it.
Spreading minor damage
Last but not least, neglect and lack of care for commercial glass surfaces are major contributors to deterioration. It’s crucial to fix cracks, ships, and other problems as soon as they are discovered. Ignoring even little damage can lead to catastrophic failure as cracks widen and chips weaken the material.
Commercial Glass: When to Replace vs. Repair
If a commercial building’s glass windows or door sustains minor damage, the question of how to proceed must be answered. The question is whether it is best to fix the broken windows or to replace them entirely, given the extent of the damage. While the answer to this question is not always clear, property owners can benefit from keeping the following things in mind.
If/When Repairing
Commercial glass can be repaired rather than replaced if the damage is limited to inconsequential areas. Small scratches in tint and glaze coatings, leaking caulking and seals, air and water intrusion, and related concerns may usually be fixed without much trouble. This is not an excuse to put off cleaning and fixing industrial glass. Caulk and sealant failures can let water in and compromise the window’s structural integrity. Damage to the coating or scratches on the glass can make the panes more prone to breaking. Not being able to freely open windows in a high-rise office building poses a serious threat to the health and safety of those working inside. Repairing the windows may be more cost-effective than replacing them if they have minor damage or issues like these.
How Often to Swap
When a commercial building’s windows or glass are damaged or degraded to the point that they pose a safety risk, the question of whether to repair them or replace them becomes moot. Large cracks and chips, deep scratches in coatings or the window surface, windows and glass panes that appear loose, and, of course, severe breakage or indicators of imminent failure of the glass all qualify as major damage. Maintaining the safety of high-rise windows requires timely replacement when necessary. People should stay away from the area if there is broken glass or a window, and specialists should be summoned to remove and replace the broken glass as quickly as feasible. Maintenance costs for a building’s exterior are outweighed by the possibility of serious injury.
The Importance of Thinking Ahead for Commercial Glass
Several factors should be carefully considered when commercial window maintenance and glass repairs are needed in your facility. As difficult as it is to reach windows on the 100th floor, it is exponentially more difficult to repair or replace massive panes of glass there.
The safety of the repair crew’s employees is a primary priority from the very beginning. They’re not on the ground, but rather in the air, working with massive sheets of glass while navigating cranes, lifts, and other machinery. It can be difficult to get everything to where it needs to be. Then, they must transfer new glass panes into place, repair or replace the window, and adhere to strict procedures. High winds, low temperatures, and other threats have been constant companions throughout. For the sake of everyone in the area, it is crucial to work with a qualified and experienced high-rise glass repair team to ensure a successful repair process.
On the other hand, a company can waste a lot of money by putting off fixing broken windows or glass doors in a commercial facility. According to a recent analysis reported by Buildings.com, windows account for an estimated 39 percent of business heating energy use and 28 percent of commercial cooling energy use. A similar study found that windows are responsible for more than 34% of commercial buildings’ total energy consumption waste. The protection and efficiency of windows and glazing systems can now be optimized with greater ease thanks to advancements in window design. Problems with heat transfer through windows can also be prevented with the use of modern glass technologies and enhanced window designs. This is why keeping up with commercial glass window washing, routine inspections, and testing, and regular maintenance and upkeep is important for building owners.
Types of Commercial Glass in Atlanta
With new advances and improved technology, glass can be made in more ways than ever before, a critical consideration for high-rise glass installation. Regular glass like what is used in homes and normal office buildings is not the same as what is found on skyscrapers and commercial buildings.
Some of the common commercial glass specifications available include:
– Heat gain and loss control
– Visual treatments
– Shading and sun control
– Thermal comfort and regulation
– Condensation control
– Ultraviolet control
– Acoustic noise suppression
– Color effects
– Commercial waterproofing
– Energy requirements
And more
Common types of glass used in various kinds of commercial buildings include:
– Gas-filled
– Single pane
– Double pane
– Tinted
– Tempered
– Crack-resistant
– Impact-resistant
– Reflective
– Bulletproof
Window glass is designed with commercial window maintenance in mind and is usually made of shatter and break-proof glass that is designed to be less damaging if the glass falls from great heights due to window failure. Likewise, considering other features such as insulation properties, reflectiveness, color, and commercial glass tinting, and more should also carefully be accounted for. Commercial waterproofing and sealants are also worth taking note of. Matching the performance characteristics of the building and its location, as well as where in the building itself the glass is located, are also important considerations to keep in mind for commercial glass repairs and maintenance.
Regularly wash and inspect glass for signs of damage.
Regular commercial glass window washing is good for general window care and maintenance. The more often the glass gets cleaned the more opportunities there are to do inspections and catch minor issues and concerns before they become major problems.
Schedule a qualified inspection at least biannually or seasonally, depending on climate.
Surface level inspections by window washers and maintenance crews are good but a professional inspection needs to be done regularly as well. Water and air intrusion tests, safety checks, and code enforcement inspections are vital maintenance services as well.
Address any cracks as soon as possible.
Small cracks and chips can quickly become a big issue. Weakened glass is more prone to further breakage and can pose a major safety concern for those in and around the building. Small cracks can be repaired but major cracks require commercial glass replacement.
Ensure scratches are closely monitored.
While they are not as serious and urgent as a crack or chip, scratches on the window surface also need to be noted and monitored. In places of high winds or extremely low temperatures, scratches can open up the glass to further damage and eventual breakage.
Know the types of glass used in your buildings.
Every type of glass has slightly different parameters for what it can and cannot tolerate and support. Knowing what glass is used in the various areas of a high-rise building makes it easier to do maintenance checks and to ensure repairs and upgrades are done correctly.
Know when to repair versus replace glass panes.
A quick repair job may get a damaged window stable when dealing with minor issues like commercial glass tinting damage or minor scratches. Other times an immediate replacement is needed to protect the integrity of the building and those in the area.
Test glass for signs of air and water penetration.
Along with visual inspections for signs of wear and tear or damage, professional inspections need to include air and water intrusion tests. These can help easily pinpoint issues with commercial windows and glass door for commercial buildings.
Ensure your team and service provider is using the right type of sealants.
While maintenance and cleaning of windows are critical for high-rises, it is equally important to ensure the correct materials and products are used. Improper weather-proofing materials and harmful cleaning products can weaken and damage the glass rather than protect it.
Maintain scaffolding and platform equipment for commercial window maintenance.
With extreme high-rises and larger buildings, the need to be in the air on the face of the building is near-constant. Maintaining scaffolding and equipment means inspections and maintenance work can be done more quickly and issues can be addressed more effectively.
Realize the need to maintain the full exterior to keep the glass in the best shape.
Commercial window maintenance in Atlanta also involved elements of the building’s exterior beyond the glass itself. Maintaining the actual physical structure the windows are set in and all related support structures can also help ensure windows and glass panes remain intact.
The Benefits of Proper Glass Maintenance
Proper glass maintenance and commercial glass replacement can bring with it a wide range of benefits, the most obvious being a safe working environment. We have also already touched on how commercial glass maintenance and repair can help conserve energy and create a more structurally sound environment. However, there are other benefits worth considering for hi-rise exterior maintenance and upkeep.
Protects the Glass
Dirt, dust, smog, and debris will naturally accumulate on windows over time. Cleaning glass windows help ensure sufficient light passes through them so the interior space can benefit from natural lighting. This can help maintain higher comfort levels for those inside and will also ensure the living and working conditions of the inhabitants of the building don’t suffer.
Health Benefits
Sunlight is important for physical as well as mental health. Vitamin D comes from the sun, which promotes optimal physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Studies have shown that working in dark, isolated spaces negatively impact worker motivation and performance. By keeping commercial building’s windows clean and letting in natural light, this is avoided.
Prolong Building Longevity
A tall building experiences more impact from wind and debris than lower buildings. The size of the building itself can also stress windows over time due to the pressure and weight the glass experiences. This exposure will weaken glass panes over time and cause cracking and breaking if not maintained. That’s why abandoned buildings lose their windows.
Reflect Light Not Absorb
The more grime that builds on the surface of a commercial building, the worse it becomes for everyone. Not only does the building become an ugly eyesore in the neighborhood, but it can also affect the surrounding buildings that rely on light reflecting off that building to keep them out of its shadow. Glass will reflect light, dirt, and grime will absorb light.
Considering these and many other benefits of commercial glass repair and upkeep, it becomes all the more apparent why building management teams must stay on top of high-rise window replacement, and high-rise window cleaning and general upkeep.
Lower Building Total Cost of Ownership With a Complete Building Exterior Maintenance Program From the Right Partner.
The features of commercial glass, as well as what basic type of glass used, can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to each building. A skilled and experienced high-rise glass repair team will be able to match your unique commercial window needs to the best maintenance and repair services available.
Areas that are prone to high winds or high rain need glass with greater resistance to impact damage as well as specialized coatings to help keep things water and airtight. As you get higher above ground, it becomes more critical to use specialized commercial glass to ensure safe and effective building operations. Choosing the right quality glass and glass treatments can greatly reduce energy expenses and lighting costs and help building management better manage expenses with better commercial glass replacement and repair options.
Questions and concerns about what kind of glass to use, what additional treatments or products should be utilized, how often inspections and repair work should be performed, and whether upgrades should be done regularly or only when windows are damaged or need replacing are just some of the issues building manager teams need to consider. It can be confusing to make sense of it all and to make the right choices every single time commercial glass repairs or maintenance are needed. Working with a team of professionals, who have experience dealing with commercial buildings and commercial glass services can provide reliable guidance when it is needed the most.