It’s finally that time. You’re looking to enhance the look of a commercial building – for a sale or otherwise. Changing the windows is the type of investment you make once every 20 to 30 years. What kind of window will have the most impact on your energy consumption? Can windows create a nourishing and stress-free environment for your employees? What about security?

From window frame materials to insulation and sound transmission. Here are some key things you should consider to ensure your project is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Window Frame Material

Vinyl

Vinyl window frames are popular due to their cost-effectiveness, quality, and sound insulation. Made from PVC, they are highly customizable and can be found in most retail stores. However, they can bend and warp under heat, similar to wood frames. Overall, they provide a practical option for homeowners seeking affordable windows.

Fibrex

Fibrex, a patented composite by Andersen, combines 60% PVC and 40% recycled wood fibers, offering superior insulation and durability compared to vinyl. It has a higher heat threshold and requires less maintenance than wood. Fibrex windows are slightly more expensive than vinyl, but a large chunk of that is installation. Hiring local contractors to install them can save a lot of that cost. A quick Google search for ‘Andersen windows near me’ will show some of the local contractors available so you can start comparing prices.

Metal

Metal window frames should be the last option if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and electricity bill. Metal is an excellent heat conductor, which means that you’ll put unnecessary stress on your HVAC system during summer and winter. Commonly used in public buildings, steel and aluminum windows are favored for their low cost, fire-resistant properties, and resistance to forced entry.

Window Characteristics

Insulation

Directly tied to energy efficiency, insulation refers to how resistant a multi-pane window is to the passage of heat. In general, the higher the number of panes, the better the insulating effect. Insulation is measured using the U-factor, as defined by the NRFC.

A low U-factor means that the window is a bad heat conductor, making it a good insulator. A high U-factor means it’s a lousy insulator, so all that heat leaking during the summer will strain your HVAC system.

Low-Emissivity Coatings

Low emissivity coatings, also known as Low-E coatings, are microscopically thin metallic oxide layers deposited on the surface of windows. They are probably the smallest investment you can make to increase a window’s energy efficiency.

In cold to hot climates, a soft Low-E coating on a window will reflect warm and cool air into the room instead of letting it leak. It will also provide UV light protection.

In frigid climates, a hard Low-E coating on a window allows infrared light to pass through, heating your home. The coating also reflects the heat back inside, maintaining a cozy temperature.

Both of these will ultimately help your HVAC system.

Sound transmission class

Noise pollution is a pervasive problem in commercial buildings. Luckily, picking the right windows can help alleviate this and ensure a productive, stress-free environment for your employees.

The ability to reduce exterior noise in windows is measured using the Sound Transmission Class—or STC—rating. Factors like the glass thickness, spacing between panes—for multi-pane windows—and the window type all play a key role in this rating.

For reference, a regular single-pane window with no insulation would have an STC rating of 25. In short, the higher the STC rating, the better at soundproofing. Double and triple-pane windows can go as high as 50.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of commercial building windows is 15 to 30 years. This expectancy assumes the window was installed correctly by the glazier or contractor—a faulty installation will make the window more susceptible to water damage and mold growth, shortening its lifespan considerably.

Experts recommend cleaning commercial windows 2-3 times yearly to prevent buildups. However, weekly cleaning may be necessary to prevent ice buildup in states with extreme winters, like North Dakota, Minnesota, and Maine. If the windows are set at ground level, you may also have to consider salt sprays from the street.

Maintenance will largely depend on your building’s location and other environmental factors.

Security

Tempered Glass

Also known as safety glass, tempered glass is a type of thermally treated glass stronger than regular glass. The thermal process involves creating a temperature gradient from the center of the glass to the edges, which compresses and strengthens the glass. The security feature of this glass is that when hit, it breaks into pieces with no sharp edges.

Laminated Windows

Laminated windows are an improvement on multi-pane windows. In addition to having multiple panes, these windows have an inner layer of vinyl that keeps the glass shards together—even after breaking.

Impact resistant windows

Also known as hurricane windows, impact-resistant windows are a type of glass built to withstand heavy impacts. They are instrumental if you live in a state in Tornado Alley or are vulnerable to tornado damage in general.

Impact-resistant windows mix elements from laminated and tempered glass to produce extra-hard glass, coupled with heavy-duty frames for added structural support.