There are few things as inconvenient for a shop owner than some broken shop windows.
Your windows not only help keep your store safe from natural forces and the stray ambitious bird, but they also help create an enclosed intimate atmosphere for your shoppers.
Additionally, a broken window tends to impact your brand’s image negatively. This is why shop owners prioritise fixing their broken shop front windows as soon as possible.
This article will help you assess your broken shop windows like a professional glazier to understand the scope of the required fix.
Know Your Enemy
Professional glaziers tend to have a wide variety of experiences with broken window analysis, but if it’s your first broken window this process could be a bit confusing. There are a million ways under the sun that your windows could possibly break.
Unfortunately, the most common reason for broken shop front windows is due to vandalism or burglaries, followed very closely by the weather.
It’s important to understand what the cause of your shopfront troubles is so that it can be addressed in the future. This information will help you understand what features to look for in your new windows.
For example:
The weather can damage the shopfront in multiple different ways where it’s affected by thermal stress from the sun and wind damage.
These issues can be addressed by ordering a certain type of shop glass window that can be more resistant to the forces of nature, or simply installing an awning to protect the windows from the sun and minimise the risk of the wind carrying something hazardous into your window.
Confirm how your windows broke and minimise the unknown. This can take a surprising amount of detective work.
For example:
A poorly placed screw could have put too much stress on the glass and triggered the break, meaning it would need to be replaced or remedied immediately before installing new windows.
Is there any structural damage?
Occasionally shopfront frames get damaged along with the glass. Its best to call the glazier immediately to get them to access both the glass and the frame.
It’s extremely important to check the structural integrity of the existing frame to ensure there’s no damage since the window has been broken. Sometimes the damage is very clear visually, other times the frame will need to simply be picked up when removing or reinstalling the glass.
There are too many tales of shop owners that forgot to check the existing frame before ordering new windows and realised that the new windows simply won’t work.
Additionally, if the existing frame is damaged but functional, it could lead to damaging or breaking your brand new shop windows. More often than not if the frame isn’t bent or aesthetically damaged it just a matter of installing more fixings to make it rigid and reduce movement.
Know the Glass Type
Many shop owners view a broken shop window as an opportunity to invest in some higher quality glass for their shop.
It’s important to know the glass type that needs to be replaced not only for aesthetic purposes, but to comply with Australian glass standards. The glass type standard is typically based around the square meterage of the size of glass.
Pick the Perfect Replacement Time
Now that you’ve got the logistics and type of windows figure out, it’s time to consider the perfect time of day for replacement. It’s important to avoid foot traffic and the public, while also minimising the disturbance during business hours.
Final Thoughts
While a broken shop front window can be an annoying experience, it can also be an opportunity to strengthen the security of your shop and add an aesthetic element that was previously missing.
It’s highly recommended to get a professional look at everything from your window frames and potential broken window causes, while also making keen recommendations for new glass.
This is why many shop owners search for professional glaziers.