National Glass & Mirror of Michigan Locally Owned and Operated

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  • Construction

Storefront Design

Building or renovating a commercial space starts with the storefront.
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Storefront Design & Construction

Building or renovating a commercial space starts with the storefront — the glass, framing, entrance, and signage system that defines your business from the street. National Glass & Mirror designs and builds complete storefront systems from the ground up, handling everything from engineering and fabrication to glazing and final punch-list.

 

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    Complete Storefront Systems

    Full Storefront Glazing Systems

    Floor-to-ceiling glass facades with aluminum framing systems designed for commercial, retail, and mixed-use buildings. We engineer, fabricate, and install the complete system — mullions, transoms, vision panels, spandrel glass, and structural connections.

    Curtain Wall Systems

    Non-structural glass enclosure systems for multi-story commercial buildings. The glass and aluminum framework attaches to the building structure and spans multiple floors, creating a seamless glass exterior. Engineered for wind load, thermal movement, and water management.

    Strip Mall and Shopping Center Storefronts

    Multi-tenant storefront systems designed for consistent appearance across multiple units while allowing individual tenant customization. We work with property owners, general contractors, and tenants on new builds, renovations, and tenant improvements.

    Restaurant and Retail Build-Outs

    Glass walls, partitions, entrance systems, display windows, and pass-through openings for restaurant, retail, and service business interiors. Designed to maximize visibility, natural light, and curb appeal.

    Entrance Vestibules

    Double-door entry systems with an interior airlock space that reduces energy loss, noise, and wind penetration in high-traffic commercial entrances. Particularly important in regions with extreme heat or cold.

    Install

    Storefront Components We Install

    • Aluminum framing — standard, thermal, and structural framing systems in multiple profiles and finishes
    • Vision glass — clear, tinted, Low-E, and insulated glass panels for the transparent areas of your storefront
    • Spandrel glass — opaque glass panels that conceal structural elements, floor lines, and mechanical systems behind the facade
    • Transom windows — fixed glass panels above entry doors and display windows to maximize light
    • Sidelights — fixed glass panels flanking entry doors
    • Display windows — large, clear glass panels for merchandise display and visibility
    • Signage band framing — integrated framing for channel letters, backlit signs, and tenant identification
    • Automatic entry doors — sliding, swinging, and folding systems integrated into the storefront design
    • Canopy and awning connections — structural attachment points for exterior shade systems

    Why National Glass &
    Mirror for Storefront Construction

    Single-Source Accountability

    We handle design, engineering, fabrication, glass sourcing, installation, and warranty — one company, one point of contact, one entity responsible for the finished result.

    Code Compliance

    All storefront systems are engineered to meet local building codes for wind load, impact resistance, energy performance, and ADA accessibility. We pull permits and coordinate inspections.

    On-Schedule Delivery

    Storefront installation is typically on the critical path of a construction timeline. Delays cost everyone money. We provide firm schedules and meet them.

    Warranty

    Our installations are backed by manufacturer warranties on glass and framing, plus our own workmanship warranty covering installation, sealing, and hardware.

    Our Design and Construction Process

    Step 1 — Project Consultation

    We review your architectural plans (or help develop them), discuss aesthetic and functional requirements, and provide preliminary budgeting. We work with architects, general contractors, property managers, and business owners.

    Step 2 — Engineering and Shop Drawings

    Our team produces detailed shop drawings showing every framing member, glass panel, connection point, and hardware location. These are submitted for architect and building department approval before fabrication begins.

    Step 3 — Fabrication

    Aluminum framing is cut, welded, and finished to spec. Glass panels are ordered in the correct type, thickness, tint, and coating. All components are staged and inventoried before the installation crew arrives on site.

    Step 4 — Installation

    Our crews install the framing system, set and glaze all glass panels, install entry doors and hardware, and seal the entire system for weather performance. We coordinate with other trades to stay on schedule.

    Step 5 — Punch-List and Handoff

    We walk the finished project with the owner, architect, or GC — documenting any items that need attention and completing them before final sign-off.

    Years in Business
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    Locations Across Michigan
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    Need Help?

    Storefront Design & Construction FAQs

    Storefront pricing depends on size, system type, glass specifications, and entrance complexity. A basic single-tenant retail storefront typically starts at $5,000–$15,000 for framing, glass, and installation. Multi-unit, curtain wall, and custom designs vary widely. We provide detailed estimates after reviewing your project.

    Typical timelines range from 2–6 weeks for engineering and fabrication, plus 1–3 weeks for installation depending on project size. We provide a detailed schedule during the proposal phase and coordinate with your general contractor.

    Yes. We regularly collaborate with architects on specifications, produce shop drawings for approval, and coordinate with GCs on scheduling, access, and trade sequencing. We're comfortable as a subcontractor or as a direct vendor to the property owner.

    Yes. We retrofit existing storefronts with new glass, framing, doors, and finishes. Upgrades can include switching from framed to frameless glass, improving energy efficiency with insulated glass, or adding automatic doors — often without closing the business.

    Yes. All storefront systems meet current energy code requirements (IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, or local equivalent) for glass U-factor, SHGC, and air infiltration. We specify the correct glass and framing to meet or exceed the energy requirements for your jurisdiction.

    Yes. See our emergency glass service for 24/7 response to broken storefronts,

    Need We're available 24/7 for broken windows that can't wait.

    emergency glass service