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Open Entrances Article

5 Common Misconceptions About Glass Entrances

When it comes to designing an entrance, many businesses are now turning to glass to create a sleek, modern, and inviting first impression. Yet, for all the benefits glass entrances bring, several myths have made business owners hesitate about adopting them for their spaces. Let’s debunk five of the most common misconceptions about glass entrances and show how today’s advancements make glass an ideal choice.

1. Myth: Glass Entrances Are Fragile and Easily Damaged

Reality: Modern architectural glass is anything but fragile. Thanks to advancements in materials science, glass entrances can now be made with toughened or laminated glass, which can withstand significant impact. Toughened glass, for instance, is designed to break into small, blunt pieces rather than dangerous shards, reducing risk. Laminated glass, commonly used in commercial buildings, is crafted with layers that prevent it from shattering upon impact. In short, glass entrances are no more vulnerable to damage than other materials when appropriately installed and maintained.

2. Myth: Glass Entrances Are Not Energy-Efficient

Reality: Many people associate glass with heat loss or gain, believing it will drive up energy costs. However, with today’s energy-efficient glass options, this is simply not the case. High-performance glazing solutions, such as double or even triple glazing, are designed to provide excellent insulation while reducing energy consumption. Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings on glass help control heat transfer, keeping indoor spaces cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not only do these options make glass entrances a sustainable choice, but they can also help businesses lower their energy bills over time.

3. Myth: Glass Entrances Compromise Privacy

Reality: Privacy concerns are understandable, but glass doesn’t have to mean exposure. There are many ways to maintain privacy with glass entrances without sacrificing style. Frosted or tinted glass, for example, offers discretion while allowing natural light to filter through. Glass treatments and films are another solution, providing varying levels of transparency to meet different privacy needs. For businesses requiring some level of visibility, such as retail, partially frosted or patterned glass offers an elegant compromise, maintaining privacy while preserving a sense of openness.

4. Myth: Glass Entrances Are High-Maintenance

Reality: One of the most appealing qualities of glass is that, unlike wood or metal, it doesn’t require regular painting, staining, or rust-proofing. While it’s true that glass shows smudges and fingerprints, cleaning is typically straightforward with a routine glass cleaner. Many glass manufacturers now offer coatings that make glass resistant to dirt and water spots, reducing the frequency of cleaning needed. With minimal maintenance, a glass entrance can stay looking pristine for years, making it a practical and durable option.

5. Myth: Glass Entrances Are Not Secure

Reality: Security concerns with glass are another common worry, yet there’s an entire industry devoted to making glass secure. Security glass options, such as laminated glass, provide resistance to forced entry, as they’re designed to hold together even if cracked. For businesses needing higher levels of security, additional measures like reinforced frames and alarm-triggered glass options can enhance safety without sacrificing the open, welcoming feel glass provides.

Why Glass Entrances Make Sense for Today’s Businesses

With these misconceptions debunked, it’s clear that glass entrances offer a combination of style, practicality, and security that’s hard to beat. Whether your priority is creating a welcoming atmosphere, achieving sustainability goals, or reducing long-term maintenance, modern glass technology provides solutions tailored to the needs of today’s businesses. At Open Entrances, we specialise in high-quality, custom-designed glass solutions that address these very concerns, ensuring that each entrance is as durable and efficient as it is visually stunning.

Embracing the benefits of a glass entrance can redefine the way customers and employees experience your space, giving you a modern, professional image with none of the drawbacks these myths suggest.


FAQs

Q1: What type of glass is best for commercial entrances?
A: Toughened and laminated glass are popular choices for commercial entrances due to their strength and durability. Laminated glass is especially beneficial in high-traffic areas or for added security, as it’s designed to stay intact even if cracked.

Q2: How do glass entrances perform in different weather conditions?
A: Modern glass entrances are designed with energy efficiency in mind, so they can handle both hot and cold climates well. Options like double or triple glazing and Low-E coatings provide insulation and help maintain indoor temperatures, keeping spaces comfortable regardless of outdoor weather.

Q3: Can glass entrances be customised for privacy?
A: Absolutely. There are many privacy solutions available, including frosted, tinted, or patterned glass, and even privacy films. These options allow businesses to choose the level of transparency that suits their needs while still benefiting from the openness of glass.

Q4: Is it possible to make glass entrances secure?
A: Yes, there are many ways to enhance the security of glass entrances. Laminated glass, reinforced frames, and even alarm-triggered glass options add additional layers of security. We work with businesses to determine the best security solutions for their space.

Q5: How often do glass entrances need to be cleaned?
A: Glass is low-maintenance and only needs periodic cleaning to keep it clear of smudges and fingerprints. Many glass options come with specialised coatings that repel dirt and water, further reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Q6: Are glass entrances suitable for all types of businesses?
A: Glass entrances can be adapted to suit various business types, from retail and hospitality to corporate offices and healthcare facilities. With the wide range of customisation options available, it’s easy to create a glass entrance that aligns with a business’s brand, functional needs, and aesthetic preferences.

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Open Entrances is a UK based company that specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of oversized architectural glass entrances.  With an ever expanding portfolio of bespoke oversized (tall) revolving and sliding glass entrances, we have become a leading designer and installer of oversized revolving doors and architectural glass entrances within the Greater London area.

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