The Hidden Costs of Poorly Installed Glass Entrances

Glass entrances are often chosen for their sleek appearance, natural light, and modern appeal. But if they’re not installed correctly from the start, they can quickly go from asset to liability — racking up costs you didn’t anticipate.

Here’s what you need to know about the long-term risks and real costs of poor installation.

1. Constant Repairs and Premature Replacements

Poorly fitted glass entrances can cause operational issues within months. Misaligned doors, inadequate sealing, or inferior fixings often lead to:

Drafts and water ingress
Excessive wear on hinges and closers
Cracked or damaged glass panels

Over time, these faults can become persistent and expensive to fix — or worse, lead to full system replacements much earlier than expected.

2. Increased Safety Risks

A substandard installation may not meet UK building safety regulations, putting users at risk. Common issues include:

Inadequate load-bearing support
Faulty emergency exit integration
Non-compliance with glass safety standards (BS EN 12150, BS 6262)

These failings not only endanger people but may also result in legal action or invalidate your insurance in the event of an incident.

3. Hidden Energy Costs

Improperly installed glass entrances often lack adequate insulation. Over time, this contributes to:

Heat loss in winter
Heat gain in summer
Increased energy bills for heating and cooling

What seems like a minor inefficiency can turn into significant added expense over the life of the building.

4. Disruption to Business

Doors that jam, leak, or fail compromise day-to-day operations. This is particularly problematic for:

Retail environments with high footfall
Office buildings with security and access control systems
Public buildings with accessibility requirements

Downtime, callouts, and repairs all add up — and they often happen at the worst possible time.

5. Reputational Damage

First impressions matter. A poorly performing glass entrance doesn’t just affect internal function — it affects how people perceive your brand. Whether it’s a potential customer, tenant, or visitor, visible faults or clunky access systems suggest poor attention to detail and low standards.