Glass has become a defining feature of modern commercial entrances. It offers a sleek appearance, creates light-filled spaces, and signals a professional, welcoming environment. However, while glass is incredibly versatile, there are practical and legal limits to how it can be used in entrance systems.
Understanding what is possible, and where boundaries exist, is essential for any commercial project. Let us look at what you can and cannot do with glass in commercial entrances.
What You Can Do with Glass
Modern glass technologies have unlocked many creative possibilities for commercial entrances. Here are some key examples.
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Create Large Glass Panels: Advances in manufacturing mean glass can now be produced in larger sheets than ever before. This allows for impressive glass façades, large shopfronts, and expansive entrance doors, all with minimal visible framing for a seamless appearance.
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Use High-Performance Glass: Glass is no longer just clear and simple. There are countless options available, including low-emissivity coatings, laminated layers for security, acoustic glazing to reduce noise, and tinted or reflective glass to control solar gain.
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Customise for Branding: Glass can be printed, etched, or coated with films to display logos, patterns, or privacy designs. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses wanting to reinforce their brand identity right at the entrance.
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Improve Energy Efficiency: Energy regulations increasingly demand that buildings reduce heat loss and solar gain. High-performance glazing can help commercial entrances meet these targets without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
What You Cannot Do with Glass
Despite its versatility, glass has limitations, both in physical properties and in compliance with building regulations and safety standards.
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Ignore Structural Limits: Glass can be strong, but it is not suitable for all load-bearing situations. Structural engineers must calculate whether proposed glass panels can withstand wind loads, building movement, and impact forces. Oversized glass without adequate support can pose serious safety risks.
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Disregard Safety Standards: Regulations like Building Regulations in the UK or the International Building Code in other regions set out strict requirements for safety glazing in areas such as entrance doors, side panels, and façades. Glass in entrance systems often needs to be toughened or laminated to reduce injury risk if broken.
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Skip Fire Safety Considerations: Not all glass is suitable for use in fire-rated applications. If an entrance system forms part of a fire escape route or needs to contain fire or smoke, specialist fire-resistant glazing must be used. Ordinary glass cannot meet these requirements.
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Overlook Accessibility Needs: Building regulations require that entrance systems remain accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Glass doors must be clearly marked to prevent accidental collisions, and their operation should be easy and safe for everyone.
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Use Glass Beyond Certain Sizes or Thicknesses Without Engineering Approval: There is a practical limit to how large and how thin glass panels can be before they become unsafe. Engineering assessments ensure the chosen glass is fit for purpose.
Plan Carefully and Seek Expert Advice
When designing a commercial entrance, glass offers flexibility and elegance, but every design decision needs to comply with technical limits and legal standards. Working with professionals experienced in glass entrance systems is crucial. They will help you navigate regulations, choose appropriate materials, and achieve the visual impact you want while ensuring safety and performance.
By understanding what glass can and cannot do, you can make informed decisions that keep your commercial entrance beautiful, compliant, and safe for years to come.
