What can fail on a storefront
Cracked or impact-damaged glass
Tempered safety glass is required in most storefront applications. When it breaks, it shatters into small fragments. There's no patch. The entire pane gets replaced, and same-day temporary boarding is often needed to secure the opening.
Failed insulated glass units (IGUs)
Modern storefront glass is usually a sealed double-pane unit with gas fill. When the perimeter seal fails, moisture gets between the panes and you see fogging or condensation that doesn't wipe off. The frame is fine. The glass unit gets swapped out.
Perimeter sealant failure
The sealant joints between glass and frame, and between frame and wall, age and crack over 10 to 20 years. Failed sealant leads to air infiltration, water leaks behind the glass, and eventual damage to the wall assembly. Resealing is straightforward and far cheaper than wall repair.
Gasket and weatherstrip aging
EPDM and silicone gaskets dry out and shrink over time, especially on sun-exposed elevations. Replacement is moderate cost and dramatically improves both weather seal and energy performance.
Frame damage
Vehicle impact, settlement movement, or corrosion at the sill. Minor frame damage can be repaired with structural sealant. Significant damage usually means panel or frame replacement.
When to repair
- Localized sealant failure at one or two joints.
- Gasket replacement.
- Minor cosmetic frame damage above the sill.
- Single failed IGU that can be swapped without replacing the frame.
When to replace
- Cracked or shattered tempered glass.
- Multiple failed IGUs across the same storefront.
- Sill or frame structural damage.
- Widespread sealant failure with evidence of wall damage behind.
What it costs in Indiana
- IGU replacement (single unit, standard size): $400 to $1,200 depending on size and specs.
- Full sealant restoration on a storefront: $8 to $20 per linear foot.
- Tempered glass panel replacement: $600 to $2,500 per panel.
- Full storefront frame and glass replacement: $80 to $200 per square foot.
Emergency response
Broken storefront glass is a security and safety issue. We provide same-day temporary boarding and follow up with permanent replacement once the new IGU or panel is on order. Plan on 5 to 15 business days for non-stock sizes.
Preventative care
- Inspect sealant joints annually for cracking, gaps, or pulling away.
- Clean glass with non-abrasive cleaners only. Avoid pressure washers near sealant.
- Check the door bottom sweep and threshold seal at the same time.
- Walk the storefront after any significant ground movement or vehicle incident.
Tying glass into building maintenance
For commercial properties on our maintenance program, storefront sealant and glass inspection rolls into the regular building visit. Catching one failing IGU before it leaks behind the wall is the difference between a $700 repair and a $7,000 wall and floor remediation.