Houston’s heat can do much more than just make you sweat – it can also drain your business’s bank account with skyrocketing AC bills and increased cooling costs. The best way to fight back against this is by investing in a commercial glass system that can work for you, not against you. If you want to increase your bottom line by cutting back on high energy bills in Houston, a commercial glass refresh might be the perfect solution for your storefront. Buffalo Glass in Houston is your expert team for revamping your glass and making it more energy-efficient all year long.
How Your Building’s ‘Envelope’ Shapes Houston Commercial Glass Performance
Understanding how glass impacts your building’s AC system is the first step in upping your energy savings and increasing your business’s energy efficiency. Many people refer to a “building envelope” example when talking about energy efficiency for storefronts. This concept refers to how things like your building’s glass, roof, and walls all function as an envelope keeping the indoor, air-conditioned air separate from the outside environment. The best way to keep your AC working efficiently, regardless of Houston’s heat, is to keep your commercial glass in optimal condition and invest in professional upkeep through Buffalo Glass. In Houston and other humid cities, this is absolutely critical because when temperatures are high year-round, it becomes a constant fight to keep the heat out.
Each component of the building envelope is vital, including:
- Roof: This is the first line of defense against the brunt of Houston’s heat – the direct sunrays.
- Walls: Your building’s walls can act as a key thermal barrier; they also cover the largest amount of space.
- Flooring: The only boundary between your building and the group. Uninsulated slabs can absorb and transfer large amounts of heat.
- Windows: In many cases, these can be the weakest point for your building’s envelope, making a professional Houston commercial glass company integral for your storefront’s upkeep.
The Vital Role of Glass in the Building Envelope
Glass is one of the most important aspects of your building envelope, yet it can easily be considered a weak link due to its low thermal resistance and visual clarity. This is because windows allow large amounts of solar heat gain simply due to solar rays being able to shine through the glass. This can not only cause your building to heat up exponentially and become uncomfortable for anyone inside, but it can also make your AC system work overtime to fight back against the heat. Luckily, many modern glass panes actively resist this solar heat gain and can help your building achieve a comfortable climate and decreased energy bill.
Types of Energy-Efficient Glass for Houston Commercial Businesses
Understanding why your energy is in overdrive is one thing, but learning about the modern ways to combat it is even more important. Modern glass technology is helping Houston business owners combat their high energy bills by using three primary types of energy-efficient glass manufacturing techniques: Low-emissivity glass, insulated glass, and reflective glass.
Low-Emissivity Glass
Low-emissivity, also known as Low-E glass, gets its name from the unique coating that is applied to the glass pane during the manufacturing process. This coating is microscopically thin, but incredibly powerful when it comes to reflecting infrared energy from the sun. By doing so, Low-E glass coatings allow only visible light rays to pass through, but not the heat that accompanies them – greatly reducing the workload on your AC unit. What makes Low-E a great choice is that while it offers powerful, reliable protection against increasing indoor temperatures, it doesn’t affect the clarity of your glass and allows it to remain crystal clear.
Reflective Glass
This type of manufactured pane is a lot like Low-E glass, but way less subtle. Unlike Low-E glass, reflective glass is treated with a metallic oxide coating during the manufacturing process, creating a highly reflective surface that can divert even intense, direct sunlight. If your Houston commercial building needs glass that can completely remove heat from the sunlight, then reflective glass can be a great asset to your building envelope. Additionally, reflective glass is the best option for reflecting harsh, painful sun glare. By keeping the squinting and migraines to a minimum, you can greatly impact the comfort level of anyone working or shopping inside your commercial building.
Insulated Glass Units
Insulated glass units (IGUs) are the most common type of protection against the sun for Houston commercial glass storefronts. We make them by sealing two or three individual panes of glass together with spacer bars in between to create an airtight sealed chamber.The space within the bar is filled with a non-toxic gas, like argon, that helps insulate the building because of its thick chemical makeup. This works by slowing the transfer of thermal heat between the glass, keeping the inside and outside air separate until it cools.
Choosing the Right Glass for Your Houston Commercial Storefront
Deciding on what energy-boosting glass to use for your Houston commercial building can be overwhelming. Our team of expert technicians at Buffalo Glass not only installs and repairs with precision, but also helps clients determine the most efficient solution for their unique building. The primary things that factor into deciding what kind of energy-efficient glass would best serve your storefront include:
- Climate: If your building is in Houston, we can help you find the best window option for supplementing your building’s AC power.
- Storefront orientation: The direction your store faces can make a huge difference in the amount of sunrays you get. For example, if your front windows face the sunset or sunrise head-on, reflective coatings might make a huge difference in unpleasant glares and high indoor temperatures.
- Aesthetic: Choosing between a reflective pane and a clearer pane can make an impact on the overall look and feel of your commercial glass aesthetic.
- Budget: Different types of glass, sizes of windows, and upkeep requirements all have different price points. Our team can help you make the perfect decision for your AC and your wallet.
Regardless of what type of glass you choose for your Houston commercial building, working with a professional glass company like Buffalo Glass is paramount. Not only do we source the highest quality materials, but we also offer accurate service that ensures your energy-efficient windows do their job well for many years to come. With years of experience under our belts, we are confident we can help find the ideal solution for you and your commercial building.
The Clear Choice: Maximize Your Houston Store’s Potential with Commercial Glass
At the end of the day, choosing to upgrade your Houston commercial glass isn’t just about saving money each month on your energy bills; it is about prioritizing the comfort of your building. Your building’s indoor temperatures and glass play a huge role in establishing its reputation. The first thing guests see is typically your building’s windows, and the first thing they feel is the temperature of the room. Greeting your clients and staff with crystal clear, energy-efficient windows and a friendly burst of cool, crisp air not only feels great, but it also shows that your business is dedicated to cultivating a welcoming environment. Contact us today for a free commercial glass estimate for your Houston business!