When you need to replace a window for your storefront or your home, you need to understand what is available to choose the best option for your property. Windows come in a wide range with different options specializing in unique performance needs. Before replacing windows, learn how residential and commercial windows differ. To best understand residential and commercial window differences, we will first review the purposes of windows in each type of building.
Purposes of Residential and Commercial Windows
A home serves a different purpose than an office. Each is designed for efficiency in those purposes. Residential and commercial windows also serve different purposes equal to their buildings. In both cases, windows let light in. However, commercial buildings create internal heat from large numbers of people, excess lighting, and machines such as computers or printers. As a result, commercial windows prevent as much heat from sunlight as possible, while still providing light. In most commercial buildings, windows also serve as a structural part of the entire building design. Thus, stronger commercial windows handle both downward forces and natural elements like the wind. Add to that the aesthetic purposes of windows. We therefore do not recommend using commercial windows in homes or vice-versa.
Light and Heat
As mentioned, a window’s main purpose is to light up a room. Because of internal heat in commercial buildings, most commercial buildings continually cool their buildings, even during cold winter months. Thus, developers design commercial windows to reduce heat from the sun. Commercial windows use a variety of new films and technologies to decrease the sun’s heat. Most commercial windows add a glaze or film to limit solar heat gain. A consumer can also apply tinting after installing the window. On the other hand, many residences desire heat from the sun. Windows in many residential homes are designed for the sun’s radiation to enter. This heats the home during colder months, saving energy and reducing heating costs.
Structure
Commercial windows must meet certain structural requirements based on their building type. For example, a taller building needs stronger windows than a two-story building. These codes are known as the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS). They are based on a variety of factors, including their ability to carry a structural load and withstand wind pressure. NAFS defines each window by certain grades: Residential (R), Light Commercial (LC), Commercial Windows (CW), and Architectural Windows (AW). The American Architectural Manufacturers Association additionally defines the grades by building height:
- R – small one and two-family dwellings
- LC – low-rise and mid-rise multifamily dwellings
- CW – low-rise and mid-rise buildings. These require larger windows with higher loading requirements, limits on deflection, and more durability for heavier use.
- AW – mid-rise and high-rise city buildings. As the highest buildings, these need increased loading requirements, limits on deflection, and frequent and extreme use of the fenestration products.
To meet these standards, manufacturers build windows for businesses and tall buildings with heavy-duty framing and reinforced glazing on the panes. The glass for commercial windows is also thicker. These factors enable windows to withstand higher wind pressure and structural loads. As a result, commercial windows are stronger than residential and last longer. Finally, commercial windows are very difficult to install or replace. Thus, their strength helps them last longer for less frequent replacement or repair. On the other hand, most residential windows provide very little structural support. They can thus be built of lighter weight materials and thinner glass.
Differences in Aesthetics
Windows in commercial buildings are designed to let in more light than a typical home. Because of this, designers devise larger windows for commercial buildings. Commercial window projects tend to have a simpler design. You often see very little of the framing in a commercial window. A residential window, on the other hand, may show quite a bit of vinyl or wood framing, even across the glass to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Residential windows often use geometrics in their design as well. Both residential and commercial windows come in custom designs that serve their unique purposes.
Cost
Since commercial windows have added glaze, thickness and frame strength, they cost more. Not only do they cost more to manufacture, but they also cost more to install as they must be installed by professional contractors. They often require specialized equipment to properly hang them increasing the cost.
Commercial and residential windows have different purposes. Because of their different functions, we do not recommend using a residential window in a commercial building or a commercial window in a residential building. A resident need not pay extra for the durability and quality of a commercial window. Their house simply does not need it. And commercial buildings must meet the codes set forth by NAFS.
Call Us
The Specialty Home Products company has been serving the Spokane area for years. Owners Mark and Rick Simmet offer over 45 years of combined experience in the industry. Contact us today and meet with a representative and ask about our full window selection and services. They will help you find the perfect window for your special installation project. Whether you are installing windows locally for your home or business, experts at Specialty Home Products specialize in ensuring that the job is done right. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.