STOREFRONT GLAZING · Vancouver BC
Storefront Glazing Vancouver
Nixon Glass Ltd. designs, supplies, and installs storefront glazing systems for retail, office, restaurant, and mixed-use buildings across Greater Vancouver. Kawneer, Alumicor, and custom aluminum systems with full engineering and WorkSafeBC compliance.
Storefront glazing in Vancouver is more than just glass — it's the first thing customers see when they approach your business. Nixon Glass Ltd. has installed storefront systems for over 150 Vancouver commercial properties, from Robson Street boutiques to Broadway medical clinics to Gastown heritage conversions. We use Kawneer 451T and 350T thermally broken aluminum frames with 2.5” face-width profiles that maximize glass area while meeting BC Building Code thermal and structural requirements.
Storefront Systems We Install
Kawneer 451T Storefront
- 2.5" thermally broken face width — maximum glass exposure
- Snap-on exterior covers for clean sightlines
- Meets ASHRAE 90.1 and BC Step Code 3 thermal targets
- Compatible with automatic door operators and panic hardware
Kawneer 350T Entrance
- Heavy-duty thermally broken entrance system
- ADA-compliant threshold and door clearance
- Dead-load and wind-load engineered for Vancouver conditions
- Continuous geared hinges rated for 500,000+ cycles
Alumicor Systems
- Custom aluminum storefront profiles
- Full thermal break technology for energy compliance
- Available with structural silicone glazing for seamless exterior
- Integrated sunshade and canopy connections
Heritage & Custom Storefronts
- Replica profiles for heritage-designated commercial buildings
- Custom sightlines and mullion patterns per heritage planner specs
- Modern thermal performance behind period-accurate appearance
- Coordinated with City of Vancouver heritage committee
Storefront Glass Options
Clear Low-E Glass
Maximizes visibility while blocking UV and infrared heat. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) as low as 0.25 reduces cooling costs for south and west-facing storefronts on sunny Vancouver afternoons.
Tempered & Laminated Safety Glass
Required by BC Building Code for all storefront applications under 5 feet from ground level. Tempered glass breaks into small cubes; laminated holds shards in place — protecting both employees and passersby.
Specialty Glass
Anti-graffiti film protects against vandalism (common on East Hastings and Commercial Drive). Switchable privacy glass for medical and legal offices. Acoustic laminated glass for storefronts on busy arterials.
Our Storefront Glazing Process
Site Survey & Measurement
We visit your location, measure openings, assess structural conditions, and document any heritage or municipal requirements. Turnaround: 48 hours for a detailed proposal.
Engineering & Shop Drawings
Our team produces structural calculations, thermal modelling, and detailed shop drawings — all stamped by a BC P.Eng. You approve before we order materials.
Fabrication & Lead Time
Standard Kawneer storefront ships in 4–6 weeks. Custom profiles and heritage replicas require 6–8 weeks. We confirm the schedule before fabrication begins.
Installation & Commissioning
Our WorkSafeBC-compliant crew installs the system, typically over 2–5 days depending on scope. We test all doors, hardware, and seals, then do a formal handover walkthrough.
Storefront Glazing FAQ
How much does storefront glazing cost in Vancouver?
Storefront glazing costs $80–$150 per square foot installed, depending on the system, glass type, and structural requirements. A typical 20-foot retail frontage runs $15,000–$35,000 including engineering, supply, and installation.
What is the lead time for storefront glazing?
Standard Kawneer systems ship in 4–6 weeks from approved shop drawings. Custom and heritage profiles require 6–8 weeks. We recommend engaging us during the design phase to avoid construction schedule delays.
Can you install storefront glazing after hours?
Yes — we offer after-hours and weekend installation for operating businesses. We understand that closing a retail store or restaurant for a week is not an option, so we plan around your business hours.
Do you handle permits for commercial glazing?
Yes — we prepare all required documentation for building permits including structural calculations, energy compliance reports, and heritage committee submissions. Our in-house team manages the full permit process.
Building code references from BC Building Code 2024. Energy standards per ASHRAE 90.1.
Request a Storefront Glazing Quote
Professional storefront glazing for retail, office, restaurant, and mixed-use buildings across Greater Vancouver.