Storefront glass guide: thickness, safety code and repair timing
A storefront is your first impression and your first line of security. Here is what Milwaukee business owners should know before ordering commercial glass.
Standard thicknesses
- 1/4" tempered: common for small interior partitions and low-traffic panels.
- 3/8" tempered: the everyday choice for entry doors and side lites.
- 1/2" tempered: large spans, heavy all-glass doors and high-traffic retail entries.
- 1" insulated units: exterior storefronts where heating and cooling cost matters.
Safety and security options
- Tempered glass is required in doors, side lites and any pane near the floor — it breaks into blunt pebbles.
- Laminated glass holds together when struck, which slows forced entry and reduces smash-and-grab losses.
- Bullet-resistant laminate is available for cash-handling counters, pharmacies and service windows.
- Security film is a lower-cost upgrade, but it never matches laminated glass for real resistance.
After a break-in or storm
- Call immediately — we board up the opening the same day so you can stay open and secure.
- Photograph everything before cleanup for your insurance claim.
- Custom tempered glass is typically fabricated in 3-7 business days; the board-up carries you through.
- We can bill the replacement directly and supply documentation for your insurer.
Frequently asked
- How fast can you board up a broken storefront in Milwaukee?
- Call (414) 331-7950 — we handle same-day emergency board-ups across Milwaukee and nearby suburbs.
- Does insurance cover storefront glass?
- Most commercial policies do, often with a glass-specific deductible. We provide itemized invoices and photos for the claim.
- Can you match the existing aluminum frame finish?
- Yes — clear anodized, dark bronze and black are all standard, and we can match most existing storefront systems.
Need this done in Milwaukee?
AJ Glass LLC measures, fabricates and installs. Free on-site estimates.