What is Storefront?

A storefront is a front-facing exterior wall system with aluminum or steel framing and glass panels, providing visibility, durability, and natural light.

Definition

Storefront is a system of non-structural glass walls commonly used on commercial ground-level floors of buildings, typically with aluminum or steel tube framing, doors, hardware, and glass to create a store’s façade and provide interior light.Unlike curtain walls, storefront systems are designed for lower-rise applications and are installed between floor slabs rather than spanning multiple stories. They are widely used in retail stores, offices, restaurants, and other commercial spaces where appearance, visibility, and accessibility are important.

Purpose

A storefront is essentially a long-lasting, strong, attractive entry door that also improves the appearance of the overall structure. Larger pieces of glass improve visual access to the building, allow more natural daylight, and create a more attractive, inviting front entry for your customers. The structural frame is composed of aluminium or steel tubes that support the glazing and create a clean look at the front entrance.

Examples of Use

A storefront glass system is built with an aluminum tube frame and tempered glass to create a welcoming entrance to a store.
A storefront is designed and installed on the ground-floor facade of a corporate building to enhance the appearance of its lobby.
A restaurant replaces an older entrance with a modern glass storefront to improve visibility & curb appeal.
A contractor measures storefront framing, glass panels, & doors during the estimating process for a commercial project.

Related Terms

Band

A band is a narrow, continuous strip or section of material used to provide support, reinforcement, separation or a finished appearance in construction and design.

EIFS

EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a multi-layered exterior wall system that provides insulation, weather resistance, and a finished surface.

Notes

Storefront systems are non-load-bearing and are primarily used at ground level.
Most storefront frames are manufactured from steel or aluminium tube sections.
Storefronts differ from curtain walls because they are designed for shorter spans and lower heights.
Proper installation helps improve weather resistance, energy efficiency, & security.
Estimators typically quantify framing, glazing, doors, & hardware separately when preparing storefront takeoffs.

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