Storefront Frame Repair & Reglazing
Many storefronts do not need replacing. They need new gaskets, new sealant, a repaired sill and glass reset properly. Reglazing and frame repair can add years to a storefront at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Signs your storefront needs repair
- Water coming in at the sill or the bottom corners after rain
- Gaskets that have shrunk, cracked or pulled out of the frame
- Glass that rattles, moves or has slipped in the frame
- Perimeter sealant that has cracked or pulled away from the wall
- Drafts and whistling around the frame in wind
- Frames that are out of square, causing doors to bind or glass to crack
What reglazing involves
Reglazing means removing the glass from the frame, cleaning the glazing pocket, replacing worn gaskets, glazing tape or setting blocks, and resetting the glass correctly. On older storefronts the gaskets have often shrunk and hardened with age and sun, leaving gaps that let water and air in. New gaskets and properly placed setting blocks restore the seal and support the glass.
Fixing leaks at the sill
Most storefront leaks start at the sill. Storefront sills are designed to collect water that gets past the outer seals and drain it out through weep holes. If the weeps are blocked, the end dams are missing or failed, or the sill was never flashed, the water goes inside instead. We open up the sill, clear or add weeps, install or reseal end dams, and test the repair.
Perimeter sealant and frame adjustment
The joint between the storefront frame and the building is sealed with sealant that eventually cracks and pulls away. We cut out failed sealant, install backer rod where needed, and reseal with a sealant suited to the materials. If the frame has shifted, we reset or reshim it so the glass and doors work properly.
Repair or replace?
If the frames are sound and the problems are gaskets, sealant and sills, repair is usually the better value. If the frames are corroded, badly out of square or not thermally broken in a cold climate, a new storefront may cost less over time. We give you both options in writing.
Glass emergency?
Shattered storefront, broken door or a smashed window after a break-in? Call now and we will make the opening safe and secure.
Storefront Frame Repair & Reglazing questions
Do not see your question? Call and talk to a glazing specialist.
Can a leaking storefront be repaired instead of replaced?
Usually. Most leaks come from the sill, gaskets or perimeter sealant, all of which can be repaired.
How long does reglazing take?
A typical storefront bay can be reglazed in a day, depending on the number of lites and access.
Will reglazing improve energy efficiency?
It stops air leaks, which helps. For a large improvement, failed or single-pane glass should be replaced with insulated low-E units.
How do I know if my storefront should be replaced?
Corroded or badly distorted frames, repeated leaks after repair, or no thermal break in a cold climate are signs replacement is the better choice.
Get the glass fixed, or the new storefront built
Send photos and rough sizes, or have us measure on site. We return a written, line-item estimate.