In today’s competitive commercial landscape, the exterior presentation and functionality of business premises play a pivotal role in attracting customers and ensuring safety and security. Shopfronts, serving as the face of the establishment, rely on a range of materials to offer durability, security, and aesthetic appeal.
At Altus Shop Fronts, we understand the significance of selecting the right materials for shopfront installations. We will explore various materials used for shopfront installation, such as toughened glass and aluminum shop fronts and the advantages they offer in diverse commercial environments.
What are the main types of Shopfronts?
1. Aluminum Shop Fronts
Aluminum shop fronts are a popular choice for commercial establishments due to their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. They come in various types and designs, offering flexibility and customization. Some of the common types of aluminum shop fronts include:
- Aluminium Framed Shop Fronts: These shop fronts consist of aluminium framing, providing a sturdy structure and support. Aluminium frames can be customized to fit various designs and sizes, offering a modern and sleek appearance.
- Aluminium Profile Shop Fronts: These shop fronts use aluminium profiles to create the structure. The profiles are available in different shapes and sizes, allowing for various design options.
- Aluminium Entrance Doors: Aluminium entrance doors provide a secure and durable entry point to the establishment. They are available in various styles, such as hinged, sliding, or revolving doors, and can be designed to match the overall shop front appearance.
- Aluminium Windows and Window Frames: Aluminium windows offer strength, reliability, and a modern look. The window frames made from aluminium are robust and can be designed to fit specific window sizes and shapes.
- Commercial Aluminium Shopfronts: These shop fronts cater specifically to commercial establishments. They are designed to create an inviting and secure entry point for retail stores, offices, and other businesses.
- Aluminium Sliding Doors: Sliding doors made from aluminium are a common choice for shop fronts due to their space-saving feature and ease of operation. They suit businesses looking to maximize interior space and provide a contemporary look.
2. Glass Shopfronts
Glass shopfronts are a modern and popular choice for commercial establishments, providing a sleek and inviting appearance. They come in various types, each offering distinct features. Some common types of glass shopfronts include:
- Toughened Glass Shopfronts: It is known for its strength and safety features. It undergoes a tempering process that increases its durability and resistance to breakage. These shopfronts offer transparency, allowing natural light to enter the space creating an open and bright ambiance.
- Laminated Glass Shopfronts: Laminated glass consists of multiple layers that remain bonded even when shattered. It provides enhanced security and safety, often used in areas where additional protection is required.
- Curved Glass Shopfronts: Curved glass shopfronts offer an innovative and distinctive look. They add a unique aesthetic appeal to the exterior, creating a modern and elegant entrance.
- Frameless Glass Shopfronts: Frameless glass shopfronts offer a seamless and clean appearance. These shopfronts use glass panels without any visible framing, providing a contemporary and minimalist look.
- Double-Glazed Glass Shopfronts: Double-glazed glass consists of two glass panels separated by a layer of air or gas. These shopfronts offer enhanced insulation and soundproofing, making them suitable for areas requiring temperature control and noise reduction.
- Coloured or Tinted Glass Shopfronts: Colored or tinted glass shopfronts come in various hues, providing businesses with options to match their brand colours or create a specific ambiance. They offer both aesthetics and privacy, depending on the tint level.
3. Wood Shopfronts:
Wooden shopfronts provide a traditional and classic appearance to commercial establishments, adding a warm and inviting feel to the exterior. There are different types of wood shopfronts based on the types of wood and styles used. Some common types of wood shopfronts include:
- Solid Wood Shopfronts: These shopfronts are constructed using solid wood, such as oak, mahogany, or cedar. Solid wood shopfronts offer a natural and authentic appearance, giving a traditional and elegant look to the establishment.
- Engineered Wood Shopfronts: Engineered wood shopfronts use a combination of wood and composite materials. They are designed to be more stable and resistant to warping or bowing, providing durability and a consistent appearance.
- Wooden Panel Shopfronts: These shopfronts consist of wooden panels, often with intricate designs or carvings, adding a decorative element to the facade. Wooden panels can offer a unique and customized look to the shopfront.
- Wood and Glass Combination Shopfronts: Some wooden shopfronts incorporate glass elements, combining the warmth of wood with the transparency of glass. This combination adds a modern touch while maintaining a traditional feel.
- Sliding Wooden Shopfronts: Sliding wooden shopfronts offer a space-saving design, providing ease of operation and flexibility. They are suitable for businesses with limited space.
4. Steel Shopfronts:
Steel shopfronts provide a robust and secure solution for commercial properties, offering durability and a strong visual presence. There are various types of steel shopfronts based on designs and styles. Here are some common types of steel shopfronts:
- Steel Framed Shopfronts: These shopfronts utilize steel framing, providing a sturdy structure that supports the overall design. Steel frames can be customized to fit different shopfront styles, offering a modern and industrial appearance.
- Steel Mesh Shopfronts: Steel mesh shopfronts use steel mesh panels to create a secure and transparent barrier. They are often used for high-security retail outlets or in areas where visibility is essential, offering a balance between security and aesthetics.
- Perforated Steel Shopfronts: Perforated steel shopfronts feature steel panels with small holes or perforations. They offer a sleek and modern appearance while allowing for some visibility and airflow.
- Corrugated Steel Shopfronts: These shopfronts feature corrugated steel sheets, offering a rugged and industrial look. Corrugated steel adds texture and depth to the exterior, making it a visually striking choice.
- Steel Roller Shutter Shopfronts: Roller shutter shopfronts made of steel provide both security and flexibility. They can be opened and closed as needed, providing easy access and enhanced security when closed.
5. UPVC:
UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) shopfronts offer a contemporary and low-maintenance solution for commercial properties. They come in various types based on design and style. Here are some common types of UPVC shopfronts:
- UPVC Framed Shopfronts: These shopfronts utilize UPVC frames, providing a durable and weather-resistant structure. UPVC frames are customizable and offer a clean and modern appearance.
- UPVC Glazed Shopfronts: Glazed UPVC shopfronts feature large glass panels set within UPVC frames. These shopfronts offer transparency and allow natural light to enter the premises, creating an inviting atmosphere.
- Sliding UPVC Shopfronts: Sliding UPVC shopfronts offer a space-saving design, providing easy operation and flexibility. They are suitable for businesses seeking a modern and functional entrance solution.
- Coloured UPVC Shopfronts: UPVC shopfronts come in various color options, allowing businesses to match their brand colors or create a specific visual style. Colored UPVC adds a touch of personalization and can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
- Composite UPVC Shopfronts: These shopfronts combine UPVC with other materials, offering a balance of durability, thermal efficiency, and aesthetics. They provide a versatile solution for commercial properties.
6. Composite Shopfronts:
Composite shopfronts combine different materials to offer a balanced solution for commercial properties, providing durability, aesthetics, and functionality. These shopfronts come in various types based on the materials and design options. Here are some common types of composite shopfronts:
- Composite Aluminium and Glass Shopfronts: Combining aluminium frames or panels with glass elements, these shopfronts offer a blend of modernity and transparency. They provide durability from aluminium and aesthetic appeal from glass.
- Wood and Glass Composite Shopfronts: These shopfronts combine the warmth and natural beauty of wood with the transparency of glass. They offer a traditional yet modern look, adding character and elegance to the exterior.
- Steel and Wood Composite Shopfronts: These shopfronts utilize steel for structural support and wood for aesthetics. They offer a sturdy and visually appealing solution, combining the strength of steel with the warmth of wood.
- UPVC and Aluminium Composite Shopfronts: Combining the durability of aluminium and the low maintenance of UPVC, these shopfronts provide a modern and weather-resistant solution. They offer a balance between functionality and visual appeal.
- Fiberglass and Wood Composite Shopfronts: Utilizing fibreglass for durability and wood for aesthetics, these shopfronts offer a strong and visually appealing entrance solution.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive commercial landscape, the right shopfront material is crucial for aesthetics, security, and functionality. Altus Shop Fronts in London UK provides insight into a diverse range of materials for shopfront installations. From the durability of aluminum to the modern appeal of glass and the traditional warmth of wood, each material offers distinct advantages.
Our goal is to assist businesses in selecting the most suitable shopfront materials to create an inviting, secure, and visually appealing space aligned with their brand identity and specific requirements. We understand the pivotal role shopfronts play in creating a strong first impression and ensuring long-term safety and functionality.
