A shopfront is the first thing customers see, and it also has to keep your stock safe. Aluminium shopfronts with large glass panels are the usual choice for shops, restaurants and showrooms. TemperedGlass.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and we pass your request to independent glaziers and glass suppliers in your area, who quote you directly. We do not supply or install glass ourselves. There is no fee and no obligation.
Types of shopfront
Most shopfronts use one of three set-ups. Your glazier can advise which suits the building and the tenant.
- Aluminium framed shopfronts: glass in a powder-coated or anodised aluminium frame. Strong, tidy and widely used.
- Frameless shop entrances: a toughened glass door with patch fittings, or a full glass front with few visible joins. Good for boutiques and showrooms.
- Sliding or double doors: wide openings for restaurants, pharmacies and busy retail.
Glass is commonly 6 to 12 mm thick, depending on the pane size and the frame.
Safety and security
Large panes and doors must be safety glass. A shopfront has a lot of glass at low level, so ask your glazier to confirm what the regulations require for your opening. Look for the etched safety mark.
Toughened glass breaks into small blunt pieces, which is safer for the public. Security laminated shopfront glass holds together on its interlayer, so a thief has to work harder to get in. Many shop owners choose laminated glass or add security film instead of, or as well as, burglar bars and roller shutters.
Replacing broken shopfront glass
After a break-in or an accident, shopfront glass replacement is often urgent. Ask suppliers whether they can board up the opening first and how they handle large panes.
- Photograph the damage and note the pane size.
- Check your insurer's requirements before work starts.
- Toughened glass cannot be cut on site, so the new pane is ordered to size and takes time.
What affects your quote
We never give prices here. Suppliers will look at:
- The number and size of panes.
- Toughened or laminated glass, and any tint or low-iron glass.
- New aluminium frames or reglazing the existing frames.
- Door type, locks and closers.
- Access, parking and work after hours.
Photos and measurements of the front help suppliers quote properly.
Comparing quotes for glass shopfronts
The lowest figure is not always the best deal. When your quotes arrive, check:
- Glass: the type, thickness and finish allowed for, and that it carries the safety mark where it must.
- Hardware: the hinges, clamps, channels, spigots or frames included, and their finish and grade.
- Measuring and lead time: who measures, how long the toughened glass takes to arrive, and when it can be fitted.
- Guarantee and terms: any workmanship guarantee, deposit, payment stages, removal of old glass and how long the price holds.
What to include in your request
- Send a photo of the whole shopfront.
- Measure each pane and the door opening.
- Say if this is a repair or a new front.
- Mention security and insurance needs.
- State if you rent and need landlord approval.
Frequently asked questions
Does TemperedGlass.co.za install glass shopfronts?
Should shopfront glass be toughened or laminated?
How long does shopfront glass replacement take?
Can I make my shopfront more secure?
Glass Shopfronts by province
- Glass Shopfronts Gauteng
- Glass Shopfronts Mpumalanga
- Glass Shopfronts North West
- Glass Shopfronts Limpopo
- Glass Shopfronts Northern Cape
- Glass Shopfronts Free State
- Glass Shopfronts KwaZulu-Natal
- Glass Shopfronts Eastern Cape
- Glass Shopfronts Western Cape
Glass Shopfronts by city and town
- Glass Shopfronts in Johannesburg
- Glass Shopfronts in Pretoria
- Glass Shopfronts in Centurion
- Glass Shopfronts in Midrand
- Glass Shopfronts in Sandton
- Glass Shopfronts in Randburg
- Glass Shopfronts in Roodepoort
- Glass Shopfronts in Krugersdorp
- Glass Shopfronts in Randfontein
- Glass Shopfronts in Germiston
- Glass Shopfronts in Boksburg
- Glass Shopfronts in Benoni
- Glass Shopfronts in Kempton Park
- Glass Shopfronts in Alberton
- Glass Shopfronts in Vanderbijlpark
- Glass Shopfronts in Vereeniging
- Glass Shopfronts in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Glass Shopfronts in Middelburg
- Glass Shopfronts in Secunda
- Glass Shopfronts in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Glass Shopfronts in Rustenburg
- Glass Shopfronts in Brits
- Glass Shopfronts in Klerksdorp
- Glass Shopfronts in Potchefstroom
- Glass Shopfronts in Polokwane
- Glass Shopfronts in Tzaneen
- Glass Shopfronts in Lephalale
- Glass Shopfronts in Kimberley
- Glass Shopfronts in Kathu
- Glass Shopfronts in Upington
- Glass Shopfronts in Bloemfontein
- Glass Shopfronts in Welkom
- Glass Shopfronts in Sasolburg
- Glass Shopfronts in Durban
- Glass Shopfronts in Pinetown
- Glass Shopfronts in Pietermaritzburg
- Glass Shopfronts in Richards Bay
- Glass Shopfronts in Newcastle
- Glass Shopfronts in Ladysmith
- Glass Shopfronts in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Glass Shopfronts in East London
- Glass Shopfronts in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Glass Shopfronts in Cape Town
- Glass Shopfronts in Bellville
- Glass Shopfronts in Paarl
- Glass Shopfronts in Stellenbosch
- Glass Shopfronts in George
- Glass Shopfronts in Worcester
