UPG Blog

Cracks, Fog or Drafts? Your Storefront Glass Needs Attention

United Plate Glass | January 8, 2026 | Commercial
the outside of a glass storefront

Your storefront glass is often the first impression customers have of your business. While you’re focused on daily operations like managing your team, serving customers and staying on top of inventory, it’s easy to overlook a small crack or foggy pane. But here’s the truth: your customers notice. 

Clean, clear glass signals professionalism and attention to detail, showing that you care about quality inside and out. 

Glass doesn’t last forever. It degrades over time due to factors like the weather, daily use, general wear and tear, pollution, sunlight, hard water and even harsh cleaners. 

Before we get into a few signs that it might be time to repair or replace your storefront glass, we understand that downtime during repairs is a huge cause for concern. 

When you work with us, we coordinate installation to minimize disruption to your business. Many storefront replacements can be completed in a day or two, depending on size and complexity. Our installation teams work efficiently, and we handle everything from removal of old glass to cleanup, so you can focus on running your business.

What are the signs it’s time to replace storefront glass?

Foggy Panes are Real Pains
When incorrectly sealed, double-pane storefront glass is prone to fogginess or a cloudy appearance. When moisture gets between the panes and condenses, your view inside and out is obscured. It also indicates you’re losing money while heating or cooling your space. Your energy bill is literally going out the window. 

Repair doesn’t work here, it’s time for a replacement. We can help determine if you can replace the glass and not the entire frame, which could be less expensive.

Cracks and Chips Can Multiply Fast
We are talking about visible chips and cracks and even though they may look minor, they can lead to major problems down the line. A crack is also noticeable to customers coming to your establishment and could give them a negative view on the building and maintenance. 

The temperatures in Pennsylvania are one of the biggest factors to consider, because a small hairline crack can spread pretty quickly with a dramatic drop in temperature. Chips near the edges are also a big warning sign. 

Is repairing a crack or chip in storefront glass possible?

Repair might be an option for chips and cracks, but these are often noticeable and only provide temporary integrity. We can help determine when a replacement is in the cards. 

Cooler Air Means Higher Bills
If you feel a draft near your storefront glass on cold days, your glass seal is not working. Your heat is overcompensating and your energy bills are likely showing the results. If your storefront glass is older than 10-15 years, it’s most likely time for an upgrade. 

Sticky Doors are Safety Warnings
If your storefront glass door(s) feels like they are sticking or not lining up in the frame, this is not only a problem for customers and team members coming in and out, it could be a major safety issue if there was an emergency in the store and it leads to accessibility problems overall. Sticky doors get worse over time, so you’ll want to address the issue sooner than later.

There doesn’t have to be a problem in order to upgrade your storefront glass!

You update your inventory and your sales processes, it might be time to upgrade your storefront glass style, too. Updated glass can transform your storefront’s appearance, and our customizable configurations can provide the look you want, with the safety and security you need.  

At United Plate Glass, we’ve been helping Pennsylvania businesses maintain safe, attractive storefronts for decades. This could be a good place for a story or actual example. 

What is the process for storefront glass replacement?

When you’re ready to replace your storefront glass, we start with a thorough assessment of your existing setup. We measure precisely, discuss your goals and recommend glass types and configurations that fit your needs and budget.

We use commercial-grade glass and hardware designed for durability and performance and we’re familiar with state-specific building codes and weather demands. 

Your storefront glass is an investment in your business’s appearance, comfort and security. If you’re ready to discuss your storefront glass needs, reach out to us today. 

Request a FREE quote, give us a call at 570-286-6791 or email us at sales@upgpa.com