Aluminum Storefront Glass Repair & Installation Toronto & GTA

Aluminum storefront systems are the backbone of commercial glass facades across the Greater Toronto Area. They combine structural strength, clean sightlines, and weather resistance in a lightweight, low-maintenance package. OhMyGlass repairs and installs aluminum storefront glass for businesses of all sizes - from a single replacement pane in an existing frame to a complete new storefront system. We work with all major framing profiles including narrow stile, medium stile, and wide stile configurations, and offer both thermally broken and non-thermally broken options to suit your building's energy and budget requirements.

Types of Aluminum Storefront Systems

Aluminum storefront framing comes in several standard profiles, each designed for different traffic levels and hardware requirements.

• Narrow stile - vertical stiles of 1-3/4 to 2-1/8 inches. Designed for light to moderate traffic locations such as office lobbies and strip mall entrances. Provides maximum glass area and minimal frame visibility.
• Medium stile - vertical stiles of 3-1/2 inches. Suited for moderate to heavy traffic in retail stores, restaurants, and medical offices. Balances glass visibility with structural strength.
• Wide stile - vertical stiles of 5 inches. Built for heavy traffic in public buildings, schools, and transit facilities. Accommodates panic hardware, closers, and a wider variety of operating hardware.
• Thermally broken systems - framing that includes an insulating barrier (typically a polyamide strip) between the interior and exterior aluminum to reduce heat transfer through the frame. Required in many new builds for energy code compliance.
• Non-thermally broken systems - standard aluminum framing without an insulating break. Common in older buildings and non-conditioned spaces.

Glass Options for Aluminum Storefronts

Aluminum storefront frames accommodate a wide range of glass types and thicknesses, from single panes to insulated glass units.

• Standard clear tempered glass - the most common choice for commercial storefronts, meeting Ontario Building Code safety requirements.
• Laminated safety glass - provides enhanced security and holds together when broken, making forced entry more difficult.
• Insulated glass units (IGUs) - double-pane units with an air or argon cavity for improved thermal and acoustic performance.
• Tinted and Low-E coated glass - reduces solar heat gain, glare, and UV transmission while maintaining outward visibility.
• Spandrel glass - opaque, coated glass used between vision panels to conceal floor slabs, structural members, and mechanical systems.

Our Installation and Repair Process

Whether you need a single pane replaced in an existing aluminum frame or a complete new storefront system installed, our process is consistent and professional.

• Site survey - we measure the opening, identify the existing framing profile (manufacturer, series, finish), and note any code requirements.
• Material sourcing - glass is fabricated or sourced to the exact size and specification. For frame repairs, we match the existing aluminum profile and finish.
• Glazing - glass is dry-glazed into the frame using EPDM gaskets on both interior and exterior faces, providing a weather-tight seal without wet sealants.
• Hardware and finishing - door hardware, closers, locks, and threshold components are installed or replaced as needed.
• Final inspection - we verify the seal, alignment, and operation of all doors and panels before completing the job.

Why Choose Aluminum Framing for Your Storefront?

Aluminum is the dominant framing material for commercial storefronts for several practical reasons.

• Durability - extruded 6063-T5 aluminum alloy resists corrosion, warping, and rot, even in Ontario's freeze-thaw climate.
• Lightweight - aluminum weighs about one-third as much as steel, reducing structural load on the building and simplifying installation.
• Low maintenance - anodized or powder-coated finishes hold up for decades without painting or staining.
• Design flexibility - aluminum extrusions can be manufactured in a wide range of profiles, finishes, and colours to match any architectural style.
• Recyclability - aluminum is one of the most recyclable building materials, with no loss of quality when reprocessed.