Commercial construction projects move fast. When a general contractor needs one glazing subcontractor to handle everything from storefront systems to interior doors, the margin for error is small. All Glass of Hickory was called in to manage the full glazing and door scope on a commercial build in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This post covers what that project involved, how the work was coordinated, and what general contractors should know before hiring a commercial glazier for a similar job.
Key Takeaways
- All Glass of Hickory handled the complete glazing scope on a Spartanburg commercial build
- The project included storefront glass systems, commercial doors, and hollow metal door frames
- Coordinating with the general contractor early prevented scheduling delays on site
- Proper glass type selection for commercial applications affects both code compliance and long-term performance
- A single glazing subcontractor managing the full scope reduces coordination problems during construction
- All Glass takes on larger commercial projects beyond its standard Hickory-area service radius, including jobs into upstate South Carolina.
What the Spartanburg Project Required
The job was a new commercial construction project in Spartanburg, SC. The general contractor needed a glazing subcontractor who could take on every glass and door component, not just part of it. That included the exterior storefront system, interior commercial doors, and hollow metal door frames throughout the building.
Projects like this require more than the ability to cut and install glass. They require accurate takeoffs, coordination with other trades, and the ability to meet tight installation windows. All Glass of Hickory has handled this type of work since the company opened in 1994.
Storefront Systems and Exterior Glazing
The exterior glazing package involved aluminum storefront framing and insulated glass units. Insulated glass units, also called IGUs, consist of two or more glass panes sealed together with a space between them. That space improves thermal performance and helps the building meet energy codes.
For a commercial build, the right glass specification matters early. The framing system, glass thickness, and thermal performance all need to match the architect’s drawings before fabrication begins. All Glass worked from the project documents to ensure every unit was fabricated to spec before it arrived on site.
Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
Hollow metal doors are a standard component in commercial construction. They are strong, fire-rated in many configurations, and built to handle heavy daily use. On this Spartanburg project, hollow metal doors and frames were needed throughout the building, including in high-traffic areas.
If you want to understand what makes these doors the default choice for commercial projects, the hollow metal door overview covers the key details. All Glass stocks and installs these doors regularly for contractors across the region.
Coordinating the Door and Glass Scope Together
One advantage of working with a single subcontractor for both glass and doors is timing. When two separate subs handle those scopes, handoffs can cause delays. The door frame has to be set before the glass can be installed in certain applications. If those two crews are not in sync, the schedule slips.
On this project, All Glass managed both scopes, which meant internal coordination rather than phone calls between separate companies. That kept the work moving without unnecessary hold-ups for the general contractor.
How All Glass Prepared for the Spartanburg Job
Preparation on a commercial glazing project starts well before anyone shows up on site. All Glass reviewed the project documents, confirmed measurements, and submitted shop drawings where required. Fabrication was scheduled so materials arrived on time for each phase of the installation.
Working outside of the immediate Hickory service area on a project of this scale also required planning for travel and staging. All Glass has experience with this type of extended project work, which is reflected in completed jobs like the commercial glazing and doors project in Spartanburg. That case study gives a closer look at the specific scope and results from this job.
Glass Selection for Commercial Applications
Not every glass type is appropriate for commercial use. Tempered glass is required in many commercial door and sidelight applications because it breaks into small, less dangerous pieces if it shatters. Annealed glass does not meet those same safety standards in most commercial settings. Understanding the difference between tempered and annealed glass helps you ask the right questions before a project starts.
All Glass specified the correct glass types for each application on this build. That included tempered units in door lites and sidelights, and insulated units in the storefront system. Getting this right from the start avoids failed inspections and costly replacements later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can All Glass handle commercial glazing projects outside of Hickory, NC?
Yes. All Glass of Hickory takes on commercial projects beyond the immediate Hickory area, including jobs in South Carolina. Travel and logistics are factored into project planning. Additional travel costs may apply depending on the distance and scope of the work.
What does a full glazing scope include on a commercial build?
A full glazing scope typically covers exterior storefront systems, interior commercial doors, hollow metal door frames, door hardware, and any specialty glass components called out in the project drawings. The exact scope varies by project and is defined in the subcontract documents.
Why do general contractors prefer one glazing subcontractor for the full scope?
Using one subcontractor for glass and doors reduces coordination between trades. It means fewer phone calls, clearer accountability, and less risk of scheduling conflicts between the door frame installer and the glass installer. It also simplifies the submittal and inspection process.
How early should a glazing subcontractor be brought into a commercial project?
As early as possible. Bringing in a glazier during the pre-construction phase allows time for accurate shop drawings, material procurement, and scheduling. Glass and hollow metal doors both have lead times that can affect the overall construction schedule if not planned in advance.
What types of commercial glass installations does All Glass handle?
All Glass handles storefront glass systems, commercial door glass, insulated glass units, hollow metal doors and frames, and door hardware installations. The company has been serving commercial clients since 1994 and works with general contractors on both new construction and renovation projects.
Ready to Bring All Glass Into Your Next Commercial Project?
If you are a general contractor planning a commercial build in the Carolinas, All Glass of Hickory has the experience to manage the full glazing scope. From storefront systems to hollow metal doors, the team handles every part of the work with one point of contact for your project. Visit allglasscompany.com to learn more or to request a quote for your next job.