It’s not an uncommon assumption that all windows are created equal, so when you see commercial and residential windows listed separately, it may lead to some confusion. They’re just windows, aren’t they? Don’t they do the same thing? Wouldn’t the only difference be that commercial windows are bigger? While it makes sense to think this, the truth is that while they have their similarities, there are quite a few differences between commercial vs residential windows. 

What Are The Differences Between Commercial Vs Residential Windows?

In short: a lot. For those who own commercial properties, they may be flabbergasted at how much more expensive commercial windows tend to be than residential windows. This may lead them to wonder if they can get away with installing residential windows on their commercial building instead. This wouldn’t work, for a number of reasons.

Structural Design

The very structures of commercial vs residential windows differ, which would make trying to install commercial windows in a home or residential windows in a business problematic. Windows are structured according to gradings assigned by the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS). These gradings are used to dictate what kind of window can be used in what kind of building. The different grades of windows include: 

• R (Residential), for one or two family dwellings
• LC (Light Commercial), for low-rise building and mid-rise multifamily dwellings
• CW (Commercial Windows), for low-rise and mid-rise buildings that need large windows, more durability, and higher loading requirements
• AW (Architectural Windows), for mid-rise and high-rise buildings with intense and frequent use of the products

While a homeowner can technically install whatever kind of window that they want in their house, there’s no need for a home to have commercial windows, and nor will they fit with what a home needs. Residential windows are thinner than commercial windows and have less reinforcing, since they don’t face the same pressures commercial windows due.

On the other hand, a commercial building owner can’t use residential windows, because they don’t have the necessary structures to meet the requirements of commercial buildings. Commercial windows are made to be thicker, to withstand wind and large structural components, and necessitate more materials and specialized equipment.

Materials

The materials used are another important difference between commercial vs residential windows. Since commercial buildings are bigger than your average home and have more people going in and out, this means that they can accumulate more heat both from sunlight and from the people. Commercial windows need to have the proper U-factor ratings and glazing in order to keep them at a comfortable temperature.

On the other hand, residential spaces take up less square footage than most commercial buildings and don’t have nearly as many people going through them throughout the day, which means that they can get away with residential windows which have lower U-factor ratings. This makes them great for the energy efficiency of a smaller space, but for a commercial space, not so much, as residential windows don’t have the special glazing commercial windows do.

Durability

Both commercial and residential windows need to be durable and perform well, of course. However, commercial windows need to be more durable than residential windows, since they are difficult to replace and need to be able to withstand high winds and elements at greater heights than residential spaces. Residential windows should still be durable, but as they don’t face the same pressures as commercial windows, they’re not as strong because they don’t need to be.

Looks

A more surface level difference between commercial vs residential windows is that they look different. Residential windows are very customizable, and can be made to whatever shape or size you want and installed where you need them, having less glass than commercial windows. Commercial windows are more focused on being functional than being aesthetically pleasing, as they need to be able to allow plenty of light into a large area, which means that they are more straightforward in their designs.

Cost

As mentioned before, a stark difference between commercial vs residential windows is their cost. Commercial windows typically cost more than residential windows because commercial windows require more material, specialized glazing, and are a much more intensive process to install. Professionals need special equipment in order to be able to install commercial windows, and the job takes longer, meaning that there are more hours you are being billed for, due to how much more involved commercial windows are than residential windows. 

Do You Want To Learn More About Commercial Vs Residential Windows?

The fact is, there is nothing wrong with either window. Both are designed in order to excel in the areas they’re meant to be installed. You’ll only run into issues if you try to install residential windows in a commercial building and sometimes commercial windows in a residential one. Here at Peak Windows, we specialize in professional new windows, window installation, window replacement, and more – for both your commercial and residential needs. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!