Commercial buildings demand window solutions that can simultaneously address multiple needs. This includes energy efficiency, durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness. With rising energy costs and an increasing focus on sustainable building practices, commercial property owners are seeking window systems that offer long-term value and performance in all of these areas and more.

A team of local experts at Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic have assembled some key considerations in this article as you assess your window needs for your next commercial project. Learn how Pella Impervia windows offer a tailored solution that combines exceptional durability with sleek design, making it a leading choice for commercial architects, contractors, and property owners. 

What Are Pella Impervia Windows?

From school windows that require durability against daily wear and tear, to business windows that require energy efficiency and modern aesthetics for sophisticated facilities, we respond to these needs through Pella’s signature line of Impervia fiberglass windows.

Pella Impervia windows are constructed using a proprietary fiberglass material engineered for lasting durability in even the most demanding environments. These windows are tested by industry standards, from -40°F to 180°F, ensuring they perform exceptionally well in extreme weather conditions. This makes them particularly suitable for commercial buildings where reliability and low maintenance are essential. Unlike traditional materials, Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic’s offerings of fiberglass windows bring remarkable strength and versatility tailored for commercial buildings.

Why Fiberglass? The Advantages in Commercial Environments

Impervia fiberglass windows offer several distinct advantages that make them ideal for commercial applications:

• Unmatched Strength: Pella’s proprietary fiberglass is the strongest possible material for windows, engineered for lasting durability.
  
• Thermal Stability: The material has virtually no expansion and contraction, improving energy efficiency and reducing the risk of seal failure.
  
• Commercial-Grade Performance: Impervia windows meet rigorous commercial building standards. They are secured with corner locks, metal fasteners and injected with sealant for added strength, security and reliable water performance.
  
• Low Maintenance: The powder-coat finish never needs to be repainted or refinished, saving on long-term maintenance costs.
  
• Sleek Profiles: The strength of fiberglass allows for thinner frames and more glass area, enhancing views and natural light.
  
• Energy Efficiency: Fiberglass acts as a natural insulator from outside elements, minimizing heat and cold transfer.

Types of Pella Impervia Windows for Commercial Projects

Pella’s Impervia line offers versatility through multiple window styles, each suited to different commercial applications.

Impervia Casement Windows

Impervia casement windows feature a side-hinged design with sleek profiles and clean lines. Their Easy-Slide Operator allows users to simply slide to open without the effort of cranking. For commercial spaces where ventilation and ease of operation are important, casement windows provide an elegant solution that offers both functionality and style.

Pella Impervia Awning Window

Pella Impervia awning windows provide versatile ventilation, even during light rain, as they’re hinged at the top with vents that open at the bottom. This makes it particularly useful for commercial spaces where controlled airflow is desired, such as offices, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Double-Hung and Single-Hung Options

For traditional-looking commercial spaces, Impervia double-hung and single-hung windows offer classic aesthetics with modern performance. Double-hung windows feature two movable sashes. Single-hung designs have a fixed top sash with a movable bottom sash. Both styles include tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning from inside the building — an exceedingly practical feature for multi-story commercial properties.

Picture Windows and Fixed Options

For areas where ventilation isn’t needed but views and light are essential, Impervia picture windows provide maximum glass area with clean sightlines. These non-operable units are permanently sealed, making them an energy-efficient choice for commercial facades or display areas.

Impervia Sliding Window and Door Systems

Impervia sliding window and door systems are ideal for commercial spaces where space efficiency is important. These units glide along a track with a low-profile sill that is 45% lower than average, reducing tripping hazards. Multiple locking mechanisms ensure added security in both closed and venting positions.

Bay Window Configurations

For commercial spaces seeking architectural interest, Impervia bay windows combine a three-window design with a fixed center window flanked by two operable side windows. These can create distinctive features in retail environments or hospitality settings.

Commercial Applications for Impervia Windows

No matter the style, Pella Impervia windows excel across various commercial buildings. Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic has partnered in several successful commercial projects that benefit from specific features of these versatile window systems. 

Here are just a few examples of practical commercial applications using Impervia windows.

Multi-Family and High-Rise Applications

High-rise windows face unique challenges, including intense wind pressure, weather exposure, and particular maintenance. Impervia windows are an ideal solution, as demonstrated by the Hotel AKA project in Alexandria, VA. This hospitality project utilized Pella Impervia windows to deliver both durability and contemporary style, meeting the needs of a high-traffic hotel environment.

Hospitality and Retail

Hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments can leverage Impervia’s aesthetic flexibility and performance features to create inviting spaces that maintain comfort while controlling energy costs. Again, the Hotel AKA showcases how these windows can enhance the guest experience in upscale hospitality settings.

Office Buildings

Commercial offices like Kite House at the Parks in Washington, DC benefit from Impervia’s energy efficiency and noise reduction properties. The windows’ excellent thermal performance helps maintain comfortable interior temperatures while reducing HVAC costs, and their sound-dampening qualities create quieter workspaces conducive to productivity.

Educational Institutions

Schools and universities require durable, low-maintenance windows that can withstand high traffic and frequent use. Impervia’s robust construction makes it ideal for these environments, providing lasting performance with minimal upkeep requirements.

Historic Renovation Projects

Historic renovation projects present unique challenges, requiring windows that honor architectural heritage while providing modern performance. Impervia windows can be customized to complement period details while delivering contemporary benefits such as energy efficiency and noise control.

Noise Reduction Window Solutions for Commercial Environments

Commercial windows for noise reduction are increasingly important in urban settings. Pella Impervia windows offer excellent sound attenuation properties, particularly when configured with specialized glazing options.

For enhanced sound control, Impervia can be ordered with STC-rated insulating glass featuring panes of different thicknesses (3mm exterior/5mm interior), which significantly reduces sound transmission. The fiberglass frame construction also helps deaden sound compared to metal frames, making these windows ideal for commercial spaces near highways, railways, airports, or busy roads and intersections like Kite House at the Parks. 

Key Considerations for Commercial Window Projects

Selecting the Right Window Style

Choosing the right window style depends on several factors including building function, architectural style, ventilation requirements, and budget. Working with experienced professionals can help project teams identify the optimal window configurations for specific areas within a commercial building.

Energy Performance Requirements

Commercial buildings increasingly face stringent energy codes and sustainability goals. Impervia windows support these objectives with outstanding thermal performance. Select Impervia windows have even been certified by Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) for use in passive house construction, demonstrating their exceptional energy efficiency.

Installation Considerations

Commercial window installation requires specialized expertise, particularly for large-scale or high-rise projects. Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic offers comprehensive support services including local project management, deliveries based on construction schedules, product staging, and on-site support. Our team provides field measurements, testing, and quality inspections to ensure proper installation and performance.

Project Budget and Long-Term Value

When considering how much Pella Impervia windows cost, it’s important to evaluate both initial investment and long-term value. Impervia windows typically cost $400 to $2,200 per window installed, or $300 to $1,700 for the unit alone. While this represents a higher initial investment than some alternatives, the exceptional durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements can yield significant long-term savings.

The Impervia Advantage for Commercial Applications

Pella Impervia windows offer an innovative solution for even the most demanding commercial applications. Their proprietary fiberglass construction delivers unmatched strength and durability while their sleek profiles and design options offer architects the flexibility to achieve their creative vision. 

The right commercial windows must do more than provide shelter and light — they must work long-term to save energy, reduce maintenance costs, and exhibit exceptional longevity. 

So whether you’re designing a new commercial building, renovating an existing property, considering commercial window replacement, or replacing windows in a historic renovation, Pella Impervia offers solutions engineered for commercial-grade performance and lasting beauty.Ready to explore how Pella Impervia windows can elevate your next commercial project? Contact Pella Mid⁠-⁠Atlantic’s local commercial team, or learn more about the commercial window solutions we offer.