Fixed Window Systems

Waterproof Installation: Because storefront is only available in a block frame it relies totally on installation sealant. Sealants that are exposed to weather and UV will deteriorate faster, thus creating a potential water leak in the matter of a few years. Fleetwood fixed systems come standard with an integral nail fin that prevents water from passing through this part of the frame.

Cleaner Sightlines & Details: The Fleetwood fixed systems are equipped with weather-stripping tracks that secure weather blocking gaskets. Storefront comes without weather-stripping and relies on the laborer to pack rubber into all seams and joints. The natural result is uneven sightlines and gaps. Storefront is field glazed whereas Fleetwood offers factory glazing on most sizes.

Weather & Rattling: Storefront glass can shift in the opening. This is a design flaw of storefront because it was made in the field instead of a factory. Even if the tuck in vinyl is properly installed the glass can still shift left or right to the point that weather can come into the home. Related to this is the inevitable rattling of glass if the vinyl is not inserted correctly.

Factory Quality Control: Because storefront windows are made on the jobsite the quality is dependent on the one worker making your window. In contrast, your Fleetwood windows are made in a controlled environment with Managers and Quality Control Engineers approving the processes. We also have static fabrication tooling that was designed for your window. Storefront typically uses crude hand tooling which often changes.

Thermally Broken Option: Most storefront is not thermally broken whereas Fleetwood offers fixed systems that come standard with an "energy barrier." The result is greater thermal efficiency for enhanced living comfort in all seasons.

Minimal Tooling: The cosmetic benefits of Fleetwood over storefront are palpable to the casual observer. Factory punched weep slots are instead of field drilled surface holes and flush union of vertical and horizontals instead of recessed lines are just two of them.

Safety and Security: Perhaps the most serious issue in buying storefront is the security problem. Did you know that your glass can be removed from the exterior with a flat head screwdriver and a glass cup? Within less than five minutes an intruder can quietly remove an entire sheet of glass and come into your home. The glass in our windows cannot be removed except by great difficulty because we "glue" the glass to the inside of the frame where intruders cannot reach.

Recyclability: Our factory built system assures that material remnants are returned to the supply chain. Assuring your community that project sites are not riddled with metal shavings and cut-offs which end up in our landfills. Because storefront is site built, Fleetwood stands out as the more responsible choice.