Frequently Asked Questions
From custom shower doors to commercial storefronts, find answers to the most common questions about our premium glass services in Chicago.
General & Service Area
1. What areas in the Chicago region do you serve?
We proudly serve the entire Greater Chicago area, including downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Contact us with your zip code to confirm service availability.
2. Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation quotes for all custom glass projects. You can request a quote online or call us directly to schedule a measurement.
3. How long does it take to get a custom glass order?
Most residential custom glass orders take between 1 to 3 weeks from the time of final measurement to installation, depending on the complexity of the glass fabrication.
4. Are you licensed and insured in Illinois?
Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured to perform residential and commercial glass installations throughout Illinois.
5. Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Absolutely. We fabricate and install everything from residential shower doors and vanity mirrors to commercial storefronts and office partitions.
6. Can I visit a showroom to see hardware and glass samples?
Yes! We have a variety of hardware finishes, glass thicknesses, and custom glass samples available. Please contact us to schedule a showroom visit or request sample photos.
7. Do you provide emergency glass repair services?
We prioritize urgent commercial storefront and safety hazards. Contact our team directly to check our immediate availability for emergency board-ups or glass replacements.
Shower Doors & Enclosures
8. What is the difference between frameless and semi-frameless shower doors?
Frameless doors use thick, heavy glass supported solely by minimal hinges and clips for a sleek look. Semi-frameless doors have metal framing around the perimeter of the enclosure but not around the door panel itself.
9. Is the glass used for shower doors safe?
Yes, all of our shower enclosures are custom-fabricated using high-quality tempered safety glass, which is designed to shatter into harmless pebble-like pieces rather than sharp shards if broken.
10. Will my frameless shower door leak?
When properly installed and with a correctly sloped shower curb, frameless doors do not leak. We utilize precise measurements and clear polycarbonate seals to prevent water from escaping.
11. Can you install shower doors on out-of-plumb or uneven walls?
Yes! This is why custom fabrication is so important. We laser-measure your space and cut the glass to accommodate any leans or bowing in your tile or walls.
12. How thick is the glass used for frameless shower enclosures?
We typically use 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch heavy tempered glass for frameless enclosures to ensure structural integrity and a premium feel.
13. What is "low-iron" or ultra-clear glass?
Standard clear glass has a slight greenish tint due to iron content. Low-iron glass has the iron removed, resulting in crystal-clear glass that lets the true color of your tile shine through.
14. What hardware finishes do you offer?
We offer premium hardware in a variety of finishes, including Matte Black, Brushed Nickel, Polished Chrome, Satin Brass, and Oil-Rubbed Bronze to match your bathroom fixtures.
15. How do I clean and maintain my glass shower door?
Use a squeegee after every shower to prevent water spots. Clean weekly with a non-abrasive glass cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and water. Never use harsh scouring pads.
16. Do you apply a water-repellent coating to the glass?
Yes, we offer protective glass coatings (like EnduroShield) as an upgrade. This invisible treatment seals the pores of the glass, making it highly resistant to hard water stains and soap scum.
17. Do you remove and dispose of my old shower door?
Yes. During your installation, our technicians can safely dismantle, remove, and dispose of your old glass enclosure for a nominal fee.
18. Are sliding shower doors better for small bathrooms?
Yes, sliding (bypass) doors or barn-style sliders do not require clearance to swing open, making them the perfect space-saving solution for compact Chicago bathrooms.
Custom Mirrors
19. Can you cut mirrors to custom shapes and sizes?
Yes, we offer complete custom mirror fabrication. Whether you need a simple vanity mirror, an oversized gym wall mirror, or an arched decorative piece, we can cut it to your exact specifications.
20. What is a beveled edge mirror?
A beveled edge is a decorative cut made at an angle around the perimeter of the mirror, creating a framed look without actually using a frame. It adds an elegant, traditional touch.
21. Do you install full wall mirrors for home gyms or dance studios?
Absolutely. We specialize in large-format mirrors for home gyms, yoga studios, and commercial fitness centers. We ensure seams are tight and reflections are distortion-free.
22. How are large mirrors secured to the wall?
We use a combination of heavy-duty mirror mastic (specialized adhesive) and low-profile J-channels or mechanical mirror clips to ensure the mirror is permanently and safely secured.
23. Can you cut holes in the mirror for electrical outlets or sconces?
Yes, we can fabricate precise cutouts in the glass for electrical outlets, light switches, and wall sconces during the manufacturing process.
24. What do I do if my vanity mirror gets "black edge"?
Black edge or desilvering occurs when moisture attacks the silver backing. To prevent this, avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the mirror edges. If it has already occurred, the mirror must be replaced.
Glass Railings & Staircases
25. Are glass railings safe for outdoor decks and balconies?
Yes, glass railings are incredibly safe and durable. We use heavy-duty laminated and tempered safety glass specifically engineered to withstand high winds and heavy impacts.
26. Do glass railings meet Chicago building codes?
Yes. All of our glass railing installations are fabricated and installed to strictly comply with local Chicago and Illinois building and safety codes.
27. What is the difference between standoff and base shoe railings?
Standoff railings use stainless steel pins bolted to the side of the stairs/deck. Base shoe railings use an aluminum channel at the bottom to hold the glass, creating an invisible "floating" look.
28. Can glass railings be installed on wooden stairs?
Yes, glass railings can be mounted to wood, concrete, or steel structures. We evaluate the structural integrity of your stairs during the consultation to choose the proper mounting hardware.
29. Do I need a top rail or handrail on a glass balcony?
While "capless" frameless designs are popular, building codes in certain residential or commercial applications may require a slim metal top cap or an offset handrail for added safety.
30. How do you keep outdoor glass railings clean?
Outdoor glass railings can be cleaned just like windows. We highly recommend adding a hydrophobic coating to outdoor glass to repel rain, dirt, and snow.
Commercial Glass Services
31. What commercial glass services do you provide?
We specialize in retail storefronts, heavy glass entry doors, interior office partitions, conference room glass walls, sneeze guards, and commercial mirrors.
32. Can you replace broken storefront glass quickly?
Yes, we understand that broken storefronts are a security risk. We prioritize commercial repair orders to get your business secured and looking professional as fast as possible.
33. Do you install frameless glass office partitions?
Yes. Frameless glass partitions are excellent for modern offices because they reduce noise while maximizing natural light. We customize them with sliding or swing doors.
34. Is tinted or frosted glass available for commercial use?
Yes. We offer privacy solutions including acid-etched (frosted) glass, tinted glass, and custom vinyl decals for conference rooms and medical offices.
35. Are your commercial glass doors ADA compliant?
Yes. We ensure all commercial door hardware, closers, pulls, and thresholds meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
36. Can you install bullet-resistant or security glass?
Yes, we can supply and install specialized security glass, transaction windows, and reinforced framing for banks, dispensaries, and high-security facilities.
Pricing & Payments
37. How much does a custom frameless shower door cost?
Frameless shower doors start at $999. Pricing scales based on the size of the enclosure, glass thickness, out-of-square cuts, and hardware finish.
38. What are the starting prices for your other main services?
Our baseline starting prices are as follows:
- Semi-Frameless Shower Doors: Starting at $799
- Sliding Shower Doors: Starting at $899
- Custom Vanity Mirrors: Starting at $300
- Glass Railings: Starting at $250 per linear foot
- Commercial Storefronts: Starting at $1,200
39. Why does custom glass pricing vary so much?
Final quotes depend on exact measurements, upgrading to low-iron ultra-clear glass, specialized hardware finishes (like Matte Black), custom cutouts, and specialized coatings.
40. Do I need to pay a deposit before fabrication begins?
Yes. Because every piece of glass is custom-cut and tempered specifically for your space, we require a standard 50% deposit before pushing the order into production.
41. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), digital payments, and standard checks.
42. Does the quoted price include installation?
Yes. All custom quotes provided by our team are fully inclusive of the glass, the hardware, and the professional installation labor. There are no hidden fees.
43. Why is low-iron glass more expensive than standard clear glass?
Low-iron glass undergoes a specialized purification process to remove the green tint found in standard glass. This extra manufacturing step increases the cost, but provides unparalleled clarity.
Installation & Warranty
44. What happens during the initial consultation?
Our technician will visit your site, use laser-measuring tools to capture exact dimensions, check for structural supports (like studs), and show you hardware and glass samples to generate an accurate quote.
45. How long does the actual installation process take?
A typical residential shower door or custom mirror installation takes roughly 2 to 4 hours. Larger commercial projects or expansive glass railings will take a full day or more.
46. Do I need to be home during the installation?
Yes, we require an adult (18 or older) to be present at the start of the installation to grant access, and at the end of the installation to inspect and approve the final work.
47. Will there be a mess left behind after installation?
No. Our professional installers wear protective booties, use drop cloths, and thoroughly clean the glass and the surrounding work area before leaving your property.
48. What should I do to prepare my bathroom for a shower door installation?
Please ensure all tile and grout work is 100% finished and cured. Remove any personal items, rugs, and toiletries from the bathroom to give our installers a clear workspace.
49. How soon can I use my shower after installation?
You must wait at least 24 to 48 hours before using the shower to allow the silicone sealants to fully cure and dry.
50. What is your warranty on hardware and installation?
We stand behind our craftsmanship. We offer a comprehensive warranty covering hardware defects and installation labor. Ask your technician for specific warranty terms related to your exact product.





















