Aluminium Shopfronts and Glass Entrance Doors

An aluminium shopfront is the first thing customers see, so it needs to look good, show off the interior and stand up to constant use. Glass set in slim aluminium framing lets you display stock, while entrance doors, closers and shutters handle traffic and security. AluminiumDoor.co.za is a free quote-request service for South African businesses: describe the frontage and we pass it to an independent shopfitter or commercial aluminium installer near you, who quotes you directly. We don't make or fit shopfronts ourselves.

What goes into a shopfront

A typical shopfront combines:

Fixed glazing: large display panels in a stick or curtain-wall style aluminium system
Glass and aluminium doors: single or double hinged entrance doors, often with long pull handles
Automatic sliding doors: for supermarkets, pharmacies and high footfall, with sensors and battery backup
Fanlights and transoms: glazing above the doors and signage zones
Roller shutters or security grilles: to protect the glass after hours

Floor springs, door closers and hardware

Commercial aluminium door entrance systems take hundreds of openings a day, so hardware matters. A floor spring, set into the floor below the door, gives a clean look and controls doors that open both ways. An overhead door closer is simpler to fit and service. Ask about hold-open functions, panic bars on escape routes, access control or electric strikes, and heavy-duty hinges or pivots rated for the glass weight.

Safety glazing and compliance

Shopfronts sit right at the pavement, so SANS 10400-N requires safety glass in doors and low-level panels, and large panes need the right thickness for their size and wind load. Laminated glass also slows smash-and-grab attempts. Fire escape routes, accessibility for wheelchairs and SANS 10400-XA energy requirements may also apply, and many landlords and centre managers set their own standards. Working with an AAAMSA member fabricator helps make sure the design and installation meet these requirements.

What affects a shopfront quote

We don't publish prices. A shopfront quote depends on the width and height of the frontage, the aluminium system and finish (anodised or powder-coated), glass type and thickness, the number and type of doors, closers or automation, shutters, the access needed to work on site, after-hours installation and whether an old frontage has to be stripped out first. A drawing or photo with measurements speeds things up.

Comparing quotes for aluminium shopfronts

The lowest price is not always the best value. When your quote arrives, check:

Measure and system: whether the price is based on a site measure, and which aluminium profile range is specified for the size of the opening.
Glass and finish: safety glass type and thickness, and powder coating or anodising, with a marine-grade finish near the sea.
Installation: removal of old frames, fixing, levelling, sealing and making good, and who handles plaster and paint.
Guarantee and timing: what the guarantee covers, the lead time for manufacture and the date for fitting.

What to include in your request

Width and height of the frontage, and number of doors
Type of business and expected foot traffic
Hinged, double or automatic doors, and any shutter needed
Landlord or centre requirements, and preferred installation hours

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a floor spring and a door closer?

A floor spring is hidden in the floor under the door and suits heavy glass doors that swing both ways. An overhead door closer is fixed to the top of the door and frame and is simpler to fit and service.

Can an existing shopfront be fitted with automatic doors?

Often, yes. An installer will check the opening, the head space for the operator and the power supply. Ask for battery backup so the doors work during load-shedding.

What glass is used in shopfronts?

Doors and low-level panels need safety glass, usually laminated or toughened. Laminated glass is popular because it stays in place when broken and resists smash-and-grab.

Do you install shopfronts?

No. AluminiumDoor.co.za passes your free request to an independent shopfitter or commercial aluminium installer, who quotes and does the work if you accept.

Aluminium Shopfronts by province

Aluminium Shopfronts by city

Mark	Type	Notes
S01	Aluminium Doors	Hinged, sliding, stacking, folding, pivot and French doors	Get a quote
S06	Aluminium Door Glass	Laminated and toughened safety glass	Get a quote
D12	Aluminium Security Doors	Trellis, fixed, retractable and security screen doors	Get a quote
D05	Aluminium Pivot Doors	Typical sizes: 1.2 m to 2 m wide, often above 2.4 m tall	Get a quote