Groundhog Day Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter — Is Your Glass Ready?

Punxsutawney Phil has spoken: six more weeks of winter. ❄️
While the forecast may be tradition, the impact of winter on commercial buildings is anything but. Cold temperatures, wind, and moisture can expose weaknesses in storefronts, curtain walls, and insulated glass—affecting comfort, safety, and operating costs.

For facility managers, property owners, and contractors, winter is often when glass performance issues show up first.

How Winter Impacts Commercial Glass Systems

1. Fogged or Failed Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)
Moisture trapped between panes is a sign of seal failure. In commercial buildings, this reduces visibility, hurts curb appeal, and signals lost thermal performance.

2. Thermal Stress Cracking
Large commercial glass panels are especially vulnerable to rapid temperature differences between warm interiors and cold exteriors. These stress fractures can compromise both appearance and safety.

3. Air Leaks & Energy Loss
Drafty windows and doors make HVAC systems work harder. Over time, this drives up energy bills and creates uneven temperatures throughout the building.

4. Entryway Wear & Safety Concerns
High-traffic entrances take a beating during winter. Chips, cracks, and worn glazing combined with snow and ice can quickly turn into liability risks.

Six More Weeks = Time for a Proactive Inspection

Instead of waiting for winter damage to worsen, now is a smart time to:

✔ Inspect storefronts and curtain walls for cracks or fogging
✔ Check seals and frames for air and water infiltration
✔ Evaluate older glazing systems for energy efficiency
✔ Reinforce entryways with durable, code-compliant glass
✔ Schedule spring upgrades early to avoid seasonal backlogs

Commercial Solutions from Hartung Glass

Hartung Glass Industries manufactures and fabricates glass systems built to perform in demanding commercial environments. Our solutions help:

• Improve thermal performance and energy efficiency

• Reduce maintenance and replacement costs

• Maintain a clean, professional building appearance

• Support safety and building code compliance

• Keep projects on schedule with reliable lead times

From office buildings and retail storefronts to schools, healthcare facilities, and mixed-use developments, properly specified glass makes a measurable difference in winter performance.

Groundhog Day is about predictions—but winter’s effect on commercial buildings is predictable. If we truly have six more weeks of cold ahead, now is the right time to evaluate how your glass systems are holding up.

Don’t let winter expose weak points in your building envelope.

Talk with Hartung Glass about inspection, replacement, or upgrade options to keep your commercial property efficient, safe, and looking its best—no matter what the groundhog says.