Energy-Efficient Glass Entryways for Brooklyn Restaurants and Cafés

Cutting utility costs and maintaining a comfortable environment are essential for Brooklyn restaurants. By installing energy efficient glass doors that Brooklyn businesses can rely on and trust, Matadoor Security helps café and restaurant owners reduce HVAC power use, optimize guest comfort, and showcase a sleek and modern façade for their property. In this blog entry, our profesional glass installation technicians will desribe and explore glass and frame technologies, glass sealing best practices, our incentive programs, and an examle of a real-world glass retrofit we performed that delivered measurable savings to our clients.

Utility Costs & Comfort

Brooklyn’s commercial energy rates are among the highest in New York State. For cafés and restaurants, every degree of indoor temperature drift can translate into hundreds of dollars in extra heating or cooling each month. A properly insulated entryway isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade, but it’s a strategic investment in customer comfort, lower energy bills, and a greener operation.

High-Performance Glass Options

Double vs. Triple Glazing

• Double-Glazed Units: Two panes separated by an air or gas-filled gap. Ideal for moderate climates and most Brooklyn storefronts.
• Triple-Glazed Units: Three panes with two insulating chambers. Offers superior thermal performance but at higher upfront cost—best for patios or cold-exposed entrances.

Argon & Krypton Fills

• Argon Gas: Commonly used between panes to reduce heat transfer by about 20% over air.
• Krypton Gas: Denser than argon, delivering up to 30% better insulation—recommended for ultra-high-performance doors where every BTU counts.

Thermal-Break Frame Technologies

Frames are as important as glass when it comes to energy efficiency:

• Aluminum Frames with Thermal Breaks: Incorporates a polyamide barrier between interior and exterior metal to interrupt heat flow. Balances durability, slim window profiles, and cost-effectiveness.
• Fiberglass Composite Frames: Naturally low-conductivity material that resists thermal bridging without added barriers – ideal for boutique cafés seeking wood-like aesthetics with minimal maintenance.

Weather-Stripping & Sealing Best Practices

A high-performance glass entry can be undermined by poor sealing. Matadoor Security recommends:

• Interlocking Weather-Strips: Multi-fin PVC seals at the door perimeter to block drafts and moisture.
• Adjustable Sweep Seals: Bottom door sweeps that maintains contact as thresholds settle, ensuring consistent closure.
• Seasonal Inspection Tips: Spring and fall checks to replace worn gaskets before extreme temperatures set in, preserving seal integrity during hot summers and cold winters.

Automatic Closers & Hold-Open Controls

Propped-open doors nullify insulation gains. To prevent energy drain consider installing:

• Automatic Door Closers: Pneumatic or hydraulic closers sized to your door weight, ensuring swift and complete closures after each entry.
• Hold-Open Devices with Timers: Magnetic or mechanical hold-opens that release after a preset interval, combining hospitality (“open-door” welcome during deliveries) with automated resealing abilities for energy conservation.

Rebates & Incentives

Brooklyn businesses can recoup window installation costs through:

• NYPA Commercial Efficiency Program: Incentives up to $5 per square foot for some qualified envelope upgrades.
• Con Edison Retrofit Rebates: Cash incentives provided for high-performance glazing and thermal-break frame installations.
• Federal Section 179D Tax Deduction: Up to $1.80 per square foot deduction for energy-efficient commercial door and window systems installed before year-end.

Case Study: Williamsburg Café 

Matadoor Security partnered with Williamsburg Café in Brooklyn in order to replace its single-pane storefront with double-glazed, low-E insulated doors and thermal-break aluminum Williamsburgframes. Over the first year, the café benefited from:

• 25 % Reduction in Heating & Cooling Costs measured by sub-metering the entry zone
• Improved Guest Comfort with consistent lobby temperatures
• Rapid Payback Period of just 2.5 years after incentives

Unlock significant energy savings and enhance guest experience with insulated café doors designed for Brooklyn’s unique climate, especially now that NYC has been reclassified as a Sub Tropical weather zone.. Calculate Your Energy Savings today by requesting a complimentary analysis from Matadoor Security Service, and discover the ROI on an energy-efficient glass entryway.