If you’re a general contractor or glazing professional working on commercial builds in Texas, Oklahoma, or surrounding states, you already know—compliance is not optional. Commercial storefront systems must meet a range of local, state, and federal codes to pass inspection and keep buildings safe, accessible, and efficient.
Knowing the basics of commercial storefront codes can save you from costly delays and rework. Whether you’re installing aluminum frames, doors, or glass systems, here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Why Storefront Code Compliance Matters
Code compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring durability, accessibility, and safety. A misstep in hardware selection or threshold height could mean failing an inspection or opening the property up to liability claims.
Building codes often reference standards set by the International Building Code (IBC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state-level amendments. Local municipalities can add more layers to that, depending on project type, occupancy, and geographic factors like weather exposure or seismic activity.
Texas: Focus on Wind Loads and Energy Efficiency
In Texas, commercial storefronts—especially in areas prone to strong storms—must meet wind load requirements per ASCE 7 standards. That means properly anchoring aluminum storefront systems and using impact-rated or laminated glass when required.
Energy codes also matter. Texas uses the 2015 IECC (with amendments), requiring thermally improved frames and low U-factor glazing in many climate zones. Glazing contractors must match the right IGU (insulated glass unit) specs to the storefront system.
Oklahoma: Accessibility is Front and Center
In Oklahoma, one of the most scrutinized areas in commercial storefronts is accessibility. Threshold heights, door pressure, and hardware type must meet ADA guidelines—down to the pound-force required to open a door.
Contractors should also watch for Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) updates, as these often integrate IBC and IECC revisions with local modifications. When in doubt, default to the stricter code.
Surrounding States: Regional Differences You Should Know
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Louisiana: Coastal regions require impact-rated storefronts and follow ASCE 7 wind maps.
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Arkansas: ADA and energy compliance are a top priority, especially for educational and medical facilities.
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New Mexico: Many areas are adopting more aggressive energy efficiency measures under IECC 2018 and beyond.
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Missouri and Kansas: These states mostly follow IBC and ADA standards, but local municipalities may have overlay requirements for historic districts or specific zoning categories.
Always check with the local permitting office or inspection authority—what flies in one city can fail in the next.
Common Code-Related Storefront Mistakes
Avoid these all-too-common pitfalls:
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Using residential-grade aluminum systems in commercial projects
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Selecting door hardware that does not meet ADA height or operability requirements
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Installing glass with insufficient safety or impact ratings
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Overlooking energy code requirements for U-factor and SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient)
Pre-planning your storefront materials with a trusted supplier helps reduce these risks—and ensures you’re not scrambling to retrofit just before the final walk-through.
Stay Code-Ready with Sky Building Materials
Navigating building codes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Sky Building Materials, we supply code-compliant storefront systems, door hardware, and glazing products built to meet the demands of contractors across the South Central U.S. Whether you’re quoting a project in Houston or prepping for an install in Tulsa, our team can help you select materials that pass inspection and perform for years to come.
If you’re unsure which codes apply to your upcoming project—or which product meets them best—contact us directly. You can also follow Sky Building Materials on Facebook for updates, product releases, and tips to keep your job sites running smooth and compliant.