Commercial Glass Submittal Process: Shop Drawings, Review Cycles, and Timeline Management
What is a commercial glass submittal and why it matters
A commercial glass submittal is a formal submission of shop drawings, material specifications, and installation details to the general contractor, architect, or engineer for approval before fabrication begins. The submittal package includes full-scale drawings showing mullion profiles, thermal breaks, sealant details, drainage systems, hardware mounting, and assembly sequences specific to your building. This process ensures the glass system meets code, design intent, and budget before a single pane gets cut.
Submittals exist because commercial glazing isn't off-the-shelf. Every project has unique conditions: different slab-edge details at each floor, transitions between stick-built and unitized framing, storefront-to-curtain-wall junctions, and site-specific thermal or acoustic requirements. The submittal process catches misalignments between what was specified on paper and what can actually be built on site. It's also your written record that everyone agreed on the approach before costs lock in.
The shop drawing review cycle: what happens at each stage
First submission: what you're sending
Element13 prepares shop drawings that show every dimension the installers will need, every material callout, every flashing detail, and every junction condition. For insulated glass units (IGUs), this includes the frame depth, warm-edge spacer type, desiccant specification, low-E coating position, argon gas fill (if specified), and U-value verification. For structural glazing applications, the drawings show silicone sealant joint widths, cure sequences, pressure plate locations, and any ASTM C1394 inspection cycles required by your spec.
The first submittal also includes material certifications: IGU test reports confirming ASTM E2190 compliance, AAMA ratings (typically 501, 502, or 503 for commercial projects), air infiltration and water resistance test data per ASTM E330/E330M, and laminated safety glass documentation where code requires it under IBC Section 2406. If your project calls for specific SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) or thermal performance, the submittal proves the glass meets it.
Review phase: what the design team checks
The architect and engineer review for code compliance first. They verify that safety glazing is specified in hazardous locations, that impact resistance meets your building envelope requirements, and that thermal transmittance (U-value) supports the HVAC design. They check sealant and flashing details to confirm moisture won't collect at mullion bases or slab edges. They verify that curtain wall anchors will support the glass weight and wind load per ASTM E1300 calculations.
During this phase, comments come back. Sometimes they're minor: confirmation that anodized aluminum finishes match the building standard. Sometimes they're structural: the engineer may require thicker laminated glass in a specific location, or additional structural silicone at a corner condition. Occasionally comments reveal scope confusion: the submittal shows stick-built mullions, but the spec calls for unitized construction. This is exactly what the process is meant to catch.
Revision and resubmittal
Element13 incorporates comments, revises the drawings, and resubmits with a cover letter addressing each mark. The resubmittal also includes a revision summary so the reviewer doesn't re-read the entire package. If a comment requires a material or method change, the revised submittal includes updated certifications and test data.
Revisions rarely go beyond two cycles for straightforward projects. More complex work, especially those involving Design-Build Glazing or Tenant Improvement Glazing, may cycle three or four times if the building systems aren't fully coordinated before glazing submittals start.
Final approval
Once the design team stamps the submittal "approved" or "approved as noted," fabrication can begin. Element13 assigns a fabrication date, orders any long-lead items (low-E coated glass, colored anodized frames, or specialty hardware), and builds the schedule around your project timeline.
How long does the submittal process actually take
Submittal review cycles don't have a fixed timeline. What drives the schedule is how organized the project documents are and how many cycles the design team requires.
First submission to first review: 5 to 10 business days
This is Element13's responsibility. Our team prepares drawings, material specs, and certifications. The time depends on project complexity. A straightforward storefront submittal with standard IGUs takes 5 days. A multi-floor curtain wall with structural glazing and custom mullion profiles takes 10 days. We include all ASTM test reports and compliance documentation from the start, so nothing gets held up waiting for material certificates.
Design team review: 7 to 14 business days
This is outside your control. Some architects respond in three days. Others batch submittals and review weekly. If the general contractor needs multiple trades to cross-check (mechanical for slab-edge penetrations, structural for wind loads), it takes longer. Plan for two weeks and celebrate if it comes back in seven days.
First revision turnaround: 3 to 7 business days
Element13 prioritizes revisions. If comments are straightforward (confirm finishes, adjust mullion depth), we return revised drawings in three days. If comments require material changes or coordination with other trades, allow five to seven days.
Total typical cycle: 21 to 35 calendar days from first submission to approved drawings
Most commercial projects see two submittal cycles. First cycle catches code and specification gaps. Second cycle addresses coordination details. Budget 30 to 45 days from the time you hand Element13 the project documents to the date you can order glass and frame. Start submittals as soon as the design is 90 percent complete, not at the end.
Common code and specification requirements that drive reviews
Submittal reviewers focus on these elements because they directly affect safety and building performance.
Thermal performance and energy code
Most municipalities now require glazing to meet energy code U-values. Your architect specifies a maximum U-value (thermal transmittance). Element13's submittal includes IGU construction details proving the system meets it: frame type, glass thickness, coatings, and gas fill all factor into the U-value calculation. If the building is in a high-altitude location (Denver, Boulder, Greeley areas), atmospheric pressure affects argon gas performance, and the submittal reflects that.
Safety glazing locations per IBC Section 2406
Tempered or laminated glass is required in hazardous locations: doors, sidelights within 24 inches of a door, low windows (below 36 inches), and bathtub or shower enclosures in commercial facilities. The submittal identifies which glass panes are safety glazing and confirms temper or laminate specs.
Structural performance under wind and impact
The engineer calculates design wind loads for your building's height and exposure (ASTM E1300 for annealed glass or applicable impact standards for laminated or tempered). The submittal shows glass thickness, edge support conditions, and sealant details that allow the system to perform at that load without deflecting excessively or failing. For stick-built systems, mullion spacing and anchor details go into this calculation.
Moisture management and drainage
Reviewers check that weep holes are sized correctly, that slab-edge flashing directs water outward, and that sealant joints are designed for thermal movement (typically plus or minus one-quarter inch per ten feet of frame length). Element13's submittal shows drainage paths, sealant joint widths, and pressure plate positioning to confirm water won't pool or enter the building envelope.
Thermal breaks and condensation control
Commercial buildings require thermal breaks in aluminum frames: a polyamide or polyurethane barrier that reduces heat transfer from outside to inside. The submittal specifies thermal break type, location, and thickness. This prevents the interior mullion surface from reaching dew point in winter, which would cause condensation.
How Element13 manages submittal timelines to protect your schedule
As a Commercial Glass Contractor, Element13 coordinates submittals to keep projects on track.
Pre-submittal coordination
Before drawings go to the design team, Element13's NACC Master-Certified Glaziers review the architectural and structural specs for conflicts or missing details. We flag issues early: if a mullion depth isn't specified, we ask before submitting. If a flashing detail contradicts a structural note, we resolve it with the design team before the formal submittal. This reduces review cycles.
Single-source accountability
Element13 writes and submits the glazing package. There's no back-and-forth between the GC, the curtain wall supplier, and the installer. One submittal package, one voice, one deadline. If the design team has questions, they call Element13, not three vendors.
Material lead time built into the schedule
Once the submittal is approved, Element13 orders long-lead items immediately. Colored or coated glass typically has 3 to 6 week lead times. Specialty frames with thermal breaks or custom finishes add another 2 to 4 weeks. We don't wait for all materials to arrive before starting assembly. In-house fabrication at Element13 allows us to start frame assembly and hardware mounting while glass is in transit, so the system is ready to install as soon as the last pane arrives.
Phasing for occupied buildings
On tenant improvement projects, Element13 works with the GC and building owner to phase installation around occupancy. The submittal can specify that certain floors install in sequence, allowing elevators and mechanical systems to operate while glazing is ongoing. We coordinate install schedules around HVAC testing, fire suppression, and other building systems.
What to ask a commercial glass contractor about submittals before hiring
Before signing a contract, clarify how your glazing contractor will handle the submittal process.
Do you include all material certifications in the first submittal?
Some contractors submit shop drawings alone and promise certifications "by next week." Element13 includes full test reports, AAMA ratings, ASTM compliance documentation, and material mill certifications with the first submission. This prevents review delays waiting for certificates.
Who coordinates revisions if comments affect other trades?
If a structural engineer's comment changes the glazing, that change might affect mechanical penetrations or facade mounting. Does your contractor coordinate that revision with the GC and other consultants, or do you? Element13 manages that coordination as part of the submittal. We don't leave you to play telephone between trades.
What's your typical turnaround for revisions?
Get a specific number of days, not "a few days." Element13 commits to three business days for straightforward revisions, five to seven for revisions requiring material or specification changes. Put it in writing.
How do you handle long-lead items after approval?
Once the submittal is approved, when do you order glass and frame? The day approval comes through, or do you wait for other project milestones? Element13 orders immediately upon approval, so long-lead items start their clock while other trades finish their work.
Will you adjust the install schedule if submittals take longer than expected?
If the design team takes 12 weeks to review (it happens), can your glazier compress the fabrication and installation schedule? Element13 has in-house fabrication and assembly, so we can tighten timelines without compromising quality or safety. We'll work with the GC to adjust the installation window and manage lead times accordingly.
What is a commercial glass submittal and why it matters
A commercial glass submittal is a formal submission of shop drawings, material specifications, and installation details to the general contractor, architect, or engineer for approval before fabrication begins. The submittal package includes full-scale drawings showing mullion profiles, thermal breaks, sealant details, drainage systems, hardware mounting, and assembly sequences specific to your building. This process ensures the glass system meets code, design intent, and budget before a single pane gets cut.
Submittals exist because commercial glazing isn't off-the-shelf. Every project has unique conditions: different slab-edge details at each floor, transitions between stick-built and unitized framing, storefront-to-curtain-wall junctions, and site-specific thermal or acoustic requirements. The submittal process catches misalignments between what was specified on paper and what can actually be built on site. It's also your written record that everyone agreed on the approach before costs lock in.
The shop drawing review cycle: what happens at each stage
First submission: what you're sending
Element13 prepares shop drawings that show every dimension the installers will need, every material callout, every flashing detail, and every junction condition. For insulated glass units (IGUs), this includes the frame depth, warm-edge spacer type, desiccant specification, low-E coating position, argon gas fill (if specified), and U-value verification. For structural glazing applications, the drawings show silicone sealant joint widths, cure sequences, pressure plate locations, and any ASTM C1394 inspection cycles required by your spec.
The first submittal also includes material certifications: IGU test reports confirming ASTM E2190 compliance, AAMA ratings (typically 501, 502, or 503 for commercial projects), air infiltration and water resistance test data per ASTM E330/E330M, and laminated safety glass documentation where code requires it under IBC Section 2406. If your project calls for specific SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) or thermal performance, the submittal proves the glass meets it.
Review phase: what the design team checks
The architect and engineer review for code compliance first. They verify that safety glazing is specified in hazardous locations, that impact resistance meets your building envelope requirements, and that thermal transmittance (U-value) supports the HVAC design. They check sealant and flashing details to confirm moisture won't collect at mullion bases or slab edges. They verify that curtain wall anchors will support the glass weight and wind load per ASTM E1300 calculations.
During this phase, comments come back. Sometimes they're minor: confirmation that anodized aluminum finishes match the building standard. Sometimes they're structural: the engineer may require thicker laminated glass in a specific location, or additional structural silicone at a corner condition. Occasionally comments reveal scope confusion: the submittal shows stick-built mullions, but the spec calls for unitized construction. This is exactly what the process is meant to catch.
Revision and resubmittal
Element13 incorporates comments, revises the drawings, and resubmits with a cover letter addressing each mark. The resubmittal also includes a revision summary so the reviewer doesn't re-read the entire package. If a comment requires a material or method change, the revised submittal includes updated certifications and test data.
Revisions rarely go beyond two cycles for straightforward projects. More complex work, especially those involving Design-Build Glazing or Tenant Improvement Glazing, may cycle three or four times if the building systems aren't fully coordinated before glazing submittals start.
Final approval
Once the design team stamps the submittal "approved" or "approved as noted," fabrication can begin. Element13 assigns a fabrication date, orders any long-lead items (low-E coated glass, colored anodized frames, or specialty hardware), and builds the schedule around your project timeline.
How long does the submittal process actually take
Submittal review cycles don't have a fixed timeline. What drives the schedule is how organized the project documents are and how many cycles the design team requires.
First submission to first review: 5 to 10 business days
This is Element13's responsibility. Our team prepares drawings, material specs, and certifications. The time depends on project complexity. A straightforward storefront submittal with standard IGUs takes 5 days. A multi-floor curtain wall with structural glazing and custom mullion profiles takes 10 days. We include all ASTM test reports and compliance documentation from the start, so nothing gets held up waiting for material certificates.
Design team review: 7 to 14 business days
This is outside your control. Some architects respond in three days. Others batch submittals and review weekly. If the general contractor needs multiple trades to cross-check (mechanical for slab-edge penetrations, structural for wind loads), it takes longer. Plan for two weeks and celebrate if it comes back in seven days.
First revision turnaround: 3 to 7 business days
Element13 prioritizes revisions. If comments are straightforward (confirm finishes, adjust mullion depth), we return revised drawings in three days. If comments require material changes or coordination with other trades, allow five to seven days.
Total typical cycle: 21 to 35 calendar days from first submission to approved drawings
Most commercial projects see two submittal cycles. First cycle catches code and specification gaps. Second cycle addresses coordination details. Budget 30 to 45 days from the time you hand Element13 the project documents to the date you can order glass and frame. Start submittals as soon as the design is 90 percent complete, not at the end.
Common code and specification requirements that drive reviews
Submittal reviewers focus on these elements because they directly affect safety and building performance.
Thermal performance and energy code
Most municipalities now require glazing to meet energy code U-values. Your architect specifies a maximum U-value (thermal transmittance). Element13's submittal includes IGU construction details proving the system meets it: frame type, glass thickness, coatings, and gas fill all factor into the U-value calculation. If the building is in a high-altitude location (Denver, Boulder, Greeley areas), atmospheric pressure affects argon gas performance, and the submittal reflects that.
Safety glazing locations per IBC Section 2406
Tempered or laminated glass is required in hazardous locations: doors, sidelights within 24 inches of a door, low windows (below 36 inches), and bathtub or shower enclosures in commercial facilities. The submittal identifies which glass panes are safety glazing and confirms temper or laminate specs.
Structural performance under wind and impact
The engineer calculates design wind loads for your building's height and exposure (ASTM E1300 for annealed glass or applicable impact standards for laminated or tempered). The submittal shows glass thickness, edge support conditions, and sealant details that allow the system to perform at that load without deflecting excessively or failing. For stick-built systems, mullion spacing and anchor details go into this calculation.
Moisture management and drainage
Reviewers check that weep holes are sized correctly, that slab-edge flashing directs water outward, and that sealant joints are designed for thermal movement (typically plus or minus one-quarter inch per ten feet of frame length). Element13's submittal shows drainage paths, sealant joint widths, and pressure plate positioning to confirm water won't pool or enter the building envelope.
Thermal breaks and condensation control
Commercial buildings require thermal breaks in aluminum frames: a polyamide or polyurethane barrier that reduces heat transfer from outside to inside. The submittal specifies thermal break type, location, and thickness. This prevents the interior mullion surface from reaching dew point in winter, which would cause condensation.
How Element13 manages submittal timelines to protect your schedule
As a Commercial Glass Contractor, Element13 coordinates submittals to keep projects on track.
Pre-submittal coordination
Before drawings go to the design team, Element13's NACC Master-Certified Glaziers review the architectural and structural specs for conflicts or missing details. We flag issues early: if a mullion depth isn't specified, we ask before submitting. If a flashing detail contradicts a structural note, we resolve it with the design team before the formal submittal. This reduces review cycles.
Single-source accountability
Element13 writes and submits the glazing package. There's no back-and-forth between the GC, the curtain wall supplier, and the installer. One submittal package, one voice, one deadline. If the design team has questions, they call Element13, not three vendors.
Material lead time built into the schedule
Once the submittal is approved, Element13 orders long-lead items immediately. Colored or coated glass typically has 3 to 6 week lead times. Specialty frames with thermal breaks or custom finishes add another 2 to 4 weeks. We don't wait for all materials to arrive before starting assembly. In-house fabrication at Element13 allows us to start frame assembly and hardware mounting while glass is in transit, so the system is ready to install as soon as the last pane arrives.
Phasing for occupied buildings
On tenant improvement projects, Element13 works with the GC and building owner to phase installation around occupancy. The submittal can specify that certain floors install in sequence, allowing elevators and mechanical systems to operate while glazing is ongoing. We coordinate install schedules around HVAC testing, fire suppression, and other building systems.
What to ask a commercial glass contractor about submittals before hiring
Before signing a contract, clarify how your glazing contractor will handle the submittal process.
Do you include all material certifications in the first submittal?
Some contractors submit shop drawings alone and promise certifications "by next week." Element13 includes full test reports, AAMA ratings, ASTM compliance documentation, and material mill certifications with the first submission. This prevents review delays waiting for certificates.
Who coordinates revisions if comments affect other trades?
If a structural engineer's comment changes the glazing, that change might affect mechanical penetrations or facade mounting. Does your contractor coordinate that revision with the GC and other consultants, or do you? Element13 manages that coordination as part of the submittal. We don't leave you to play telephone between trades.
What's your typical turnaround for revisions?
Get a specific number of days, not "a few days." Element13 commits to three business days for straightforward revisions, five to seven for revisions requiring material or specification changes. Put it in writing.
How do you handle long-lead items after approval?
Once the submittal is approved, when do you order glass and frame? The day approval comes through, or do you wait for other project milestones? Element13 orders immediately upon approval, so long-lead items start their clock while other trades finish their work.
Will you adjust the install schedule if submittals take longer than expected?
If the design team takes 12 weeks to review (it happens), can your glazier compress the fabrication and installation schedule? Element13 has in-house fabrication and assembly, so we can tighten timelines without compromising quality or safety. We'll work with the GC to adjust the installation window and manage lead times accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the design team or GC spots an error after approval, the submittal gets revised and resubmitted as a "clarification" or "deviation request." If the change is minor (finish option, small dimension adjustment), it usually goes through without a full review cycle. If the change affects code compliance or structural performance, it may trigger another full review. Element13 submits revisions the same day they're requested so you don't lose momentum. The key is catching issues before approval, which is why a thorough first submission saves time later.
IGU specs are part of the frame submittal. The shop drawings show IGU thickness, spacer type, coatings, gas fill, and U-value. Material certifications for the IGUs come with the frame submittal. You don't need a separate submission unless the architect requests one. Element13 coordinates IGU specifications with the overall glazing system, so everything is approved together.
U-value calculations assume sea-level atmospheric pressure. High-altitude projects in Boulder or Greeley have lower pressure, which affects how argon gas performs inside IGUs. Element13's submittal includes U-value calculations specific to site elevation. We'll note the elevation in the cover letter and adjust specifications if needed to meet code.
If the architect didn't specify a mullion depth and Element13 selected one based on structural requirements, the GC might object during review. This is why we coordinate before submitting. If the GC has a preferred mullion line or if there's a cost or aesthetic preference, Element13 adjusts the submittal before it goes out. Once it's submitted, a major mullion change can add two weeks to the schedule. Talk to us early.
No. Industry standard and good risk management require full approval before fabrication. Approving glass orders without approved shop drawings has led to projects receiving the wrong glass specifications, wrong frame profiles, or wrong hardware. Wait for the stamp. Element13 prioritizes submittal cycles specifically to minimize this waiting period.
In structural glazing installations where silicone sealant bonds the glass to the frame, thermal breaks are typically polyamide or polyurethane inserts between the aluminum frame and the exterior sealant. The submittal shows their location, thickness, and how they're secured. This prevents thermal bridging that would otherwise conduct cold from the outside mullion directly into the building interior. Element13's NACC-certified glaziers verify thermal break installation during assembly and flag any gaps during quality inspection.
The primary code is the International Building Code (IBC), specifically Section 2406 (safety glazing). Your state may adopt IBC with amendments. Local jurisdictions sometimes add requirements. The architect specifies which code version applies. Element13's submittal references the applicable code and confirms compliance. For wind-load calculations, ASTM E1300 is the standard. For structural glazing, ASTM C1394 inspection requirements apply. Your submittal will cite the specific standards that apply to your project.
Safety glazing is either tempered or laminated. Tempered glass is stronger but shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces if broken. Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer; when it breaks, the glass adheres to the interlayer and doesn't fall out. Both are acceptable under IBC Section 2406. Laminated glass is often required in doors or high-impact areas. The architect specifies which type based on the hazard level and impact resistance requirements. Element13's submittal confirms the specified glass type is correct for each location and that hardware and sealants are compatible with it.
Standard bronze or clear annealed glass ships within two weeks of order. Low-E coated glass or color-tinted glass typically takes three to six weeks depending on the coater's backlog. Custom anodized aluminum frame finishes add two to four weeks. Laminated safety glass can take four to eight weeks if it's a custom tint or thickness. Element13 includes realistic lead times in the submittal so the GC knows when to expect materials. We also order long-lead items the same day approval comes through, so the clock starts immediately.
Changes after approval require a revision and resubmission. A change order typically follows, since material costs or lead times may shift. If you want a different glass coating, tint, or thickness, tell Element13 before the submittal goes out. Once it's approved, changes add time and cost. That's why early coordination during design-assist or Tenant Improvement Glazing planning saves money later.
When Glass Door Problems Can't Wait Contact Element13
Your building's glass front entrance doors handle hundreds of entries daily. When they fail, have cracked glass, broken closers, or hardware that won't engage, it's not just inconvenient, it's a security risk. Property managers and general contractors know that entrance problems reflect poorly on the entire building and create liability concerns.
