Bullet resistant glass is manufactured to protect people working in high-security areas like banks and municipal buildings. Often called “bulletproof” glass, this reinforced glass provides protection from handguns and shotguns while maintaining the look and feel of regular glass. Here are a few things to know about when and where to install bullet resistant glass.  

How is Bullet Resistant Glass Made?

There are eight levels of resistance that provide varying degrees of protection against projectiles. Transparent materials like acrylic, polycarbonate, and laminated fiberglass are combined with or without glass to create each of the eight levels of protection. The more layers that are included, the stronger the barrier will be in high-security areas.

Protection levels are defined by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and have to be tested and rated for safety. Polycarbonate thermoplastic sheets or laminated glass sheets are typically bonded with several layers of polyvinyl or polyurethane to create thick, heavy panes that look like glass but provide maximum protection.

Where is Bulletproof Glass Installed?

Lightweight laminated glass at the lower-end of the protection spectrum are better for protecting against hammer strikes and hand-thrown projectiles. This makes them a good choice for businesses that may want protection from vandalism. Thicker panes are better for banks, police stations, and other high-risk locations that may need protection from potential gunfire.

Here are places where bullet resistant glass should be installed for heightened security:

• Banks
• Municipal buildings, including courthouses and city halls
• Police stations
• Convenience stores and retail stores in high crime rate areas
• Certain hospitals such as psychological institutions
• Commercial or retail facilities where security is a concern

One last consideration when installing bullet resistant glass: work with an experienced, qualified installer. There is a right way and a wrong way to install the glass. Installing it backward will reduce protection and make communication through the barrier more difficult.

Our team has helped municipalities and commercial building owners design and retrofit buildings to include bullet resistant glass. We can help you decide on the right UL-listed protection for your facility and ensure it is installed correctly.

Give our team a call to discuss security glass options for your location.