Frequently Asked Questions
Bullet Resistant Doors
Bullet-proof doors are constructed of materials designed and tested to resist ballistic attacks and maintain their overall integrity to prevent spalling and shattering. Depending on the product, they also absorb the impact of projectiles ranging from small caliber handguns to high-power rifles and shotguns.
Bulletproof doors make commercial spaces more secure in several key ways. First, they deter break-ins and provide a barrier that’s difficult for criminals and other intruders to breach by forced entry. They also help secure exterior-facing walls and interior spaces where cash, sensitive materials, and high-value items are stored.
Interior bullet-resistant doors also create safe zones for people to gather during lockdown drills and events.
Yes. Insulgard bullet resistant doors are available in various levels of protection and different sizes, shapes, configurations, and finishes. Our experts work directly with businesses and consumers to customize windows, doors, panels, and glazing to meet their safety goals.
Bullet Resistant Glazing – Bulletproof and Ballistic Glass
Bulletproof glass is constructed from layers of glass and plastic, such as polycarbonate. When laminated together, these materials absorb and dissipate the energy of ballistic impacts. Regular glass, on the other hand, shatters easily under stress and doesn’t provide protection against ballistic penetration.
Ballistic glass is commonly used in areas where there is a heightened security risk, such as military and government facilities, banks, schools, corporations, convenience stores, and ticket counters to protect employees and civilians.
Bullet-resistant glass is highly effective in stopping or slowing bullets from a variety of firearms. The effectiveness varies according to the glazing’s rating, determined by standards like UL 752 or NIJ levels. This rating system matches the material with specific types of ammunition and firearm calibers it can withstand. If you’re wondering which material is appropriate for your security needs, contact us and we will be happy to advise you on the appropriate materials.
Insulgard’s bulletproof glass can be extensively customized to meet specifications. Our materials can be manufactured in various thicknesses, compositions, and sizes, accommodating the specific type of ballistic protection required by the facility. If you are looking for custom security solutions, please reach out to request a quote tailored to your configuration needs.
Bullet Resistant Panels – Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panels
Bullet-resistant fiberglass panels contain multiple layers that absorb the bullet to keep it from penetrating the sheet entirely. These layers trap projectiles between fibers while maintaining the material’s integrity to prevent it from shattering and exposing occupants to active threats.
Fiberglass differs from steel and other security materials because it eliminates the bullet’s energy, preventing it from ricocheting throughout the space and chipping upon impact. This adds another layer of security to prevent injuries and protect assets. Fiberglass panels are also much easier to cut and fabricate on site for custom fit.
Yes. Bulletproof wall panels are suitable for private homes. They are ideal for securing safe rooms to protect family and guests during a break-in or home invasion. Opaque panels have not been tested for tornado or hurricane.
No material is 100% bulletproof. However, bullet-resistant fiberglass is often called “bulletproof” because it can withstand multiple shots from various firearms.
BULLETBLOCK FG Series bullet-resistant fiberglass panels are available in UL752 levels 1 through 8, offering protection from various ballistic threats. Building owners, architects, and contractors can choose the product made for the threat they are most likely to encounter. Each product will stop the round it was designed and tested to protect against.
Insulgard bullet-resistant fiberglass wall panels are designed for seamless installation behind sheetrock, drywall, and millwork in new construction and can also be retrofitted in existing spaces. Since BULLETBLOCK structural armor is available in standard and custom sizes, we can customize a solution for your building’s dimensions and layout.
Bullet Resistant Windows – Bulletproof Windows & Framing Systems
Insulgard offers bullet resistant aluminum framing systems in all levels of Underwriters Laboratory standards, from 1 through 8. Levels 1 – 3 are tested to stop a minimum of three rounds from handguns, while the higher levels can stop penetration from high powered rifles.
Levels 1 through 3 are popular choices for convenience stores, gas stations and medical institutions, while the higher levels of protection may be appropriate for government, police and military buildings.
The level of bullet resistance for your building project depends upon a considered threat assessment. The type of bullet-resistant framing you choose will also be determined by your budget, building dimensions, and aesthetic tastes.
A bullet can penetrate or destabilize window and door frames made of conventional materials. If you want to create a truly secure environment, the frames that hold your bullet-resistant glass in place should also be rated to stop equivalent ballistic threats.
While we cannot promise our aluminum framing systems will work with every design, they are highly adaptable for a broad range of uses. Our bullet-resistant aluminum frames accept a wide range of glazing materials, including bullet-resistant glass and acrylic in a variety of dimensions.
Insulgard’s frames are designed for use in brand new construction projects as well as renovations in which they can be retrofitted into existing structures.
Impact Resistant Doors – Impact Resistant Tornado Safe Room Doors
Unlike regular doors, impact-resistant doors are designed to withstand wind pressures and debris during severe storms like hurricanes or tornadoes, providing absolute protection during the storm event.
Yes, impact-resistant doors are more expensive due to their enhanced durability and protective features. Exact pricing is based on the size, hardware, and finish you choose.
Tornado doors undergo rigorous testing with higher impact speeds and larger missile specimens compared to hurricane doors, ensuring superior resilience against severe storms and debris.
For example, the maximum horizontal debris impact test for tornado doors consists of a 15# 2×4 at 100 mph while for hurricane doors the max is 9# 2×4 at 128 mph.
Yes, impact-resistant doors are available in various sizes as long as they remain within testing restrictions. ICC500 requires that minimum and maximum sizes for single and pairs of doors be tested therefore as long as the size of the doors are within our testing limitations they are acceptable. For more information about tested sizes of our doors please contact Insulgard or visit our website.
STORMDEFEND impact-resistant door systems can be installed in K-12 schools, colleges, police/fire stations, medical facilities, emergency operation centers, and more.
Impact Resistant Glazing – Impact Resistant Glazing Materials
Impact-resistant glazing is highly effective against natural disasters. It’s engineered to withstand high (250 mph) winds, flying debris, and other forces typical of hurricanes and tornadoes. While it’s not specifically designed for earthquakes, glazed panes can still provide some level of protection against shattered glass.
Our impact-resistant glazing is designed exclusively for new construction projects, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with the highest safety standards. By integrating these advanced systems from the early design stages of your building project, we provide unparalleled protection and durability for your new facilities.
Yes, impact-resistant glazing does cost more upfront than traditional glass solutions. However, the life safety benefits it provides in the tornado and hurricane shelters it’s installed in are relied upon in the case of a storm event.
Yes, there are building codes, industry standards, and product certifications to ensure proper installation and performance of impact-resistant glazing materials. These regulations vary by location. The experts at Insulgard can advise you as to which state, federal, and local regulations apply to your shelter construction project.
Impact-resistant glazing systems are designed with multiple layers, including laminated glass, tempered glass, or polymer interlayers. These layers absorb and distribute impact energy, preventing glass from shattering. Additionally, reinforced framing systems and proper installation techniques further enhance the glazing’s ability to withstand high winds and flying debris during storms.
Contact Us
Still have questions about security glazing, framing systems, performance standards, or custom design options? The Insulgard team is here to help. Contact our security specialists for expert guidance on selecting the right protective solutions for your project, from technical specifications and testing standards to application and design considerations.