Buying bullet resistant glass can seem a bit confusing at first. The process requires you to know some basic information about the products available and how they can best fit into your particular building project. The Insulgard team is well versed in all of the different options and the needs of customers. Here are answers to some of the top questions we hear, in order to help you better understand what goes into purchasing bullet resistant glass systems.
How Are Bullet Resistant Glazing Products Priced?
This depends on the type of system you plan on purchasing. Glass clad polycarbonate is laminated to size, so it is priced by the square foot, while acrylic and laminated polycarbonate are yielded out of a full sheet of material, so they have more of a fixed pricing model per project. For that reason, glass clad polycarbonate tends to be the more economical option, but acrylic and polycarbonate offer more flexibility when it comes to design. So if you have a particularly complicated layout, those options may work better.
Can Bullet Resistant Glass Fit into Existing Framing?
In some cases, ballistic glazing material can be retrofitted into an existing frame. However, this does depend on the size of the glazing pocket, so it’s not always possible. We also recommend that both the bullet resistant glazing material and the bullet resistant framing systems be tested to the UL752 bullet resistant standards to ensure full protection.
How Clear Is Bullet Proof Glass?
Each glazing material offers a different level of optical quality. Acrylic provides the most clarity when compared to other materials. So it’s likely the best choice for systems that require extra visibility, like transaction windows.
Is There a Film That Makes Glass Bullet Proof?
There are currently some films on the market claiming to be “bullet proof.” However, none of these products have been tested by UL and we do not endorse the use of any applied film. Instead, our products use ballistic glazing to provide bullet resistant protection within the actual glass itself.
Can Bullet Proof Glass Crack?
Yes, although the glazing that is used on bullet resistant glass is tested to stop bullets from penetrating, the material can still be vulnerable to cracking if it isn’t properly maintained. There are specific cleaning agents that must be used in order to avoid scratching, delaminating, and/or cracking.
If the Glass Cracks, Is It Still Bullet Proof?
When bullet resistant glass and glazing products are tested, they don’t have any cracks or imperfections. These tests do not gauge how a material will perform if it is cracked. So while it might still maintain its ballistic integrity if small imperfections occur, we cannot guarantee the level of performance unless the material is retested with the cracks. However, this process would also require replacement of the unit.
If a Product Meets a High Level of UL752 Standards, Does It Automatically Meet the Lower Levels as Well?
Not necessarily. Only levels 1-3 are linear, so if a product is tested to UL752 level 3, it would also automatically meet the standards of levels 1 and 2. However, levels 4-8 are not linear, so products tested to those levels do not automatically meet the standards of any other level. Instead, each level is based on a specific ammunition and shot pattern.
If you have other questions, contact the Insulgard team today. Our bullet resistant glass experts can help you better understand the process of purchasing protective systems and guide you to the options that are best suited to your particular building and needs.
