BULLET RESISTANT Glazing

Overview

What is Bulletproof Glass?

Bulletproof glass is made up of plastics or a combination of plastic and glass designed to resist penetration by bullets and other projectiles. These types of glazing materials are commonly used in areas where there is a need for heightened security, such as in military and government facilities, banks, and schools.

Bullet-Resistant Glazing by Insulgard

The Four Types of Bulletproof Glass

Our line of bulletproof and ballistic glass products are available in a wide variety of glazing makeups meeting various levels of ballistic protection for use in an unlimited number of security applications. From interior to exterior applications, low level to the highest level of ballistic protection or enclosures to framed windows and doors, Insulgard’s bullet-resistant glazing products can offer the solution you’re looking for.

ACRYLIC

Bullet resistant acrylic glazing is a durable monolithic plastic typically 1 ¼” to 1 ⅜” thick with high impact resistance. It can absorb and disperse the shock of lower level ballistic threats (UL752 levels 1-3) preventing both penetration of the bullet and spall to the interior/safe side.

Our acrylic glazing products are readily available in standard sheet sizes for fast turnaround. Acrylic bulletproof glass is available in UL levels 1, 2, and 3.

LAMINATED POLYCARBONATE

Bullet-resistant laminated polycarbonate sheets are both a secure and lightweight option, ideal for interior applications. Laminated polycarbonate glazing offers high clarity and is able to fit different shapes and sizes.

Our laminated polycarbonate products range from UL level 1 to 3. 

GLASS-CLAD POLYCARBONATE

The strongest type of bullet-resistant material is glass-clad polycarbonate, constructed from several layers of polycarbonate and glass that are bonded together. Because of the presence of glass on the exterior surface, these products can be insulated with specialty Low E coatings resulting in much improved thermal properties. Glass-clad polycarbonate glazing also offers sound insulation for maximal security.

Our glass-clad polycarbonate products are available up to a UL level 8.  

ALL GLASS LAMINATE

All-glass laminate glazing products offer prime optical clarity and ease of maintenance, in addition to thermal and acoustic insulation. They can be used for interior and exterior applications and are especially performant in outdoor conditions because of their weather and UV resistance.

Our all-glass laminate glazing products range from UL level 1, 2, and 3. 

Assessing Threats

What Level of Protection Do You Need?

Before building a structure with bullet resistant glass, you must first conduct an analysis of security threats. This analysis should take into account factors such as the location and function of the building, past criminal activity and emerging threats.

For example, a convenience store owner may choose Level 1 threat protection for their cashier windows and transaction systems after determining the most likely threat is from smaller handguns.

A military facility or government building, however, may face threats from more coordinated attacks by high-powered rifles, and choose Level 8 ballistic protection.

Whatever type of structure you are building, the security experts at Insulgard can help you assess the threats you are likely to face, and select the products designed to provide the protection you need.  

1

Level 1

Level 1 UL protection is designed to protect against up to three impacts from a 9mm copper jacket with a lead core.

2

Level 2

Level 2 is designed to protect against up to three impacts from a .357 magnum jacketed lead soft point. 

4

Level 4

Level 4 is the first level of resistance from rifle attacks, protecting against up to three shots from a .30 caliber rifle lead core soft point.

8

Level 8

The highest rating, Level 8, protects against up to three 7.62 mm round impacts from an assault rifle. 

Who WE SErve

Common Applications for BUlletproof Glass

Many different businesses and organizations can benefit from the security provided by bullet resistant glass. Some of the most common applications include: 

Bullet-resistant glazing is commonly used in banks and other financial institutions where there is a high risk of armed robbery. It protects employees and customers by providing a penetration barrier for teller windows and entrances. 

With educational institutions facing increased security risks, bullet-resistant glazing has become an effective tool for promoting campus safety. It serves as a proactive measure to protect students and faculty from potential violent incidents and is especially beneficial when used in entrance areas and ground floor windows. 

 Convenience stores, pawn shops, jewelry stores, and other retail locations can also benefit from our bullet resistant windows, doors, and transaction systems, while enjoying the peace of mind that their employees and property are protected. 

In government facilities, such as courthouses, embassies, and municipal buildings, bullet-resistant glazing is a main security feature protecting government officials, employees, and civilians against potential threats. Bullet-resistant infrastructure helps maintain the continuity of government operations by preventing disruptive and dangerous activities.  

Bullet resistant materials enhance the security of officers and administrative staff at police stations, providing a barrier against potential attacks and ensuring a safe environment for law enforcement operations. 

These are only a few of the types of buildings that can benefit from the trusted protection offered by UL-rated bullet resistant glass. Because of the versatile nature of Insulgard’s BULLETBLOCK products, they can be employed in numerous indoor and outdoor environments. 

High-Perfromance Protection

The Advantages of Bulletproof Glass

Some of the key reasons property owners and glazing professionals choose bullet resistant (bullet proof) glass are: 

The primary function of ballistic glass is to mediate bullets. This is an integral security feature in high-risk settings such as banks, government buildings, and schools. Insulgard’s bullet-resistant glazing materials are designed to withstand multiple bullet impacts. In a scenario where multiple rounds might be fired, our glass will continue to perform even after the first shots are fired. When bullets impact traditional glass, it can shatter and pose additional safety risks. Our bullet-resistant glazing is designed to absorb shock and contain debris even when shattered.Bullet-resistant glazing is also tough enough to resist forced entry attempts as well as provide protection during natural disasters that can cause debris or shattered glass.  

Standard glass can shatter and collapse upon penetration, while bullet-resistant glass will stay in its frame even when impacted. This feature prevents openings that could allow attackers to enter. Bullet-resistant materials are also designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions such as wind and debris from tornadoes or hurricanes, increasing structural security.  The glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate materials used in our BULLETBLOCK windows not only stop bullets, but they are also resistant to environmental factors such as UV radiation, weathering, and physical wear, ensuring long-term performance and reliability. 

One of the most important reasons for building with bullet resistant glass is that it sends a clear message to would-be criminals: Try something here and your criminal efforts will fail. 

A would-be criminal can tell the difference between a secure environment outfitted with bullet resistant glass and a vulnerable location with conventional windows or inferior products like “bullet resistant” glass film—which is not even truly bullet resistant. The visible and prominent presence of bullet resistant glass is a deterrent that can protect your people and property before a shot is even fired. 

Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BULLET RESISTANT Glazing

Most bullet-resistant glass products are made of polycarbonate, acrylic, or glass-clad polycarbonate. 

Insulgard’s BULLETBLOCK acrylic and polycarbonate products are ideal for indoor environments like banks, convenience stores, pawn shops and police stations. They are relatively lightweight and provide pristine visual clarity to facilitate seamless transactions. They are also easy to cut, rout and polish. 

If you are securing an outdoor environment, a glass-clad polycarbonate or all-glass product might be a more appropriate option, as these are more resistant against the elements and are easier to clean. 

Insulgard can address your unique security concerns to create a custom solution using bullet resistant, or “bullet proof” glass. We can design a system using material that meets your exact requirements for ballistic protection. With thousands of successful installations in banks, government institutions, retail stores, healthcare facilities, pharmacies and more, our team has the necessary expertise to create a secure and aesthetically pleasing bullet resistant solution for your protection. 

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.  

No matter how well-designed a pane of glass is, or how high its protection level, it will eventually give way to a persistent ballistic attack. This is why we don’t use the term “bullet-proof glass” when describing our line of secure glazing products. 

Bullet resistance, on the other hand, is real, measurable and guaranteed to provide protection against specific types of ballistic attacks. 

Insulgard’s bullet resistant glass is designed to meet the exacting standards of the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL), a global leader in applied safety science. The UL 752 rating is the most widely respected standard of bullet resistance in the U.S.

Our bullet resistant glass can stop repeated shots from weapons ranging from small handguns to high-powered rifles. The level of threat protection your products provide will depend upon the level of UL protection you require for your secure environment.  

Not only can our bullet resistant materials safeguard your staff and assets, they also serve as an effective theft deterrent. 

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.  

Request a Quote

Build With Confidence

Is bullet resistant glass right for your building project? The security experts at Insulgard are here to help you better understand our products and select the materials that are right for your construction project. Contact us to discuss your security needs with a knowledgeable member of our team or request a quote today. 

Testimonials

Why industry professionals choose Insulgard

Brad Cleaveland

It has been great working with your team and you all have been very helpful and each project you have sent us has installed with no problems. What is great is that our install crews like how your system goes together, which keeps these guys happy. I look forward to doing more with your team.

Brad Cleaveland

Estimator at Midstate Glass of Citrus Co.
Inverness, FL

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