For any business owner, security is paramount. While solid walls and sturdy doors are obvious protective measures, the glass in your windows and entryways often represents a significant vulnerability. Choosing the right type of glass isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a critical decision that directly impacts your business’s safety from break-ins, vandalism, and even more extreme threats.
So, when it comes to business security, which glass type is truly best? Let’s break down the options.
Understanding Your Security Glass Options
Not all glass is created equal, especially when it comes to resisting impact and forced entry. Here are the primary types of security glass to consider for your commercial property:
Tempered Glass (Safety Glass):
How it works: This glass undergoes a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass. When broken, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces, reducing the risk of injury.
Best for: Primarily used as a safety glass where human impact is a concern (e.g., glass doors, shower enclosures).
Security takeaway: While stronger than regular glass, tempered glass can still be broken relatively easily with concentrated force, especially by an experienced intruder. It’s good for safety but offers limited forced-entry security.
Laminated Glass:
How it works: This is where security truly begins. Laminated glass consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together with an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or SentryGlas (ionoplast polymer). When impacted, the glass may crack, but the interlayer holds the fragments together, preventing a large opening.
Best for: Excellent for deterring smash-and-grab thefts, forced entry, and mitigating damage from severe weather. It also offers good sound insulation.
Security takeaway: This is a significant upgrade for security. It takes multiple, sustained blows to create an opening, buying valuable time and often deterring criminals who prefer quick access.
Polycarbonate (Lexan or Plexiglass):
How it works: While technically a plastic, polycarbonate is often used in place of glass for extreme security applications. It’s incredibly strong – up to 250 times more impact resistant than glass. It won’t shatter like glass.
Best for: High-security applications where bullet resistance or extreme impact resistance is needed, such as banks, convenience stores, or government buildings.
Security takeaway: This is one of the toughest materials available for windows. It’s virtually unbreakable by common tools, making it an excellent barrier against determined attacks. However, it can scratch more easily than glass and may have a different aesthetic.
Bullet-Resistant Glass (Ballistic Glass):
How it works: This specialized product is a multi-layered composite of glass and polycarbonate or other plastic laminates, designed to absorb the energy of bullets. The layers delaminate and deform to stop the projectile.
Best for: Environments requiring protection from firearms, such as financial institutions, government facilities, and high-risk commercial properties.
Security takeaway: This is the highest level of security glass, offering protection against specific ballistic threats, rated by the type and caliber of firearm it can withstand.
Beyond the Glass:
Other Critical Factors
While the type of glass is crucial, it’s part of a larger security ecosystem. For optimal protection, also consider:
Strong Frames: Even the toughest glass can be compromised if the frame holding it is weak or poorly installed.
Secure Locking Mechanisms: Quality locks on doors and windows are essential.
Alarms and Surveillance: These act as critical deterrents and provide rapid alerts in case of a breach.
Professional Installation: Proper installation is key to ensuring the glass performs as intended.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
The “best” glass for your business depends entirely on your specific needs, budget, and the level of threat you’re protecting against. For most businesses, laminated glass offers an excellent balance of security, durability, and cost-effectiveness. For higher-risk environments, polycarbonate or ballistic glass may be necessary.
Don’t leave your business’s security to chance. At A-24 Hour Door National, we understand the complexities of commercial door and glass security. Our experts can assess your unique situation and recommend the optimal glass type and complete door solutions to keep your assets, employees, and peace of mind safe, 24/7.
Ready to enhance your business’s security? Contact A-24 Hour Door National today for a professional consultation and secure installation!