Buying bullet resistant glass requires basic knowledge of the products available and how they can best fit into your particular building project. The experienced Insulgard team is happy to provide clarity, help you explore your options, and assist you in selecting a bullet–resistant glass system that meets your security requirements. Below, you’ll find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.
How Are Bullet Resistant Glazing Products Priced?
Bullet resistant glass cost may depend on square footage or project complexity. For example, glass clad polycarbonate is laminated to size and priced by square foot. Acrylic and laminated polycarbonate are yielded out of a full sheet of material, so they have more of a fixed pricing model per project. While glass clad polycarbonate tends to be the more economical option, acrylic and polycarbonate offer greater flexibility when it comes to design. If you have a particularly complicated layout, those options may work better.
Questions about bullet-resistant glass prices? Request a quote.
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, if the ballistic glass makeup includes exposed polycarbonate it can be susceptible to cracking if it isn’s properly maintained. There are specific cleaning agents and procedures that must be followed in order to avoid scratching, delaminating, and/or cracking.
If the Glass Cracks, Is It Still Bullet Proof?
There’s no such thing as truly “bulletproof” glass. Instead, the term “bullet resistant glass” is more accurate. Bullet resistant glass is designed to resist penetration by bullets to varying degrees depending on its thickness, composition, and intended level of protection.
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 the glass 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.
What Are the Different Levels of Bullet Resistance?
UL 752 is the most widely accepted standard for bullet-resistant glass levels. Established by UL Solutions, formerly Underwriters Laboratories, this ballistic protection glass rating system assesses whether a barrier offers adequate protection against the passage of projectiles or glass fragments that could potentially cause injury to individuals positioned directly behind the bullet-resistant structure.
There are eight different bullet-resistant glass levels. Two are commonly seen in commercial businesses:
- Level 1: Stops three shots from the popular 9mm pistol; commonly used by small businesses
- Level 2: Stops three high-velocity shots from a .357 Magnum; used by financial institutions
The other five bullet-resistant glass levels apply to police, military, government, or high risk installations:
- Level 3: Stops three faster, heavier .44 Magnum rounds
- Level 4: Stops one shot from a .30-06 hunting rifle
- Level 5: Stops one .308 caliber copper metal jacket military ball (H&K 416N)
- Level 6: Stops five 9mm full metal copper jacket with lead core (Beretta 92)
- Level 7: Stops five 5.56mm full metal copper jacket with lead core (Colt AR15)
- Level 8: Stops three 12-gauge slugs and buckshot (Beneli M2)
If a Product Meets a High Level of UL752 Standards, Does it Automatically Meet the Lower Levels as Well?
High-level products do not necessarily meet lower-level standards. 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.
How Thick is Bullet Resistant Glass?
Bullet resistant glass ranges from 0.25 to 3.5 inches in thickness.
The expertise in crafting bullet-resistant solutions lies in the testing and layering of materials during the fabrication process, which is both an art and a science.
For instance, while a ¾-inch polycarbonate sheet might offer level 1 protection, incorporating an additional ¼-inch layer could enhance it to level 2. Further augmentation with more layers and increased thickness can elevate protection to level 3 and beyond.
By understanding the nuances of your industry, clientele, and potential threats, the specialists at Insulgard can devise optimal solutions for your unique requirements. Our product range spans from Level 1 to Level 8, featuring various thicknesses to cater to your specific needs.
What Maintenance is Required for Bullet Resistant Glass?
Once properly installed, there are specific cleaning agents that must be used on bullet resistant glass in order to avoid scratching, delaminating, and/or cracking.
Only use approved cleaning agents listed below:
- Joy
- Palmolive
To clean regularly, apply a mild detergent and thoroughly rinse the glass, window gaskets, and sealants with water to prevent deterioration. Immediately dry the surfaces with a soft cloth to prevent damage from metal, sand, or foreign particles.
Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or high temperatures, using razor blades, or applying abrasive cleaners containing benzene, gasoline, acetone, MEK, or carbon tetrachloride.
How Can I Learn More About Insulgard Security Products?
Contact us if you have any other questions for the Insulgard team. Our bullet-resistant glass experts can help you better understand the process of purchasing protective systems and guide you to the Insulgard security products that are best suited to your particular building and needs.
