The beauty of glass is its transparency. Peering through a glass window creates an immediate connection to the outside world. But do you feel safe behind the windows where you work or live? Bullet-resistant windows allow for that sense of freedom while giving us that peace of mind. There are different types of bullet-resistant windows on the market. Here’s a look at the main types for you to consider.
Laminated Glass Windows
Laminated glass was the original bullet-resistant glass. It’s constructed from layers of resin and glass. Similar in resemblance to a stack of car windshields stuck together. Laminate glass has lost much of its former popularity mainly because it’s heavy and brittle. It can’t be cut on-demand or drilled into. Many window installations require custom installations. Laminate glass is thick and not a versatile, easy-to-install product. It will take between 6-8 weeks to fabricate a detailed laminate glass order. This is a big negative of laminated glass windows. It’s a far longer fabrication period than other glass types, such as laminated ballistic glass.
Laminate windows are however extremely hard-wearing and offers a permanent solution. If you’re not worried about your window’s aesthetic appeal, then laminate glass may be an option to consider.
Acrylic Windows
Acrylic bullet-resistant glass is a common option. Monolithic, or single-layered acrylic is the most popular choice. Acrylic windows can be drilled, cut, routed, and slotted. It can also be curved for custom windows. Its draw card is that it passes light well. The edges can be flame-polished clear, which gives it a strong visual appeal.
Acrylic glass is available in different bullet-resistant levels. Level 1 can stop 3, 9 mm bullet shots, while level 2 can stop 3, 0.357 magnum shots. Level 3 offers stronger bullet resistance. Acrylic windows are best suited for interior applications. Over time, acrylic glass can be prone to UV ray interference.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate windows are softer than acrylic ones. This requires polycarbonate to laminated in layers. Polycarbonate can be surprisingly thin, with level 1 protection coming in at only 0.75 inches. It tends to ‘suck’ in the bullet due to its soft composition. It’s almost as if polycarbonate bullet-resistant catch and trap bullets. Polycarbonate is unfortunately sensitive to UV light. It’s also prone to glass crazing. Polycarbonate windows aren’t popular in the current market.
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate (GCP) is a modern approach to dated laminated bullet-resistant glass. GCP contains layers of glass sandwiched between coats of polyurethane. Its construction process can be complicated, requiring a labor-intensive process. It also suffers from considerable light loss and is also prone to crazing. It’s a great option for outdoor applications and boasts excellent safety ratings.
Insulated Ballistic Glass
Insulated ballistic glass embraced a whole new technology with some impressive results. It was first developed for cost-conscious environments such as churches or schools. Insulated ballistic glass uses different forms of glazing to create thin and strong window glass. Ballistic glass is excellent for both exterior and interior windows. Its glazing technology means that it has good light transmission. And it doesn’t contain any noticeable tint. Insulated ballistic glass is effective against forced entries and as well as its bullet resistance. Finally, Ballistic glass is more affordable than many competitors. Insulated Ballistic glass is fast becoming the most popular bullet-resistant glass on the market.
The Most Advanced Bullet Resistant Windows
BALLISTIGLASS offers you the best solution for your bullet-resistant window needs. It’s strong, thin, easy to install, and affordable.
BALLISTIGLASS includes revolutionary technology such as BallistiMAX and BallistiSCAN. It’s precision-cut to fit your exact window dimensions. BALLISTIGLASS is a designer-friendly glass as it allows for custom applications. Its full light transparency is also a big aesthetic benefit.
For your commercial and residential bullet-resistant glass needs, contact BALLISTIGLASS AT (954) 612-6640. Best of all, BALLISTIGLASS is available and installed throughout the USA.