What’s New In Glass Technology For Forced Entry Prevention?

In today’s world, securing homes, offices, and public buildings has become increasingly crucial. One of the most vulnerable entry points for intruders is through windows or glass doors. However, advancements in glass technology are revolutionizing how we protect our properties. Forced entry prevention glass is not only stronger but also offers tailored solutions to different security needs. In this blog, we’ll explore what’s new in glass technology for forced entry prevention, focusing on the three levels of security glass and differing glass solutions available today.

The Evolution of Security Glass

The concept of using reinforced glass for security purposes isn’t new, but recent advancements have greatly improved its effectiveness. Traditional security glass was often bulky, relying on thickness alone to resist break-ins. Today’s modern glass solutions incorporate cutting-edge technology that enhances the glass’s strength without compromising visibility or aesthetics.

Recent developments include multi-layered glass, laminated glass, and polycarbonate-infused glass that withstands more powerful impact forces. As security threats evolve, so do the techniques for making glass nearly impenetrable to would-be intruders.

Three Levels of Security Glass

Understanding the levels of security glass is essential for choosing the right protection for different properties. There are generally three distinct levels, each with varying degrees of strength and resistance.

1. Level One: Basic Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is the entry-level solution in security glass technology. It consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in between. This creates a glass that, while it may crack under pressure, holds together instead of shattering into dangerous pieces.

Advantages:

• Basic protection against minor impacts, such as a rock thrown at a window.
• Prevents glass from completely breaking away, offering a barrier that delays intruders.
• Cost-effective option for residential homes and small businesses.

Limitations:

• While it delays entry, determined burglars can eventually break through with sustained effort.
• Not as effective against firearms or heavy tools.

This level of glass is ideal for areas where the risk of forced entry is low to moderate, but some degree of protection is still necessary.

2. Level Two: Tempered Security Glass

The second level of protection is tempered glass, which undergoes a heat-treatment process to become much stronger than regular glass. While it breaks upon impact, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury and more difficult to clear out for entry.

Advantages:

• Four to five times stronger than standard glass.
• Holds up better under blunt force impacts, such as from a hammer or bat.
• Breaks into small fragments that are safer than jagged edges.

Limitations:

• Doesn’t remain intact like laminated glass, allowing potential gaps for intruders to access.
• May not withstand repeated or extremely forceful attacks.

Tempered security glass is often used in commercial properties and buildings requiring a balance between security and cost.

3. Level Three: Bullet-Resistant and Impact-Resistant Glass

At the highest level of security are bullet-resistant and impact-resistant glass solutions. These types of glass are designed to withstand extreme force, including gunfire and high-impact attacks with heavy tools. They are often composed of multiple layers of polycarbonate and specialized coatings that absorb and disperse impact energy.

Advantages:

• Can withstand several gunshots and still maintain structural integrity.
• Extremely durable against break-in attempts using heavy tools such as crowbars or axes.
• Ideal for high-security locations such as banks, government buildings, and storefronts with valuable inventory.

Limitations:

• Expensive compared to other options.
• Requires professional installation and is much heavier, impacting the window frame design.

This level is the ultimate solution for properties that need to prevent forced entry at all costs. Depending on the rating, bullet-resistant glass can also be tailored to resist varying calibers of bullets.

Differing Glass Solutions for Various Security Needs

When it comes to forced entry prevention, no single glass solution fits every situation. Differing glass solutions offer a range of options, allowing property owners to select the best technology for their needs.

Laminated Glass with Polycarbonate Layers

One innovative solution combines laminated glass with polycarbonate layers, creating a hybrid material known for its strength and flexibility. This glass can bend slightly without breaking, offering enhanced resistance against sustained attacks. Polycarbonate’s lightweight nature also makes this glass suitable for larger windows without requiring heavy-duty frames.

Smart Security Glass with Embedded Technology

Incorporating smart technology into glass is an emerging trend. These glass panels can detect breakage attempts, triggering alarms or even darkening automatically to deter intruders. Smart glass technology integrates with home security systems, providing an additional layer of defense beyond physical strength.

Advantages:

• Early warning system to notify authorities or homeowners.
• Energy-efficient features such as automatic tinting or shading.
• Deters intruders by responding immediately to impact.

Limitations:

• Still in the early stages of widespread use.
• More expensive due to the integration of smart systems.

Smart security glass is an excellent choice for tech-savvy property owners who want to incorporate high-tech solutions for forced entry prevention.

Multi-Layered Security Films

Another advancement is the use of security films applied to existing glass windows. These films, while not as robust as laminated or polycarbonate glass, can significantly enhance the durability of standard windows. Security films can resist minor impacts, hold shattered glass together, and slow down an intruder.

Advantages:

• Affordable and easy to install.
• Ideal for upgrading existing glass windows without the need for full replacement.
• Provides an extra level of security for homes and businesses on a budget.

Limitations:

• Less effective against high-impact or sustained attacks.
• Does not offer the same strength as fully reinforced security glass.

Security films are a great intermediate solution for homeowners and small business owners seeking an affordable way to improve security.

Customizing Security Glass for Your Property

When deciding on the right type of security glass for your property, consider factors such as location, risk level, and budget. For instance, a home in a relatively safe neighborhood may only need basic laminated glass, whereas a commercial building in a high-crime area might require bullet-resistant glass.

Many manufacturers now offer customizable security glass, allowing property owners to balance aesthetics with protection. You can choose from various tints, thicknesses, and coatings that meet both security needs and design preferences.

Consulting with Security Glass Professionals

Before making a final decision, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional who specializes in forced entry prevention glass. These experts can assess your property’s vulnerabilities and recommend the best glass solutions to keep your property safe. They can also provide insights on additional measures, such as reinforced window frames, that enhance the effectiveness of security glass.

Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, the options for forced entry prevention glass have become more diverse and effective. Whether you’re looking for basic protection or the highest level of security, there’s a solution that fits your needs. The three levels of security glass—ranging from laminated to bullet-resistant—offer varying degrees of protection, allowing property owners to tailor their security based on the level of risk they face.

Incorporating these differing glass solutions can make all the difference in protecting your home, office, or commercial space. As forced entry methods become more sophisticated, so too must the glass technology we rely on to keep us safe.

Need Custom Glass in Twin Cities Metro, MN?

Custom Glass & Screen has been servicing Twin Cities since 1975. We repair custom and insulated glass and screens for windows, doors, shelving, showers, mirrors, tabletops, fireplaces, storefronts, porches, and more. We are also a family-owned company associated with the NFID. We have a highly trained staff that is here to help with anything that you need, so stop in, email, or give us a call today!

Categorised in: Security Glass

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