Bulletproof Glass Under 1 Inch: The Perfect Fit for Modern Frames
Ballistic glass can be hefty. Each layer in the glass provides a cushion for the bullet, slowing it down and preventing it from breaking through. These layers can make bullet-resistant glass thick and heavy, adding up to over three hundred pounds for the large pieces. Whether it’s a bigger piece of glass or a higher protection level, ballistic glass can become a hunk of glass no toe wants to get under. Most bullet-resistant glass tends to be much thicker than one inch.
So how can we get ballistic glass under one inch?
Armitek has special layers in its glass that make it different from any other bulletproof glass company. This type of layering is not only thinner but tends to be far more resistant than the intended UL ballistic standard level.
What does that mean for the customer?
One of the highest costs for ballistic glass is replacing the frames.
We have ballistic glass that is under one inch thick. This means that frames with a one-inch window pocket can retrofit the ballistic glass into an existing frame. That alone eliminates the cost of making new frames to fit the new ballistic glass.
Does this apply to all of Armitek’s ballistic glass?
While we wish all our ballistic glass could be under an inch thick, our higher levels exceed that one inch. The client needs to decide whether they’d want to stop smaller bullets, such as from a handgun, and save money by keeping the frames or having glass that can resist stronger guns with additional costs.
We do, however, provide another alternative. We are willing to work with the client by providing other retrofitting strategies to fit even the highest level of ballistic glass.
How would I know my frame can fit ballistic glass under an inch?
A window pocket is where the glass sits in the frame. There are various ways to determine its size. The first option is to remove the window entirely and measure the pocket. The second requires measuring the frames and glass to determine the thickness of the glass. You may have to remove part of the gasket to get an accurate measurement.
What types of frames does this apply to?
Most storefront frames will fit ballistic glass. Storefront frames are simple metal frames that hold windows together, typically in offices, schools, and retail stores.
Vinyl frames aren’t strong enough to hold heavy ballistic glass. Most residential frames are vinyl, and the glass panes can be thin. If the client wants ballistic glass on their home, consider checking the material the frames are made of and how the window would be able to hold up a heavy, thicker glass in its frame.
Other frames may or may not be compatible with ballistic glass. Our sales representatives can help clients determine whether their frames are a good fit for retrofitting.
What if my frames aren’t compatible with retrofitting?
If necessary, we will provide reframing to make the ballistic glass work for your building. The ballistic glass market has expanded as needs have risen. This audience includes homes, churches, businesses, schools, and other buildings. If our client wants to have a higher-resistant glass that won’t retrofit a window, we can work with them on pricing and getting the job done.
In conclusion
Ballistic glass has become the new product for architecture and buildings. We know that crime rates are high and that natural disasters are underway. Ballistic glass can protect us from many impacts and keep us secure inside. It’s an additional bonus when the glass is not only thinner but can be retrofitted into many frames, reducing the additional costs for installation.
