Your home is a place of sanctuary where you can relax, be yourself, and unwind from a long day. It is a space where you should feel secure, not worried about the impact of burglaries or the threat of gun violence. Unfortunately, incidents involving guns can happen anywhere at any time. In the USA, it has been calculated that throughout the last decade, the total number of people who have been shot has reached beyond one million.¹ Bulletproof glass, alternatively known as bullet resistant glass, is an option for those seeking to establish a physical shield as part of their home that keeps occupants safe from projectiles and bullets. Read on to uncover more information about bulletproof glass for homes.
How Does Bulletproof Glass Work?
The layered structure of bulletproof glass is what helps it stop bullets from moving through one side of the glass and exiting the other. By using a mix of harder layers, created from glass, that ensure the projectile is flattened and softer layers, formed from plastics including polycarbonate, that are more flexible and capable of absorbing the projectile’s energy, the ballistic glass can stay strong against the impact of a bullet.
Defining The Power of Bulletproof Glass Through The UL 752
When incorporating bulletproof glass into a home, it is important to understand whether it offers protection against certain threats. Its ability to prevent bullets from passing through could be influenced by a variety of factors. These include its composition and thickness, as well as the type of projectiles and firearms it encounters. The capabilities of bulletproof glass are defined by the underwriters laboratories (UL) through the standard UL 752. It contains 10 levels of bulletproof glass and describes the categories of threats they oppose. Level 1 bulletproof glass is the lowest level of defense and tends to be used in stores. On the other end of the scale, level 10 bulletproof glass offers the highest amount of protection and can be applied to military purposes.
Enhancing Your Home With Bulletproof Glass
Ultimately, the main reason behind utilizing bulletproof glass in a home is to amplify its security. Not only can bulletproof glass be used to protect against bullets and projectiles, but it can help prevent forced entry attempts, meaning it can stop aggressors from entering the residence. In addition to these threats, this type of glass can be applied as a shield to counter the effects of natural disasters. The glass can remain robust against debris, larger objects, and increased winds. Therefore, it can prevent harm from coming to the property and its residents. Bulletproof glass can also make a home more energy efficient. It possesses the ability to lower UV rays and manage temperatures. This means it can help protect the home’s furnishings, such as artwork, from damage caused by the sun and decrease energy costs.
Bulletproof glass is a means of investing in a home. Using it within a residence can help increase the home’s overall value, as it can enhance its energy efficiency and security, and achieve better insurance benefits, such as lower insurance premiums. Another benefit that stems from including bulletproof glass within a home is its durability. The materials that form bulletproof glass can remain strong even amidst difficult weather. Their designs help them to withstand time. As a result, they have the potential to retain their utility for many years without requiring any additional upkeep.
Where Are The Best Places to Put Bulletproof Glass in the Home?
To ensure protection against firearms, projectiles, or attacks, bulletproof glass must be incorporated into areas of the home that require a stronger defense or offer access to the residence. Windows are a good choice for applying bulletproof glass. A bulletproof window can stop projectiles without compromising on the amount of light that can move through it. Bulletproof glass for homes can also be utilized within doors, such as patio doors, and entryways. It can even be used within safe rooms to ensure residents are protected during an incident, such as a natural disaster or a break-in.
Which Level Of Bulletproof Glass Should Be Used In A Home?
Deciding upon a level of bulletproof glass for a home should be based upon the sort of threats the glass needs to shield against. Higher levels of bulletproof glass are more expensive. Thus, it is crucial to find a balance, when choosing a level, between cost and security. Levels 1 – 3 should have the capabilities required to protect a home. These levels of glass protect against the following:
- Level 1: A 9mm handgun firing 3 shots
- Level 2: A .357 magnum handgun firing 3 shots
- Level 3: A .44 magnum firing three shots.
Protect Your Home With Bulletproof Glass
A home stands as a place of comfort, offering respite and a means of escaping the outside world. It is worth defending. At Armortex, we can help you improve the security of your residence with our bullet resistant products. Speak with our specialists to discover which product would be the best fit for your house. Our guidance can be used to select a bullet resistant product that will suit your home and deliver the protection it deserves.
References
- Statistics. Brady. https://www.bradyunited.org/resources/statistics. Published 12th August 2024.
