Now more than ever, the demand for safety and security glazing for glass windows, doors, and storefronts is increasing throughout the U.S. With growing demand comes questions about which security glazing standards to use.

To answer some of these questions, Bill Lingnell of the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) hosted a webinar titled, “Security Glazing for Storefront and Fenestration.” In the webinar, Lingnell gave an overview of many safety and security glazing standards and the testing methodology behind those standards. He also discussed different types of glazing solutions used for security purposes, including burglary and forced entry resistance, bullet resistance, hurricane resistance, and blast resistance.

Safety and Security Glazing Test Methods

The current test method for safety glazing is ANSI Z97.1, which requires the use of a 100-pound soft body impactor. This test method is segmented into two classifications. Class A, which requires 400-foot pounds to be dropped from a height of 48 inches, and Class B which requires 50-foot pounds be dropped from a height of 18 inches.

For burglar resistance, UL 972 is the primary glazing standard which is measured by an impact test that uses a 5-pound steel ball dropped at a height of 10 feet onto the glass. UL 972 testing requires multiple drops, including a high energy drop from 40 feet. Additionally, the materials tested are conditioned at various temperatures to simulate an indoor and outdoor environment. For materials to pass the UL 972 standard of criteria, there must be no penetration of the glass.

For door and window system framing, there are three standards for forced entry frame attack: ASTM F476 – hinged doors, ASTM F588 – windows, and ASTM F842 – sliding doors. These stands require the use of various tools and no glazing impact.

For hurricane impact, ASTM E2395 (Standard Specification for Voluntary Security Performance of Window and Door Assemblies with Glazing Impact) is used. This standard requires a glazing test impact in accordance with ASTM E1886 and missile specifications per ASTM E1996.

Security Glazing Standard Test Methods

In addition to the standards mentioned above, there are several additional glazing standards that can be used for forced entry security. These include:

• ASTM F1233, Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials and Systems – Impacts defined by various weapons, such as extinguishers, sledgehammers, chisels, and gasoline; ballistic assault and anthropomorphic assault. The pass criteria for body protection is no permissible opening of a block in dimensions of 9-inch by 8-inch by 5-inch. The pass criteria for contraband protection is no permissible opening of a 1/8-inch diameter rod. 
• ASTM F3038, Standard Test Method for Time Evaluation of Forced Entry-Resistant Systems – This method, which is designed to simulate a spontaneous mob attack, requires a full system test with no substitutions. Based on a defined set of tools and a predetermined number of aggressors, this test uses established time levels of forced entry (5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and user-defined minutes).
• ASTM F1915, Standard Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities, – Impacts with forced egress, various types of weapons, and anthropomorphic assault.

Another interesting glass or fenestration test, ASTM F1642, requires shock tube or open arena testing. ASTM F1642 is designed to evaluate hazards of glazing against airblast loads, and such tests can be performed with or without a frame system. The rating and hazard level is contained in ASTM F2912.

In summary, blast glazing standard test methods include: 

• ASTM F1642, Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems subject to Airblast Loadings
• ASTM F2248, Standard Practice for Specifying an Equivalent 3-Second Duration Design Loading for Blast Resistant Glazing Fabricated with Laminated Glass
• ASTM F2912-17, Standard Specification for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings

USGlassMag.com highlights additional standard test methods for safety and security glazing, as well as a webinar panel discussion that you find here.

Window Film Depot offers Forced Entry Glazing Solutions like DefenseLite™, as well as a retrofit ballistic panel system known as BulletShield™. For more information about these safety and security glazing solutions, contact us here or call (866) 933-3456.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, see-through plexiglass barriers, countertop dividers, office partitions, and other COVID safety shields have become high-demand products to help prevent the spread and transmission of germs and viruses. Businesses, institutions, and facilities that are committed to flattening the curve have adopted these protective barriers to make physical interactions safer. 

With the increased demand for COVID safety products, many manufacturers are now offering custom plexiglass barriers and protective shield partitions for countertops, order windows, cash registers, and desks. But are all protective barriers created equal? 

In a rush to re-open amidst COVID-19, plexiglass barriers and other transparent shields have become essential integrations to keep patrons and employees safe. However, a new product line from DefenseLite has leveled-up the new normal for such protective barrier technologies. 

Introducing DefenseLite’s Architectural Series of Personal Protective Shields, a protective shield barrier that’s engineered for interior environments requiring protection from the spread of germs and disease.

DefenseLite’s Personal Protective Shields vs. Plexiglass Barriers

As the world makes an effort to return to some sense of normalcy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, plexiglass barriers have become a vital layer of protection between patrons and customers. Countless grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers have already installed transparent panels at checkout registers. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Plexiglass is popping up for other applications as well, including offices, schools, restaurants, restrooms, and other spaces that encourage social distancing.

While plexiglass has become a popular option, DefenseLite’s Personal Protective Shields offer a more advanced solution. Unlike plexiglass barriers, Personal Protective Shields are SMART, COVID safe barriers that are uniquely functional by incorporating cloaking, projection, and switchable technology options. These features turn mundane glass shields into dynamic, purposeful partitions that offer a number of capabilities. 

By combining our expertise in thin-film technology with proprietary lamination processes, DefenseLite’s Personal Protective Shields not only reduce the spread of germs and disease, but they also improve the performance and aesthetics of personal space by: 

• Providing instant privacy with the flick of a switch when integrated with liquid crystal smart glass film.
• Transforming instantly into a projectable surface with transparent display screen film.
• Cloaking computer screens from prying eyes with products like cloaking film technology.
• Providing more advanced protection against ballistic attacks and harmful threats with BulletShield™, a ballistic version of DefenseLite.

These are just a few examples of how DefenseLite Personal Protective Shields offer more advanced capabilities compared to plexiglass barriers. 

Protective Barriers for COVID-19 Safety and Beyond

DefenseLite’s Personal Protective Shields are available in either specialty glass or abrasion resistant polycarbonate versions and can be customized to meet any configuration. All types of businesses can add branding to new protection shields or leverage custom shapes, surface colors, and glass-film designs. Personal Protective Shields are available in any size or color. And like all DefenseLite products, trim packages are composed of a strong metal base and engineered anchoring system that’s “designer grade,” helping to enhance the look of any space. 

In today’s world, fixtures may require different specifications moving forward, but not at the expense of quality interior design. Continue to specify and build with intent and purpose. Include the functionality that only DefenseLite’s Architectural Series Personal Protective series brings to our new reality. Interested in learning more? Contact us for more information or call (866) 933-3456 and request a free estimate.

In the wake of school shootings, governments at the local, state, and federal levels have put significant attention and resources into making schools safer to avert future tragedies. All too often, however, these critical resources are leveraged to integrate more rigid security measures in schools, such as hiring school resource officers (or “SROs”), installing surveillance systems and security devices, and even arming educators and faculty with guns.

While the emphasis toward both visible and physical safety measures is a reasonable approach in the aftermath of such devastating tragedies, the adoption of these measures to prevent school shootings have not been proven to advance safety in education institutions. Additionally, measures like recruiting SROs and installing metal detectors create a less welcoming environment for students.

It is therefore important to look beyond conventional security measures and invest in proven, evidence-based solutions to make school safer. While approaches like violence prevention programs, peer mediation interventions, and teacher training are vital cornerstones, infrastructure improvements can also help prevent school shootings and keep students safe.

Rethinking and Renovating How Schools are Designed

Four years after the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, administrators and architects have evolved their thinking as to how schools are designed. In 2019, a story about a $48 million upgrade of west Michigan’s Fruitport High School went viral due to the design’s emphasis on school shooting prevention. While the renovation won’t be complete till 2021, the new design emphasizes curved hallways that are intended to reduce sightlines for shooters. Additionally, jutting barriers throughout the school are designed to help provide shelter in the instance of an attack. 

“If I go to FPH and I want to be an active shooter, I’m going in knowing I have reduced sightlines,” Fruitport Superintendent Bob Szymoniak told The Washington Post about the curved hallways. “It has reduced his ability to do harm.”

Every school will prioritize a safe environment before it can be a place for learning. However, in an era when educators are strapped for school supplies and have to raise money on their own means, the reality of tighter budgets will call for more financially approachable investments. 

Securing the Most Vulnerable Point of Entry: Glass Windows and Doors

There’s no question that glass windows and doors are the most vulnerable point of entry in schools. Over the years, there have been many developments to help reinforce glass and prevent unwarranted, forced entry. The most advanced of these solutions are products like DefenseLite™ and BulletShield™.

DefenseLite is a retro-fit security shield that’s mounted onto existing window glazing, which provides significant protection against forced entry attempts. DefenseLite is a heavy-gauge architectural-grade polycarbonate and extruded framing system that’s 250 times stronger than glass alone. It’s been independently tested with a number of blunt force objects like hammers, batons, and hatchets with amazing results.

DefenseLite blends seamlessly with the existing window glazing, making for an invisible layer of protection without moving parts or unsightly reinforcements. While this infrastructure upgrade can certainly improve the level of protection in schools, DefenseLite’s ballistic counterpart BulletShield delivers the ultimate solution.

In addition to keeping intruders out, BulletShield is designed to keep bullets out as well. It’s a UL rated retrofit ballistic shield that’s designed to protect against both natural and human disasters. Unlike other bullet-resistant window treatments, BulletShield has become a leading security glazing solution for schools, as well as other vulnerable applications like courthouses, government buildings, and police stations. It’s been independently tested to provide UL 752 ballistic ratings, preventing breach against 9MM, .44 Magnum, and AR-15 bullets.

Barricading Systems and Lockdown Solutions

Alongside reinforcing glass windows and doors, barricading these points of entry offers additional protection for schools and educational institutions. In fact, The Department of Homeland Security recommends having systems in place to lock and barricade doors when sheltering in place against active shooters. The fact of the matter is, not all barricade systems are created equal.

There are a number of emergency lockdown solutions on the market today, such as The Sleeve from Fighting Chance Solutions as well as Nightlock’s Lockdown units which affix to door frames to prevent access. These systems are effective in deterring forced entry on inward or outward swinging doors, on doors made of both wood or metal. Not only do these barricade systems withstand tremendous force from anyone attempting to enter, but they can be integrated along with additional reinforcements like DefenseLite and BulletShield.

If you’d like to learn more about how to prevent school shootings with infrastructure improvements like DefenseLite and BulletShield, reach out to use via our Contact Page, or give us a call at (866) 933-3456.

As a home or business owner, the safety and security of your property and its occupants is important to you. While there are many ways that you can safeguard doors and other access points, glass windows will always be the most vulnerable point in its security. 

In catastrophic situations, broken glass from smashed windows becomes a hazard by turning into razor-sharp projectiles. This is where safety and security window film products can offer a protective element to help mitigate such threats.

But when it comes to fully preventing breakage and shatters, does window security film really work? Below we delve into this important question and what customers should expect from their investment.

How Does Safety and Security Window Film Work?

Normally, when conventional glass windows break, the glass shatters into pieces with some falling to the ground and others remaining attached to the frame. In extreme situations, the loose pieces may fly off and potentially hurt someone or cause further damage. 

Safety and security window film is made up of a thin, micro-layered and tear-resistant plastic film that is applied over the surface of the windowpane and is designed to hold the glass in place when it breaks. Rather than separating into individual pieces, the windowpane stays in place. The film also provides extra strength and resilience to the windowpane which can help stop it from breaking in the case of less severe impacts.

An example of this type of product is 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film, which provides a budget-friendly solution to help minimize damage caused impacts or forced entry. While such safety and security window film provides a high level of glass protection, it’s debated whether or not it’s enough protection for extreme situations. 

Another product is 3M™ Impact Protection Attachment Systems which securely attach the film-coated window to the frame to stop it from being popped free. This is an essential feature as the window will often become flexible when it breaks. While the glass pieces would still be held in place by the film, the windowpane could potentially be pushed inward and freed from the frame giving an intruder easy access. The attachment system prevents this from happening.

Is Safety and Security Window Film Unbreakable or Shatterproof?

While these products from 3M™ offer adequate safety for most naturally occurring threats, the question remains: are these security window film products completely unbreakable and shatterproof? 

The short answer to this question is no. Although 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film and Impact Protection Attachment Systems are effective in minimizing breakage threats and delaying forced entry attempts, they do not make glass 100% unbreakable or shatterproof.

A stronger and more reliable solution to better prevent shatters and breaks is DefenseLite™, a window glazing solution that’s 250 times stronger than glass alone. DefenseLite™ is not an applied security film, but rather a heavy gauge architectural grade polycarbonate and extruded framing system that’s designed as a retro-fit security shield which mounts onto existing glazing.

DefenseLite™, along with its more advanced ballistic option known as BulletShield™, effectively transforms glass windows and doors into impenetrable shields. While most security window films can delay forced entry for about 30-45 seconds, DefenseLite™ has been engineered to prevent vandals, smash and grab threats, and forced entry attempts. It’s been independently tested with many different blunt force objects ranging from batons, hammers and hatchets with amazing results.

If you’re looking to make glass fully shatterproof and unbreakable, we recommend DefenseLite™ and BulletShield™ as reliable solutions for glass protection. These security window glazing solutions are optimal for schools, educational institutions, government facilities, and other buildings that may be vulnerable to armed intrusion, bomb blasts, and other outsider attacks.

What Situations Does Security Window Film Protect Against?

Although DefenseLite™ and BulletShield™ are the most dependable options to fully prevent breakage and shatters, security window film still has a place for many different applications. Here are a few situations where security window film can help protect your windows, your possessions, and your family from harm.

Vandalism, Break-ins, and Forced Entry Attempts

Burglars are always on the lookout for easy targets to rob. Windows provide easy access to the average home or business premises with a burglar just needing to smash the window and climb right in. By installing security window film, you make your windows a lot harder to break to provide an easy entry point for a robbery. This makes your home or business a much higher risk for the average burglar which means they will likely give it a miss and try to find a more viable target.

While riots and other forms of civil unrest aren’t a common occurrence, they do still happen. Vandalism is a far more common threat, particularly for businesses with large window fronts. In both cases, regardless of the intent of the person who caused the damage, your window has now become an open access point for anyone to enter your property and steal your possessions or business inventory. By installing security window film you limit the chance of your windows shattering entirely and leaving your property unprotected as a result.

Severe Weather and Accidents

The weather can get unpredictably intense at times, with abrupt windstorms and hail being a threat to the integrity of glass windows and doors. A tree branch blown against your window by a strong gust of wind can easily shatter it and send shards flying inside. This leaves the window open to the elements until you can get it repaired.

Accidents around your home can also be a threat to your windows. A backyard game of baseball or a similar sport can quickly get expensive if the ball goes through your window.

In addition to holding your window in place if it gets accidentally broken, safety and security window film can also provide added protection to potentially stop your window from breaking to begin with. A bit of extra strength and resistance can sometimes make the difference between temporary deformation and breakage.

Catastrophic Events

If you live or operate a business in an area that’s prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, and other catastrophic events, then one of your fears might be that such occurrences can result in window breakage in a severe way. This also includes mitigating blasts from human causes, such as riots or terrorist threats. Safety and security window film can help alleviate this concern as reinforced glass is less likely to turn into flying shards if your home is susceptible to violent catastrophic events.

Regardless of any other measures you may take to protect your windows, an extra layer of protection in the form of security window film is a smart investment to make. In addition to providing more protection against damage and theft, adding an advanced form of window protection film will likely help reduce your insurance premiums. Your windows will always be the weakest link in your building’s security chain, so every extra bit of protection you add helps keep you and your building safe and secure.

Retail smash and grab events are occurring more and more often these days. Amidst times of pandemic and civil unrest, the prevalence of these events can escalate at alarming rates. 

Many types of businesses are at risk fir smash and grab occurrences, however retailers are especially vulnerable. A vast majority of these crimes happen through glass windows and doors. Within a matter of minutes, valuable possessions like computers, inventory, and even private information can evaporate. The idea that this could happen to any retail store is quite unsettling. Fortunately, there are measures that can help protect and reinforce glass windows and doors, and effectively prevent unwarranted entry.

Smash and Grab Prevention Solutions for Retailers

Various types of businesses around the country have invested in window film for its many benefits, including energy savings, enhanced customer and employee comfort, and protecting against the sun’s damaging UV rays. But now more than ever, optimizing the safety and security of a business, its occupants, and its inventory has become a critical priority.

At Window Film Depot, we offer proven products and solutions to prevent smash and grab burglaries. Not only can we recommend the best smash and grab prevention solution, but certain products can also deliver on the various benefits mentioned above. In short, it’s an investment that pays for itself in more ways than one.

What are the best smash and grab prevention solutions for retailers? Below are three different products that we stand behind.

DefenseLite™ Forced Entry Glazing Solution

DefenseLite is an advanced forced entry glazing solution that’s designed to protect against intruders and minimize damage from break-ins and vandalism. Tested to be 250 times stronger than glass alone, DefenseLite is engineered using unbreakable, UV-coated polycarbonates and a proprietary anchoring mechanism that can be mounted onto existing window glazing. 

DefenseLite has been independently tested with several different blunt force objects, including batons, hammers, and hatchets. Common applications include schools and universities, corporate offices, retail storefronts, governmental agencies, and other buildings exposed to large populations of people. For a bullet-resistant version of DefenseLite, there’s BulletShield – an impenetrable layer of clear glass protection. 

3M™ Safety & Security Window Films

When it comes to warding-off theft and vandalism, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Films is the best solution for retailers with vulnerable points of entry, such as glass doors and storefronts. In terms of anti-smash and grab window film treatments, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film is the best measure next to DefenseLite™. 

Not only does it effectively prevent smash and grab attempts, but it mitigates hazards from shattered glass while holding windows and doors in place. In turn, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film can significantly deter unwarranted entry, stolen products, and further harm to the premise or its occupants.

3M™ Impact Protection Attachment Systems 

3M™ Impact Protection Attachment Systems essentially “attach” the security window film to the frame of the door or window. Not to be used as a standalone smash and grab prevention solution, Impact Protection Attachment Systems bind together the glass, film, and frame to form a single, secure unit that’s designed to withstand repeated assaults.

Like other window film and glazing solutions, there are a variety of Impact Protection Attachment Systems available. Selection of the right attachment system is determined by your glass, frame type, and threat.

Protect Your Business and Its Assets

Whether a building demands anti-smash and grab capabilities or more advanced forced entry protection, there are a number of treatments that can reinforce glass against forced entry. For more information about suitable products and installation services, contact us at Window Film Depot or call us at (866) 933-3456.