Written By: Brad Campbell | September 17, 2025
For retail stores, glass entryway doors play an important role in shaping the first impression customers have of the business. They create a sleek, modern look, allow potential customers to see merchandise inside, and maximize natural light. This open and inviting design is part of what makes glass storefronts so appealing.
Unfortunately, there’s a tradeoff: standard glass retail doors are also one of the weakest points of a storefront. Criminals can smash through them in seconds, making forced entry, burglary, and smash-and-grab thefts all too easy. That’s why retrofitting security glass into retail glass doors has become one of the most effective and practical ways for business owners to harden their storefront security.
Retrofitting means you don’t need to replace your entire door system — in many cases, existing frames and glass can stay in place. Instead, retrofit security glazing solutions, such as AP-Series solutions from Riot Glass, provide a protective layer that strengthens your storefront against a wide range of threats, without sacrificing the transparency and aesthetics of glass.
Retrofitting is the process of installing new materials into an existing structure, rather than starting from scratch. In the case of glass storefront doors, security glazing can be added to your current setup in a few ways:
This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of retrofitting. It allows businesses to reinforce their most vulnerable points without major construction or costly downtime.
Traditional glass, even when tempered for safety, does very little to deter criminals. Standard glass shatters immediately upon impact, while tempered glass breaks into smaller, safer pieces but still leaves an opening large enough for someone to gain entry within seconds.
Criminals know this, which is why smash-and-grab theft has become one of the most common retail crimes. In these incidents, thieves break through glass doors or windows, sweep items off shelves, and flee before law enforcement can respond. The damage goes beyond stolen goods: there are also repair costs, cleanup, and lost business during downtime.
Upgrading vulnerable storefront doors with retrofit security glazing provides retailers with added protection in several key areas:
Security glazing, such as AP-Series AP25, is designed to withstand repeated strikes from hammers, crowbars, bricks, and other common burglary tools. Even after a sustained attack, the glazing remains in place, making it extremely difficult for intruders to get inside.
Unlike traditional glass, which fails instantly, AP-Series glazing doesn’t shatter. This denies criminals the quick access they depend on, often causing them to give up before succeeding.
Criminals typically look for the easiest target. When they encounter a storefront reinforced with visible AP-Series glazing, they recognize it as a high-effort, high-risk target and move on.
Security glass doesn’t just defend against crime. It also protects against storm debris, accidents, and other impacts that could otherwise shatter traditional glass doors.
Riot Glass specializes in retrofit security glazing, offering the AP-Series line of containment- and bullet-resistant glazing solutions, which are ideal for reinforcing storefront doors and windows against various threat levels.
These systems use specially engineered retrofit framing adapters that secure the AP-Series glazing directly to existing storefront door frames. The result is a seamless barrier that preserves visibility while providing maximum strength.
A professional threat assessment identifies vulnerabilities unique to your business. Experts can recommend whether containment-grade or bullet-resistant glazing is most appropriate, and highlight other weak points in your storefront security.
For most retail stores, AP25 offers more than enough protection against smash-and-grab thefts. High-risk environments benefit from bullet-resistant options in the AP-Series.
Accurate measurements ensure the retrofit glazing fits correctly. While many doors come in standard sizes, custom-cut AP-Series panels are also available for unique storefronts.
Riot Glass offers complete service, including manufacturing, delivery, and professional installation. If you’re outside our direct service areas, we coordinate with a trusted dealer-partner network nationwide.
Installation is key to performance. Properly fitted AP-Series glazing maximizes forced-entry resistance and ensures your retrofit system meets security standards.
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| Glass Type | Breaks Easily? | Resists Forced Entry? | Resists Smash-and-Grab? | Bullet Resistance | Aesthetics | Typical Use Cases |
| Standard Annealed Glass | ✅ Shatters instantly | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ None | Clear & attractive | Most retail storefronts |
| Tempered / Safety Glass | ✅ Breaks into small pieces | ❌ No | ❌ No (easy to smash) | ❌ None | Clear & attractive | Code-compliant storefronts |
| AP25 (Containment-Grade Security Glazing) | ❌ Stays intact | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | Clear, looks like standard glass | Retail stores and other commercial facilities |
| Bullet-Resistant AP-Series (e.g., AP75, AP125) | ❌ Stays intact | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (varies by level) | Clear, maintains visibility | High-risk retail: jewelry stores, dispensaries, pawn shops |
Yes. In most cases, AP-Series retrofit solutions use existing door frames and glass, making installation quicker and more affordable than full replacement.
AP25 is containment-grade, meaning it resists forced entry and smash-and-grab attempts. Bullet-resistant AP-Series glazing adds ballistic protection for environments at risk of armed robbery or gun violence.
Costs vary depending on door size, glazing type, and installation requirements. However, retrofitting is always more cost-effective than replacing entire door systems. A professional consultation can provide a tailored estimate.
No. AP-Series glazing is crystal clear and designed to look and feel like standard glass. Customers see the same inviting storefront, while you gain advanced protection.
Don’t leave your retail store exposed to after-hours burglary or smash-and-grab theft. Retrofitting your glass storefront doors with Riot Glass AP-Series security glazing creates a powerful barrier that protects your business, staff, and customers, without sacrificing appearance.
Contact Riot Glass today for a free consultation and custom AP-Series retrofit recommendation.
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