Riot Glass School Security Solutions Every District Should Consider

As each school year begins, administrators and facility managers revisit their safety plans, looking for ways to better protect students, staff, visitors, and school property. 

One of the most effective ways to strengthen a school’s physical security is to upgrade vulnerable glass doors and windows with modern security glazing systems.

Riot Glass offers a full range of school security glazing solutions designed to address a comprehensive selection of threats, from forced entry and active threats to vandalism and even severe weather events.

Why Schools Need Security Glazing Solutions

Schools present unique challenges when it comes to safety. They are open, welcoming environments by design, filled with glass doors, large windows, and transparent façades that promote natural light and community.

Unfortunately, these same features make schools incredibly vulnerable to security threats, including worst-case active threats (active shooters).

Standard annealed glass can be shattered in seconds, giving intruders immediate access. Tempered safety glass offers a little more resistance, but doesn’t stand up to forced entry attempts or ballistic impacts. 

The rise in active threat incidents in schools across the U.S. has resulted in a need for “glass hardening” measures, making advanced security glazing a critical investment when it comes to implementing school security solutions.

What School Security Solutions Does Riot Glass Offer?

AP-Series AP25: Containment-Grade Retrofittable Glazing

AP-Series AP25 is Riot Glass’s flagship containment-grade retrofit security glazing, a forced entry-resistant, polycarbonate-based glazing solution ideal for access denial in schools.

• Virtually unbreakable: Attackers can strike the glazing repeatedly with hammers, crowbars, or other blunt objects without breaking through
• Ballistic mitigation: While AP25 is not a bullet-resistant school security solution, it stays intact even if penetrated by bullets, continuing to serve as a barrier to forced entry
• Retrofit-friendly: AP25 can be installed over (overglazing) or behind (backglazing) existing glass using slim retrofit framing adapters, allowing schools to keep their existing windows and doors while drastically improving protection
• Cost-effective: Retrofitting with AP25 provides robust forced entry protection at a fraction of the cost of full window and door replacement

Retrofitting vulnerable school windows and doors with AP25 is one of the most effective first steps for schools that need immediate, budget-conscious upgrades.

Ballistic-Grade RG-Series and AP-Series Glazing

For schools that want a higher level of protection against firearms, Riot Glass offers ballistic-grade RG-Series and AP-Series glazing.

• RG-Series: A line of bullet-resistant laminated glass-clad polycarbonate glazing, designed to absorb and stop projectiles of varying calibers.
• Ballistic AP-Series: Polycarbonate-based ballistic glazing options offering lighter weight and incredibly high impact resistance.

Both options come in multiple thicknesses and UL 752 ballistic resistance levels, allowing schools to tailor protection to their perceived threat level.

While no glazing is completely “bulletproof,” ballistic-grade Riot Glass dramatically improves survivability by stopping or slowing bullets and preventing intruders from entering quickly.

Ballistic-grade glazing is especially valuable in high-risk areas such as entryways, administrative offices, and classroom doors or windows near main corridors or exterior walkways.

Unbreakable School Door Conversion Kits

Entry doors are among the most vulnerable access points in schools. Riot Glass offers unbreakable door conversion kits that combine AP-Series ballistic glazing with reinforced framing systems. These conversions transform standard glass doors into forced-entry and bullet-resistant security doors without losing their transparency.

• AP75 ballistic glazing infills have UL 752 Level 1 resistance (capable of stopping 9mm handgun rounds)
• Tested against ASTM F3038 forced entry protocols, these doors can withstand prolonged attacks by multiple assailants
• Despite their strength, the doors maintain a welcoming, non-fortified appearance

These door kits make ideal upgrades for main school entrances, vestibules, and other high-traffic areas.

Comparison of Riot Glass School Security Glazing

Choosing the Best School Security Solution

When it comes to selecting the best security glazing upgrades for schools, the right choice depends on each school’s unique risks, goals, and budget. Districts should take a layered, multi-step approach to glass hardening:

1. Conduct a threat assessment: Professional school threat assessments identify weak points, such as glass entryway doors or easily accessible classroom windows.
2. Match glazing to risk: For most schools, AP25 retrofits provide a solid first line of defense, while in higher-risk environments, ballistic-grade RG-Series or AP-Series glazing should be considered for entrances and critical areas.
3. Combine with other security measures: Glazing upgrades work best when paired with other school security solutions, including perimeter barriers, access control, alarms, and surveillance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is AP25 bulletproof?

No. AP25 is containment-grade, meaning it’s designed for forced entry resistance. However, it remains intact even when penetrated by bullets, preventing attackers from creating an opening to gain entry.

What’s the difference between RG-Series and AP-Series ballistic glazing?

RG-Series uses glass-clad polycarbonate for a more traditional look and feel and the highest levels of ballistic resistance, but the outer glass surface can crack and spall upon impact. Ballistic-grade AP-Series glazing is polycarbonate-based, lighter in weight and virtually unbreakable, with no cracking or spalling.

Can school security glazing be retrofitted, or do we need to replace our windows?

Most Riot Glass solutions can be retrofitted over existing glass, saving money and minimizing disruption. Full replacements are only necessary in certain cases, such as full door conversion kits.

Do these solutions change the appearance of the school?

No. Riot Glass school security solutions are designed to blend in seamlessly with existing windows and doors, maintaining natural light and aesthetics.

How long does installation take?

Timelines vary depending on project size, but retrofit installations are always much faster and less disruptive than full replacements.

Are these solutions compliant with school safety mandates?

Yes. Riot Glass products meet or exceed applicable forced entry and ballistic resistance standards and are increasingly used in districts responding to glass hardening requirements and recommendations.

Conclusion

The role of security glazing in modern school safety and security cannot be overstated. From preventing forced entry and vandalism to buying time in active threat scenarios, Riot Glass solutions provide durable, transparent protection without compromising the learning environment.

Whether retrofitting vulnerable windows with AP25, installing bullet-resistant RG-Series glazing in critical areas, or upgrading entryways with unbreakable door conversion kits, schools can count on Riot Glass when taking proactive steps toward safeguarding their communities and property.

To learn more or to schedule a professional threat assessment, contact Riot Glass today.