Written By: Brad Campbell | December 23, 2025
In a world where physical security risks range from smash-and-grab thefts to targeted violent attacks, businesses and facilities can’t afford to leave their properties’ windows and doors vulnerable.
Traditional glass, while highly functional and aesthetically appealing, is one of the weakest points in any building’s security envelope. That’s why more commercial property owners and security professionals are turning to shatterproof glass — high-performance glazing designed to resist breakage, prevent forced entry, and even stop bullets.
Shatterproof glass isn’t a single product, but rather it’s a general term for glazing systems engineered to resist shattering under impact. Instead of breaking into dangerous shards, shatterproof glazing materials hold together, flex, or absorb energy in ways that prevent catastrophic failure.
In general, there are three main types of shatterproof glass used in commercial applications:
Each type offers a different balance of strength, cost, and visual clarity, and each is suitable for different security needs.
Laminated shatterproof glass consists of multiple layers of strengthened glass bonded together with thermoplastic interlayers. When struck, the outer glass may crack or spall (meaning small chips can fly off), but the interlayer holds the glass firmly in place.
This design prevents the glass from shattering or leaving a large hole, significantly delaying attempted break-ins and preventing dangerous shards from flying into occupied spaces.
Laminated glass is ideal for applications that need protection against blunt-force impacts, such as:
While it offers excellent protection from forced entry and natural impacts, laminated glass can still be broken through with enough sustained effort or force, which is why higher-threat facilities often opt for polycarbonate or hybrid GCP solutions.
If you’re looking for glazing that’s truly shatterproof, polycarbonate is the strongest option available. Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic that, unlike glass, can flex under impact without breaking.
Even repeated blows from hammers, bats, or other blunt instruments won’t cause polycarbonate to shatter — it may get scratched or marred, but it won’t give way. While certain heavy tools or ballistics can penetrate polycarbonate, it still retains its shape and integrity, preventing glass-like fragmentation or dangerous debris.
Polycarbonate-based glazing is widely used in:
Polycarbonate’s lightweight, flexible properties also make it the easiest option for retrofitting into existing window or door frames without removing or replacing the existing glass.
Glass-clad polycarbonate (GCP) combines the best of both worlds — the hardness and appearance of laminated glass with the resilience and flexibility of polycarbonate.
This hybrid system typically features laminated security glass on the attack side (exterior), bonded to polycarbonate on the safe side (interior). The result is a glazing unit that provides a tough exterior glass surface capable of resisting initial impact, while the polycarbonate backing further absorbs blunt-force energy and prevents interior spalling.
Because of this dual-material design, glass-clad polycarbonate typically offers the highest level of shatterproof ballistic glass protection available for commercial use. It’s frequently chosen for:
No. Tempered glass is not shatterproof, though it’s much stronger than standard annealed glass. Tempered glass is heat-treated to increase its strength, but when it breaks, it’s engineered to crumble into small, blunt granules instead of sharp shards.
That makes tempered glass a safety glass, but not a security glass. It still completely fails under sufficient impact, offering no sustained resistance to intrusion.
Tempered glass is often used for general safety glazing where security isn’t the primary concern, such as for:
| Type | Composition | Shatter Resistance | Ballistic Resistance | Ideal Applications |
| Tempered Glass | Single heat-treated glass sheet | Breaks safely, but still shatters | None | General safety use |
| Laminated Glass | Multiple glass layers + interlayer(s) | Holds together under impact | Moderate (varies by thickness) | Retail stores, office buildings |
| Polycarbonate Glazing | Solid or multi-layered thermoplastic | Virtually unbreakable | Moderate to high | High-risk retailers, healthcare facilities, schools |
| Glass-Clad Polycarbonate | Laminated glass + polycarbonate | Highly shatterproof | Highest | Banks, government buildings, high-security facilities |
Nearly any commercial property can benefit from upgrading to some type of shatterproof glass, but some facilities have a particularly strong case for it:
Investing in shatterproof glazing not only protects people and assets but can also reduce liability and insurance risks, all while maintaining a professional image that invites confidence rather than fear.
Shatterproof glass offers peace of mind in a world where high-impact security threats are all too real.
Whether you choose laminated glass for basic protection, polycarbonate glazing for true shatter resistance, or glass-clad polycarbonate for the ultimate defense against forced entry and ballistic threats, upgrading your glazing is one of the smartest steps you can take to secure your property.
Ready to protect your business with industry-leading security glazing? Contact Riot Glass today to learn more about custom shatterproof glass solutions for your facility.
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