Written By: Brad Campbell | April 14, 2022
There are various types of metal security windows that can be used to protect your business or commercial facility against forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, rioting and looting, storm damage, and other threats.
However, there are many problems with these traditional security solutions, which is why you should be using an alternative, like ArmorPlast® transparent steel. Here’s why…
Metal security windows are various types of metal coverings that can be permanently or temporarily installed over windows (and glass doors) to protect the glass behind from impacts. They not only protect against security threats, but they also prevent the glass from shattering dangerously inwards and potentially injuring anyone on the other side.
Examples of metal security window coverings:
Roll-down shutters and storm panels are most commonly used in hurricane zones to protect businesses against flying storm debris. Roll-down shutters can also be used to secure businesses against burglary and smash-and-grab theft at night.
Both shutters and storm panels can also be used to board up a business to protect against rioting and looting due to civil unrest, as an alternative to plywood boards.
Window bars and metal grates, on the other hand, are almost exclusively used to protect buildings against forced entry, by preventing a would-be intruder from smashing a window to gain access.
The solutions mentioned above do what they are intended to (protect glass) fairly well. But there are some reasons why they just don’t work for certain types of businesses and commercial buildings.
Bars, scissor gates, and shutters provide a visual deterrent that can often discourage break ins, but some cities, landlords, and specialty brands do not want such products visible in the storefront. Riot Glass is an excellent alternative, providing a virtually invisible barrier to entry.
While window bars might be a fine solution for 24-hour convenience stores and liquor stores, they simply aren’t going to work for a high-end specialty retail store, where you want to be able to clearly display your merchandise to entice passing customers into the store.
Roll-down shutters and metal storm panels work to protect glass from flying storm debris, but they are not always ideal for commercial properties. This is because, if there’s a hurricane on the way, you have to put your storm damage mitigation barriers into place at least 48 hours before the storm is predicted to make landfall.
Now, imagine a luxury retailer, a restaurant, a hotel, or any other hospitality/consumer-based business being essentially boarded up with shutters or storm panels for 48+ hours — it looks closed, which means it could potentially lose a lot of business.
Not only that, but shutters and storm panels completely block out natural light and views, turning the inside of your business into a dark cave.
So, you can probably now understand why an alternative to these types of traditional metal security windows is sometimes necessary for certain commercial property owners.
Transparent steel is the nickname for the virtually unbreakable ArmorPlast® AP25 polycarbonate security glazing panels.
ArmorPlast® AP25 is a containment-grade (non-ballistic) glazing shield that is harder than steel, making it the perfect alternative to metal security window coverings.
AP25 is designed specifically to prevent forced entry, protect businesses against rioting and looting, mitigate storm damage, and prevent your existing commercial glass from breaking due to all types of impacts. The best part is that it’s completely transparent, and looks and feels just like standard window glass.
When you install AP25 over your glass doors and windows, you get all the benefits of metal security windows, with none of the downsides.
Benefits of using ArmorPlast® AP25:
ArmorPlast® AP25 is specifically designed to be retrofitted into or onto your existing framing systems, without the need to replace the existing glass or frames.
The accompanying aluminum security framing is also extremely robust, yet has a sleek, modern profile that doesn’t significantly alter the appearance of your windows and doors.
Being a retrofit solution, AP25 is incredibly cost-efficient compared to other window security solutions. Installation is minimally disruptive and, once it’s installed, you’ll barely notice it’s there.
AP25 is designed to fortify your property, without making it look fortified. You still get to enjoy your views and allow natural light in, your business keeps all its curb appeal, and customers can still window shop.
When it comes to access denial, ArmorPlast® AP25 is the best at what it does. The virtually unbreakable polycarbonate stands up to prolonged attacks using heavy hand tools, including pry bars, sledgehammers, bats, and other common burglary tools.
Though it is not bullet-resistant, AP25 will not break apart if it is penetrated by bullets. Thus, it remains a barrier to forced entry and keeps the bad guys out if your property experiences an active threat attack.
AP25 also provides 24/7 storefront protection against unexpected rioting and looting, in case civil unrest ever flares up in your area and you aren’t able to secure your business in time.
While traditional hurricane barriers require storage space, maintenance, and labor for them to protect your building against storm damage, ArmorPlast® AP25 only requires a one-time installation.
AP25 has been tested and certified according to Miami-Dade hurricane missile testing standards, so it can be used in extremely high-wind areas and hurricane zones.
With AP25 installed, you don’t have to shutter up your business 48 hours ahead of a storm, and you can carry on business as usual until it’s time to take shelter.
Contact Riot Glass LLC or have your local glass contractor get in touch for more information about ArmorPlast® AP25 and to schedule a free consultation for you and your property today.
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