Written By: Brad Campbell | May 5, 2025
When it comes to securing buildings against forced entry, ballistic threats, and other risks, architects and security experts need reliable, standardized testing methods to ensure the effectiveness of security glazing.
ASTM International provides a range of rigorous testing standards that make choosing the right security glazing for the job much easier. The clear benchmarks set forth by ASTM International for impact resistance, forced entry durability, and ballistic performance help professionals select glazing solutions that offer proven protection.
ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards for a wide range of industries. These standards provide clear guidelines for testing the safety, durability, and performance of various materials, products, systems, and services.
For architects and security experts, ASTM International plays a critical role in establishing the benchmarks used to evaluate security glazing — specialized glass products designed to resist forced entry, ballistic impacts, and other threats.
ASTM test standards ensure that security glazing meets stringent performance criteria before being implemented in buildings, protecting occupants from potential attacks or hazards.
Security glazing is used in government buildings, schools, hospitals, retail stores, and other high-risk facilities to increase safety and security.
However, not all security glazing is created equal. Without standardized testing, there would be no reliable way to determine whether a product can truly withstand real-world threats. This is where ASTM standards come in.
ASTM International provides objective, repeatable testing methods that manufacturers must follow to validate the strength and effectiveness of their security glazing. These tests simulate various threat scenarios, from prolonged forced entry attempts to ballistic attacks, ensuring that certified products offer dependable protection.
There are several ASTM International standards that can be used to test the resilience of security glazing under different conditions, with two of the most important being ASTM F3561 and ASTM F3038.
The ASTM F3561 standard test method evaluates how well a fenestration system (windows, doors, or glass barriers) can resist forced entry after being subjected to gunfire. It simulates an active threat scenario where an attacker shoots at a security window or door and then attempts to gain access by physically breaking through the damaged glass.
Products that pass this test are ideal for buildings that require advanced protection against active threats.
The ASTM F3038 standard tests a security glazing system’s ability to withstand a sustained forced entry attempt by a group of attackers using hand tools such as hammers, crowbars, and other common implements. This test is particularly relevant for facilities at risk of mob attacks or civil unrest, such as government buildings and retail stores.
For architects, designing buildings that are both aesthetically appealing and secure is a constant challenge. ASTM International’s standards simplify this process by providing clear, tested performance benchmarks that help architects select the right security glazing products for their projects.
Many local, state, and federal building codes reference ASTM standards when setting security glazing requirements. Ensuring compliance with ASTM-tested products helps architects meet these regulations without additional guesswork.
Security failures in a building can have serious legal and financial consequences. ASTM-certified glazing reduces liability by demonstrating that the materials meet rigorous safety and security benchmarks.
Security glazing must be integrated seamlessly into a building’s design without compromising aesthetics. ASTM testing allows architects to balance safety and appearance by selecting modern materials that provide strong protection without looking overly industrial or intrusive.
When architects choose ASTM-certified glazing, they provide their clients with assurance that the building’s security features have been tested and proven effective against real-world threats. This is particularly important for high-risk facilities that require heightened security.
Security consultants and risk assessment professionals play a crucial role in protecting people and property. Their job is to evaluate potential threats and recommend solutions that effectively mitigate risks.
ASTM-certified security glazing is a key component of many security plans because it provides verifiable, lab-tested resistance against forced entry, ballistic threats, and other forms of attack and impact.
ASTM International provides standardized test methods that can be replicated across different laboratories, ensuring that test results are reliable and unbiased. This consistency allows security professionals to make informed decisions based on objective data rather than manufacturer claims.
ASTM standards provide measurable benchmarks for impact resistance, forced entry resistance, and ballistic durability. Security experts use these ratings to compare products and determine which solutions best match a facility’s specific threat profile.
Many ASTM tests simulate realistic attack scenarios, making the results directly applicable to security planning. Whether it’s an armed assailant, a riot, or an attempted burglary, ASTM-certified glazing has been proven to withstand these threats under controlled testing conditions.
Government agencies and law enforcement organizations often reference ASTM standards when establishing security requirements for buildings. Using ASTM-certified products ensures alignment with best practices and official security guidelines.
ASTM International sets the gold standard for testing security glazing, ensuring that these products meet rigorous safety and performance criteria. Architects trust ASTM standards to help them design secure buildings without compromising aesthetics, while security experts rely on them to verify the effectiveness of protective glazing against real-world threats.
Choosing ASTM-certified security glazing helps professionals ensure their projects comply with industry regulations, mitigate security risks, and provide clients with the highest level of protection.
Are you looking for ASTM-certified security glazing for your facility? Contact Riot Glass today to learn more about our industry-leading solutions.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
