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Jan 26 2021
11

The Truth About Hurricane Window Film

By | Blog, Storm Protection

In hurricane zones like the Southeastern United States, especially in Florida, you may have noticed businesses promoting a type of shutterless hurricane glass protection called hurricane window film.

What they’re really referring to in this case is actually something called safety and security window film. This type of window film is not approved in Florida as a substitute for hurricane protection products like shutters and storm panels.

Even though it’s not an approved hurricane protection product, safety and security window film can play a role in adding an extra layer of security to your glass doors and windows. Keep reading to find out what the many benefits of security window film are.

 

Why the Term Hurricane Window Film Is a Misnomer

And Why You Shouldn’t Rely Solely on Window Film for Hurricane Protection

Here’s the real story about hurricane film for windows: 

Over the last decade or so, builders and homeowners have been met with increasingly stricter requirements regarding the impact resistance of window glass and the hurricane mitigation barriers installed during remodels and new construction.

Because of this, some companies saw an opportunity to start advertising safety and security window film as hurricane window film, when in fact many reputable manufacturers of these types of films clearly state that it is not meant to be relied upon for hurricane protection.

The below notice is straight from the 3M™ website (the manufacturers of the safety and security window film we supply):

“This product is not approved in the State of Florida for use as hurricane, windstorm or impact protection from wind-borne debris from a hurricane or windstorm. 

In compliance with Florida Statute 553.842, this product may not be advertised, sold, offered, provided, distributed or marketed in the State of Florida as hurricane, windstorm or impact protection from wind-borne debris from a hurricane or windstorm.”

All this is not to say that security window film doesn’t have any merits. It DOES add a layer of security to your glass that can increase the safety of you and your property during a storm.

So, how can you use security window film for hurricane protection? To explain that let’s take a closer look at how these types of films work and what they are designed to do.

 

Using Window Film to Keep Glass Intact During a Storm

First off, it’s important to understand exactly what window films like 3M™ safety and security window film are made of and how they’re installed. These types of films are really a pliable polyester mylar coating that gets applied right to the surface of your existing glass.

Security window film DOES NOT prevent glass from breaking and is not a cheap alternative to real impact-resistant glass like laminated security glass. However, the film can hold broken shards of glass in place and help a glass door or window retain its shape after an impact.

During a storm with high-speed winds, window film can prevent sharp shards of glass flying dangerously inwards towards you and anyone else sheltering inside the building. It can also help keep out rainwater and storm debris by holding the broken glass in place.

This means that you’ll still have to replace broken glass after a storm, but you may avoid injuries and water damage because of the effects of the installed window film. 

That being said, if you live in a hurricane zone, you should always have other hurricane mitigation barriers ready to go. Whether those are good old fashioned plywood boards or roll-down metal shutters, window film is no substitute for the strength of those barriers.

Key takeaways about using security film for storm protection:

  • Can prevent shards of glass from flying dangerously inwards
  • Can help broken glass doors and windows retain their shape
  • Is NOT a substitute for approved hurricane barriers like shutters
  • DOES NOT prevent glass from breaking under impact
  • Can reduce the risk of personal injury and water damage to property

Are There Any Other Benefits of Window Film?

Why You Should Consider Installing Window Film for Storm Protection and More

Now that you have a better understanding of the role that security films can play in strengthening your window glass during a storm, you might be wondering if there are any other benefits it can provide. The answer is yes!

Here are some of the other ways window film can improve the performance of your glass:

  • Deter forced entry
  • Add privacy
  • Block UV rays
  • Reduce glare
  • Control heat
  • Reduce energy use

 

Deter Forced Entry

The same properties that make security films a good option to prevent flying shards of glass and help glass doors and windows also make them an effective deterrent to forced entry attempts.

When a would-be intruder attempts to smash through a panel of glass to gain entry to your property, they’ll be surprised to see that it doesn’t immediately shatter inwards like standard window glass does.

Though it won’t stop a determined intruder from eventually breaking through the glass, the delay and surprise caused by the film can cause the criminal to think twice about continuing their break-and-enter attempt and move on to find an easier target.

 

Add Privacy

Standard security films are clear, but window tinting can also be applied using films to darken your windows or make them reflective for added daytime privacy. 

This is not only great for making ground floor rooms more private, but also adds more security to your property by making it harder for prowlers to see what’s on the other side of your window glass.

Block UV Rays and Reduce Glare

Many types of films also have UV blocking properties that prevent up to 99.9% of the sun’s harmful UV rays from passing through your windows. 

These rays that can damage your skin are the same rays that cause furnishings placed near windows to fade over time. UV blocking films drastically slow the effects of fading.

Additionally, glare blocking films can be used to reduce the amount of glare coming through your windows. This is great if you want to make it more comfortable to look at a computer or TV screen near sunny windows.

 

Control Heat and Reduce Energy Use

There are also special heat blocking films and low-e, or low-emissivity, window films available. These can be used to make indoor temperatures more comfortable and reduce your use of HVAC systems to lower your monthly utility bill.

The enhanced climate control provided by certain types of films can be a real lifesaver (and money saver) in the hot and humid Southeastern climate!

Conclusion

If you take one thing away from this article, let it be a warning not to believe anyone trying to tell you that they have some type of magical hurricane film for windows. No film eliminates the need for other storm damage mitigation barriers.

We also want to stress that security window films DO have many beneficial properties that can make your glass doors and windows less vulnerable to storm damage and other threats, as well as enhance the overall performance of your glass.

Contact us today for more information about how we can help you strengthen your home or business security with our window films and other security glass products.

Jan 14 2021
58

Alternatives to Boarding up Windows for Hurricane Protection

By | Blog

Boarding up doors and windows with plywood sheets is one of the most traditional ways to reinforce your home or business before a storm. With good reason, too; plywood sheets are very affordable and provide a very high level of storm and hurricane protection.

However, boarding up your windows does have some big disadvantages that cause many people to seek out alternative storm damage mitigation solutions. If you’re here, you’re probably one of those people.

In this article we’ll discuss some of the disadvantages of plywood board ups. We’ll also discuss what some of the most popular and effective alternatives to board ups are and what their advantages are.

Why Would You Want an Alternative to Boarding Up Windows?

The Facts About Covering Windows with Plywood for Hurricane Protection

Before we dive into the reasons you wouldn’t want to use plywood to cover your doors and windows before a storm, we just want to reiterate that plywood sheets DO create very strong, durable hurricane mitigation barriers over your glass.

Though some alternatives to board ups can provide an equal or greater level of protection against storm damage, not all of the options available to you are designed to fully replace the strength of a solid barrier like plywood.

Key Disadvantages of Plywood Board ups:

  1. Requires lots of measuring and cutting
  2. Boards have to be screwed or nailed into place
  3. Not a one-man/woman job
  4. Completely block natural light and visibility
  5. Have to store all the boards when not in use
  6. Visually unattractive option
  7. Not a permanent solution

Before you can properly install plywood boards for storm damage protection, you’ll have to measure all your glass doors and windows to figure out how many sheets of plywood you’ll need.

Next, you have to measure and cut the boards themselves to ensure they fit properly. As you can probably already tell, this is going to be a pretty labor-intensive process.

Once you have all your boards cut and ready to install, you need to designate storage space to keep them when they’re not in use. Depending on how many windows and doors you have, the boards can take up a huge amount of room.

Image via https://www.orlandosentinel.com/

When it comes time to actually prepare your home for a storm, you’ll definitely need at least one other person to help you lift the boards over your glass and screw or nail them into place. This can take a while, so hopefully you have plenty of warning that a storm’s coming.

With the boards in place, you won’t be able to see anything out of your windows, and you’ll be relying completely on artificial light inside your property.

Image via https://www.thv11.com/

From the outside, boards also hurt the curb appeal of your home or business. This may not be a big concern for homeowners, but if you’re a business owner and you want to stay open until the storm hits, it can be hard for potential clients to tell that you’re open for business.

Because of all of the above reasons, plywood boards simply aren’t a viable long-term solution for hurricane and storm damage protection. You’ll definitely want to take them down as soon as the storm has passed.

How to Protect Windows Without Plywood

5 Alternatives to Boarding up Windows for Hurricane and Storm Mitigation

  1. Hurricane Fabric
  2. Safety and Security Window Film
  3. Storm Panels
  4. Hurricane Shutters
  5. Laminated Security Glass

Hurricane Fabric: an Easy-to-Use Alternative

Think of hurricane fabric as a piece of bouncy fabric (like a trampoline) that you stretch over your window glass to deflect flying storm debris.

Image via https://www.hurricanefabric.com/

This deflective barrier is a popular alternative to plywood board ups because it’s much easier to install and remove — you just clip it into place over doors and windows before a storm. When the storm has passed, you simply unclip it and roll or fold it up to store.

Safety and Security Window Film: a Good Way to Strengthen Existing Glass

It’s important to note right away that security window film does not replace the strength of plywood and won’t stop glass from breaking when impacted by flying storm debris.

That being said, we’ve included it on this list because it does provide a layer of security to make your property safer.

This type of window film is a pliable Mylar coating that goes right on top of your existing glass and holds it in place if it shatters. This reduces the likelihood of injury caused by flying shards of glass as well as helps keep out water, wind, and storm debris that could cause more damage.

Storm Panels: a Commercial Alternative to Boarding up Windows

Storm panels are typically corrugated metal or plastic sheets that you attach to the framing or siding around doors and windows to protect the glass during a storm.

The concept is basically the same as boarding up your property, but this can be a more convenient option because you can get the panels pre-cut ahead of time for a custom fit.

Additionally, there are clear plastic storm panels available that still allow natural light into your home or business and don’t inhibit 100% of your view outside. They’re also much more attractive than plywood boards.

 

Hurricane Shutters: an Attractive Permanent Solution

These are one of the more expensive alternatives to board ups, but also one of the most convenient and aesthetically pleasing options. For starters, you can choose between the following styles of hurricane shutters:

  • Accordion shutters
  • Roll-down hurricane shutters
  • Colonial-style louvered shutters
  • Bermuda shutters and Bahama shutters

No matter the style, hurricane shutters all get permanently mounted above or beside your windows and doors. When a storm is coming, all you have to do is lower them into place with a hand crank or the push of a button.

Image via https://www.shutterland.com/

Hurricane shutters blend in with — and can even complement — the architecture of your home or business.

Laminated Security Glass: an Invisible, Impact-Resistant Barrier

Last, but certainly not least, comes laminated security glass. This is a special type of security glass that consists of an impact-resistant thermoplastic interlayer sandwiched between two layers of strong glass.

Security glass laminates are becoming increasingly popular with coastal residents (especially in Florida) and residents of other Southeastern states because they look and feel like regular windows, but provide a high level of storm damage protection.

In some storms, the security glass may be a strong enough barrier to mitigate all damage. Even if a piece of storm debris does crack the glass, it can retain its shape and strength to keep protecting your home.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about how to protect windows without plywood, we hope you have an idea of what alternatives appeal to you.

It’s important to remember that not all storm damage mitigation barriers provide the same strength. But, with the right products and materials (or combination of products and materials), you’re sure to find a solution that suits you and your property.

We are authorized dealers of Riot Glass Window Security Laminates as well as Riot Glass™ Laminated Security Glass. Contact us today or have your local glass contractor give us a call to discuss the products that would be best for retrofitting onto your home or business.

Jan 13 2021
0

How to Protect Sliding Glass Doors in a Hurricane

By | Blog

During a storm or hurricane, your window glass is the most vulnerable part of your home or business. This is even more true for sliding glass doors because of their size and prominent placement.

So, what can you do to keep sliding glass doors intact during a hurricane and prevent storm damage to your property?

How to Protect Sliding Glass Doors in a Hurricane

Hurricane Protection for Sliding Glass Doors: What Options Are There?

When it comes to protecting sliding glass doors during a storm, there are a few different solutions available.

Three reliable and durable types of sliding glass door hurricane mitigation barriers that you can use are:

  1. Plywood Boards
  2. Storm Panels and Hurricane Shutters
  3. Riot Glass™ Laminated Security Glass

Boarding up Sliding Glass Doors

When you think of hurricane protection for glass, images of plywood board ups or emergency boarding probably come to your mind right away.

Closed or failed business location with boarded up front doors. Concept of economic crisis with many closed restaurants due to coronavirus.

Boarding up sliding glass doors is a strategy that you can use to protect the glass before a storm or after it has already been broken to prevent further storm damage.

The goal of covering glass with plywood is to protect the glass against wind damage and impacts from flying storm debris.

If the glass is already broken, plywood boards can help keep water out of your home or business. This prevents further, even more expensive, damage to your property.

Pros of boarding up sliding glass doors:

  • Affordable
  • Creates a strong, durable barrier to storm damage
  • Prevents glass from shattering

Cons of emergency boarding:

  • Labor-intensive
  • Boards require lots of storage space
  • Unnattractive
  • Blocks out natural light
  • Can’t see through boards at all

Using Storm Panels, Accordion Shutters, or Roll-Down Shutters

Storm panels and hurricane shutters are products specifically designed to protect window glass, including sliding glass doors, from hurricanes and storm damage.

Image via https://shuttersbyempire.com/

You can think of storm panels as the commercial alternative to plywood boards. These are corrugated metal or plastic sheets that you attach over your glass doors and windows to protect against wind damage and flying storm debris.

Like plywood boards, storm panels aren’t really a practical permanent solution for protecting sliding glass doors against hurricanes. That’s why many people opt for accordion-style or roll-down hurricane shutters.

Accordion shutters are attached to the side of your home next to a sliding glass door. When a storm is brewing, you manually slide them into place over the glass to protect it.

Image via https://www.windowzinc.com/

Roll-down shutters work in a similar way, but are mounted above the glass. You can lower them into place either with a hand crank or with the push of a button (for varieties with an electronic mechanism).

Pros of storm panels and hurricane shutters for sliding glass doors:

  • More aesthetically pleasing than boards
  • Hurricane shutters provide a permanent solution
  • Many different styles to choose from
  • Clear storm panels are available
  • Shutters are easy to put in place and remove

Cons of storm panels, accordion shutters, and roll-down shutters:

  • Storm panels are not a good permanent solution
  • Storm panels require storage space when not in use
  • Hurricane shutters are a more expensive option
  • Limit natural light and visibility
  • Shutter housings can look bulky and out of place
  • Mechanical parts may require repair or replacement over time

Retrofitting Sliding Glass Doors with Riot Glass™

An increasingly popular method of reinforcing sliding glass doors and windows is to retrofit them with a special type of laminated security glass. Our proprietary line of this type of glass is called Riot Glass™.

Riot Glass™ consists of a thermoplastic interlayer bonded between two outer layers of glass. Its unique composition and the high strength of the materials we use makes it up to five times stronger and 100 times stiffer than other brands of security glass on the market.

It’s high level of impact resistance means that Riot Glass™ can be used to reinforce your sliding glass doors and make them resistant to hurricanes and storm damage.

In many cases, the glass laminate panels are strong enough to withstand multiple impacts from flying storm debris. Riot Glass™ is available in 1/4”-1”thicknesses, so you can choose the option that best suits your property, your security needs, and your budget.

Even if a high-velocity impact does crack the glass, the laminate can retain its shape and strength to continue protecting your property. This greatly reduces the risk of injury due to flying glass shards and limits further damage from water or storm debris.

Benefits of Riot Glass™ for sliding glass door hurricane protection:

  • Can be retrofitted into existing framing
  • Extremely impact resistant
  • Completely clear (doesn’t block natural light or reduce visibility)
  • Provides 24/7 glass protection
  • Very cost-effective
  • Can be used along with other barriers
  • Available in tinted, mirrored, colored, and low-emissivity varieties
  • Protects against other threats (i.e. forced entry and burglary)

Are there any disadvantages of using laminated security glass for hurricane mitigation?

  • Can still be broken by strong enough impacts (won’t shatter dangerously inwards)

Is There Such a Thing as Hurricane Proof Sliding Glass Doors?

The Truth About Hurricane Impact Sliding Glass Doors

The reality is, we can’t say that anything is 100% “hurricane proof.” Anyone who claims that their products are going to make your home completely immune to storm damage is misleading you.

Even plywood boards and hurricane shutters can fail to protect your sliding glass doors under extreme conditions. If this happens, the exposed glass can break apart extremely easily and leave your property even more vulnerable to expensive damage.

That’s why we recommend reinforcing all your glass, including sliding glass doors, windows, and storefronts, with Riot Glass™. This formidable security glass provides affordable, round-the-clock protection from hurricanes and other threats.

There’s no one-size-fits all solution to the threat of hurricanes and other extreme weather events, but with the right combination of mitigation barriers in place you can feel more secure.

Contact Riot Glass™ today or have your local glass contractor give us a call to discuss the best storm damage mitigation retrofit for your sliding glass doors.

Dec 26 2020
26

Hurricane Window Protection: What Options Do You Have?

By | Blog, Storm Protection

If you live in a region that’s prone to hurricanes and other types of tropical storms, such as Florida or another area of the Southeastern United States, you definitely need some type of hurricane protection for windows and doors.

Hurricane window protection products not only protect your property from expensive damage but also keep you and anyone else inside safe during a storm. This layer of physical protection is absolutely essential to prevent potentially devastating financial losses and injuries.

 

Why Do You Need Hurricane Protection For Windows and Doors?

The Importance of Choosing the Right Hurricane Window Protectors

At some point, you’ve probably seen how much damage a flying pebble or a stray golf ball can do to a window or a sliding glass door. Now try to picture what would happen if the same object was hurled at the glass by hurricane-force winds — not pretty, right?

Fact: even category 1 hurricanes can have sustained winds with speeds up to 95 mph. Category 5 hurricanes can have winds with speeds of more than 155 mph!

Not only does storm debris have the potential to cause damage that’s expensive to clean up and repair, but shattered glass can fly dangerously inwards and potentially cause serious injuries to those inside.

Besides that, a broken door or window allows water into your home during a storm, which can lead to flooding that’s even more of a hassle (and costs more) to clean up.

In short, your glass doors and windows are extremely vulnerable during a hurricane or another type of strong windstorm. 

You might be hesitant to make hurricane improvements to your home or business, but trust us when we say that you’ll be happy you did so when your property gets caught in the midst of a ferocious storm. 

In addition to saving you money on glass replacement and storm damage cleanup, hurricane protection improvements can also save you money on your insurance premiums. 

For example, in Miami-Dade County, adding modern hurricane protection to an older home can save you thousands of dollars a year with some insurers.

Top reasons to make hurricane protection improvements to your property:

  • Avoid broken glass doors and windows that require glass replacement
  • Prevent injury due to flying shards of glass
  • Keep water out of your home or business during a storm
  • Save money on annual insurance premiums

 

How to Protect Windows During Hurricanes

A Closer Look At Your Hurricane Window Protection Options

Luckily, there are a variety of storm window protection methods and products available for you to choose from, so you can find something that suits your goals and budget. However, not all methods are equal in terms of their aesthetics and the level of security they provide.

When it comes to choosing the best solution for your property, it’s important to consider the method’s convenience, its strength, and how the product will affect the curb appeal of your home or business.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common, affordable, and effective options available to you when it comes to fortifying your property against storm damage:

  1. Plywood Boards
  2. Hurricane Fabric
  3. Storm Panels
  4. Hurricane Shutters
  5. Laminated Security Glass

Plywood Boards

Boarding up windows and doors is a popular way to protect properties during storms because it’s relatively cheap, but very effective at protecting glass from storm damage. However, it does have its disadvantages.

For starters, this is a very labor-intensive hurricane protection strategy because it requires you to measure and cut pieces of plywood ahead of time to fit over all your window and door glass.

When it comes time to board up your home or business, you’ll need some help nailing or screwing the boards into place. 

The boards also block out natural light, cut off your visibility, and leave your property looking very uninviting. This can especially be a problem if you’re a business owner and you want to be prepared for a pending hurricane, but remain open until when/if the storm actually hits the area.

When there’s no storm coming, you’ll have to keep all those plywood boards in storage somewhere until you actually need to use them. This can take up a lot of space and leave an unsightly pile of boards somewhere on your property.

All that being said, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind doing the labor and storing the boards, plywood can be a very cost-effective choice for protecting your property from storm damage in a pinch.

Pros of board-ups:

  • Creates a strong, durable barrier
  • Deflects storm debris and keeps glass intact
  • Very affordable

Cons of board-ups:

  • Labor intensive
  • Requires lots of storage space
  • Blocks out natural light
  • Visually unappealing

 

Hurricane Fabric

Hurricane fabric is a special type of product on the market that’s basically a piece of trampoline-like fabric you stretch over your windows to deflect flying storm debris.

This type of fabric is a preferred method of storm window protection for some people because it is easy to install and take down. It also doesn’t take up nearly as much storage space as plywood boards do. 

Another plus of hurricane fabric is that it still allows some natural light to filter through your windows.

However, hurricane fabric is definitely not as strong as boards and other types of hurricane protection products and high-velocity storm debris can still potentially tear through it. There’s also the risk that debris that bounces off of the fabric damages other nearby property.

Pros of hurricane fabric:

  • Easy to use
  • Takes up very little storage space
  • Allows some natural light in

Cons of hurricane fabric:

  • Weaker than other materials
  • Deflected debris can damage other property in the area

 

Storm Panels

Think of storm panels as the commercial alternative to plywood boards. These types of panels are typically made of corrugated metal or plastic sheets that are cut to fit over your glass doors and windows.

As with boards, these panels are fixed to the side of a building and stay there to protect your glass until you’re ready to take them down. The corrugated design and materials used in their construction make storm panels very strong and effective at preventing storm damage.

Storm panels do share some of the same disadvantages as plywood boards, though. Mainly that you’ll have to find a place to store them when you’re not using them, they require a bit of labor to install, and they aren’t very attractive.

Metal storm panels also block out your natural light and leave you without any visibility through your windows. However, there are clear storm panels available that still allow some light into your home or business and let you see a bit outside.

If you decide to use storm panels to protect your property from storm damage, you have the option of leaving them up all hurricane season. If you choose to do so, you might want to go with clear panels which are more aesthetically pleasing than their metal counterparts.

Pros of storm panels:

  • Very strong
  • Custom-cut to fit over your glass
  • Can be left up all storm season

Cons of storm panels:

  • Unattractive
  • Require storage space
  • Need to be installed before a storm

 

Hurricane Shutters

There are a wide variety of hurricane shutters available on the market. Out of the more traditional hurricane window protection options, shutters are the most practical and visually appealing, but also the most expensive.

The main types of hurricane shutters are:

  • Roll-down hurricane shutters
  • Colonial-style louvered shutters
  • Bermuda shutters or Bahama shutters
  • Accordion shutters

 

Roll-down shutters roll up into a metal box that’s permanently fixed above your windows. When it’s time to prepare for a storm, you lower the metal shutters into place using a hand crank or by pressing a button for electronic varieties.

Colonial-style shutters consist of two louvered shutter panels that are attached to the wall beside a window. You just fold them in towards each other over the window to protect the glass.

Bermuda or Bahama shutters are one-piece louvered panels that attach above each window and prop open using a bar or rod. They’re similar in style to Colonial shutters, but provide the added benefit of shade when they’re propped up above your windows.

Accordion shutters are attached to the side of a glass door or window and have to be unrolled horizontally to cover the glass, which is done by hand. These types of shutters can be a good option for protecting sliding glass doors.

Pros of shutters:

  • Wide variety of styles to choose from
  • Offer stylish and effective hurricane protection
  • One-time installation
  • Easy to use

Cons of shutters:

  • More expensive than other hurricane window protectors
  • Need to be professionally installed ahead of time
  • Block out light and limit visibility
  • Must be lowered into place manually

 

Laminated Security Glass

The final option we want to tell you about is something you may not have heard of before, but we think it’s an option you’ll like: laminated security glass. This is a special type of glass laminate that consists of a thermoplastic interlayer sandwiched between two sheets of glass

We offer our Riot Glass™ line of laminated security glass for hurricane protection. This glass laminate looks and feels just like regular window glass, but the thermoplastic interlayer is very effective at dispersing the force of high-velocity impacts and preventing breakage. 

Your window glass is protected against hurricanes and other threats 24/7, without sacrificing your views, your natural light, or the curb appeal of your property. 

If Riot Glass™ does get impacted hard enough to shatter, it can retain its shape and strength to keep storm debris and water out of your property.

You don’t have to worry about boarding up your windows or lowering coverings into place before a storm, though you may choose to use laminated security glass along with other hurricane mitigation products for even more protection.


The best part is, Riot Glass™ can be retrofitted right into or onto your existing framing, eliminating the need for complete glass replacement. This makes it a more cost-effective hurricane window protection option than other types of security glass on the market.

 

Final Thoughts on Hurricane Protection for Windows and Doors

Choose Your Hurricane Window Protection Products Carefully

As with all types of glass security, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to protecting your glass from storm damage. 

It’s important to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the options available to you and consider the threat level to your property to help you choose the right solution for your glass doors and windows.

Contact Riot Glass, Inc today for more information about how we can help you protect your home or business from hurricane and storm damage. 

You can also have a local glass company call us to discuss which product would be best suited to be retrofitted into your existing framing systems.

We are authorized dealers of Riot Glass Window Security Laminates as well as Riot Glass™ Laminated Security Glass. Contact us today or have your local glass contractor give us a call to discuss the products that would be best for retrofitting onto your home or business.

Dec 08 2020
1

How to Protect a Home From Rioters

By | Blog

When we think of civil unrest, images of downtown businesses and commercial buildings with smashed windows are usually the first things that come to mind.

However, the reality is that commercial facilities are not the only properties affected by things like rioting and looting when a populated urban area becomes a flashpoint for civil unrest.

Many commercial areas are just a block or two away from residential streets, meaning that homeowners often have to worry about peaceful protests turning violent as well.

If you feel like your home isn’t secure enough to protect you, your loved ones, and your belongings in the event of destructive rioting, you’re not alone. Keep reading to find out how you can fortify and protect your property from rioters.

Click Here To Request a Quote or Callback

Preparing for Civil Unrest: Our Top Tips for Homeowners

Securing your home against rioters (and other types of criminals, for that matter) is all about creating layers of security.

There is no single technique that will make your property riot-proof, but there are many techniques that you can use together to prepare for civil unrest. Follow these tips to make your home less of a target and improve its overall security against a variety of threats.

Start with Rioter Deterrents:

  • Security lighting
  • Security cameras
  • Monitored alarm systems

People with criminal intent are less likely to target brightly lit properties where it’s harder for them to conceal their activities. Install bright exterior lighting to illuminate your main windows and doors, as well as motion-sensing security lights in strategic areas like walkways around the back and sides of your home.

Criminals are also less inclined to vandalize or loot a home equipped with visible security cameras, which can record their faces and lead to their arrest. Set up prominent security cameras aimed at vulnerable entry points like doors and ground-floor windows to help deter would-be intruders and vandals.

Click Here To Request a Quote or Callback

Finally, every layered home security system should include a monitored alarm system. These alarm systems automatically notify the authorities if your property becomes the target of an attack. Put decals advertising your monitored alarm system up on your windows and doors to help deter criminals.

For bonus points, employ an alarm system that makes a loud audible sound when your home is tampered with. Loud sounds that draw attention to an individual’s criminal activities are another way to discourage rioters from targeting your property.

Add Physical Barriers to Rioters:

  • Natural barriers
  • Fences
  • Riot Glass™

One way to add a first layer of physical defense to your home is to use landscaping to your advantage.

For example, plant thorny bushes or thick hedges in strategic locations to prevent trespassers from coming onto your property. A dense bamboo hedge with prickly shrubs planted underneath it can be just as effective as a barbed wire fence, while still maintaining your home’s beautiful appearance.

Another great option for securing the perimeter of your home is to build a sturdy fence with gates that lock from the inside. Build the fence around your whole yard and make sure to install heavy-duty locks on the gates to keep trespassing rioters from gaining easy access to your yard.

No matter how well-designed and strong your property’s physical barriers are, there always remains one highly vulnerable point of entry: window glass. That’s where Riot Glass™ comes in.

Riot Glass™ is our proprietary line of laminated security glass that is specifically designed to withstand high-force impacts and protect homes and businesses against forced entry and other threats. It can be retrofitted right on top of your existing window glass to create a formidable security barrier, at a fraction of the cost of window replacement.

Other Ways to Prepare for Civil Unrest:

  • Lock up expensive cars and other items out of sight (inside your garage or home)
  • Keep an eye on the news for information about protests and their paths
  • Communicate with your neighbors (let them know if there may be protesters in the area)
  • Place “no loitering” or “no trespassing” signs on your property

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Why Is Riot Glass™ the Best Choice for Civil Unrest Preparedness?

A home’s defenses are only as strong as their weakest point. This is why it’s incredibly important not to overlook fortifying your window and door glass when you’re making security upgrades to your property.

  • More cost-effective than anything else on the market
  • Ultimate line of fenestration security products
  • Highly adaptable to fit any property
  • Virtually invisible (maintains your home’s curb appeal)

We designed Riot Glass™ with the unique security needs of the homeowners and business owners who we deal with every day in mind. We saw a gap in the market for an affordable, effective product to provide permanent glass protection against a full range of threats, including rioting and looting.

Riot Glass™ is a full line of security glass that’s available with different security ratings to protect against everything from thrown rocks and bricks all the way up to bullets. Whatever level of security you feel like your home needs, there’s a Riot Glass™ product that can hold your existing window glass in place to keep you and your loved ones safe inside.

Because every property is different, we made sure that our security glass laminates are built to be highly adaptable. In many cases, we can retrofit the panels into or onto your existing framing, so there’s no need for your home to undergo a major renovation or remodel.

Another big concern of homeowners when they’re considering security upgrades is how these upgrades will affect the appearance of their properties — property owners don’t want to look fortified, but they want to BE fortified.

Riot Glass™ panels look and feel almost exactly like traditional window glass, so you don’t have to worry about your home’s glass looking out of place. This also makes security glass a much better window security solution than other options like unsightly bars or metal shutters.

Contact our team of security professionals today for more information about how we can help you protect your home during civil unrest.

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Dec 08 2020
4

Bulletproof Windows for Homes. What Are Your Options?

By | Blog

When you think of bulletproof windows you might think of them as something reserved for protecting celebrities and high level government officials. However, many regular homeowners are interested in installing bullet resistant windows to provide their homes with a high level of security against everything from storm damage to forced entry.

Before we continue, it’s important to note that there is no such thing as glass that is truly bulletproof, but there are bullet resistant materials that can be used to fortify windows against ballistic attacks and other high-force impacts.

Depending on the exact composition of the bullet resistant window and its thickness, these materials are capable of stopping a certain number of bullets of specific calibers, fired from different firearms at different velocities.

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Best Bullet Resistant Materials for Reinforcing Your Home’s Windows

When we talk about “bulletproof” home windows, what we are typically referring to is windows reinforced with glass-like panels composed of acrylic, polycarbonate, or a combination of the two. These materials can be used to build ballistic windows that satisfy various UL 752 requirements for bullet resistant materials.

Should You Use Bullet Resistant Acrylic, Polycarbonate, or Both?

Acrylic, more commonly known as plexiglass, is one of the most common materials used to create ballistic windows for homes. It weighs much less than glass and can obtain a UL 752 Level 2 rating at a thickness of about 1.25 inches.

Pros of Acrylic:

  • Easy to cut and work with
  • Crystal clear
  • Highly resistant to UV rays, weathering, and marring

Cons of Acrylic:

  • Must be very thick to achieve UL 752 ratings

Polycarbonate weighs even less than acrylic and is even more effective at diffusing impacts. The thermoplastic polymers are tough enough that a 1.25-inch polycarbonate sheet can receive a UL 752 Level 3 rating.

Pros of Polycarbonate:

  • Easy to work with
  • Very lightweight
  • Can achieve UL 752 ratings at thicknesses under 1 inch

Cons of Polycarbonate:

  • Requires ample frame clearances for expansion and contraction
  • Prone to marring over time if not cleaned carefully

As you can see, both acrylic and polycarbonate have their pros and cons. Acrylic is a good choice for homes because it holds up very well to weathering and UV exposure, but in order for it to be bullet resistant it has to be much thicker than standard window glass.

On the other hand, polycarbonate can achieve bullet resistance at much lower thicknesses, but it’s appearance can degrade more easily than acrylic. This means that neither acrylic or polycarbonate on their own are the best choice for bullet-proofing home windows.

In fact, the best choice for making windows bullet resistant is to use a combination of the two materials in order to take advantage of both of their strengths and compensate for their respective weaknesses.

Spoiler alert: we have a solution for you.

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ArmorPlast™: the Best Ballistic Grade Window Option on the Market

What Is ArmorPlast™?

ArmorPlast™ is our patented line of polycarbonate and acrylic sheets. We offer these sheets in a full range of options to meet different security needs; from 0.25-inch non-ballistic, containment grade acrylic panels (AP25™) to 1.25-inch ballistic grade polycarbonate and acrylic laminate sheets (AP125MS™) that satisfy the UL 752 Level 6 rating.

Our ballistic grade ArmorPlast™ products are composed of polycarbonate, acrylic, and other plastics layered together in sheets that resist spalling and white-out after repeated high force and ballistic impacts. The acrylic layer is further protected behind an outer layer of abrasion-resistant (AR) polycarbonate. The AR hard coat resists marring, yellowing, hazing, and is easy to clean.

Why Use ArmorPlast™ in Your Home?

If you’re here, you’re interested in improving your home’s security, specifically by reinforcing vulnerable window glass.

Well, ArmorPlast™ can satisfy and exceed all your residential glass security requirements. Regardless of whether you’re actually concerned about protecting your home against ballistic attacks, ballistic grade windows provide unsurpassable security against a full range of threats.

ArmorPlast™ panels are virtually unbreakable, so they can stop would-be intruders dead in their tracks, protect your home and belongings against storm damage, and even keep your windows intact during an earthquake.

All this protection comes without you having to compromise on appearance. ArmorPlast™ panels are crystal clear and won’t compromise your views or damage the curb appeal of your property.

Additionally, ArmorPlast™ can be retrofitted right on top of your existing glass, so it’s much more cost-effective than undergoing a complete window replacement project.

Top Reasons to Install Ballistic Grade Polycarbonate and Acrylic Panels:

  • Provides the highest level of residential glass security
  • Protects against storm damage, forced entry, and active shooters
  • Virtually unbreakable, even after repeated high-force impacts
  • Clear and resistant to yellowing, marring, and hazing
  • Can be retrofitted into your existing windows

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Are There Any Other Benefits of Bullet Resistant Windows?

We can apply additional coatings to all of our ballistic grade panels to change their appearance, add privacy, increase UV blocking, reduce glare, and more. For example, we can apply a reflective window film to create a two-way mirror effect for increased daytime privacy and block out the sun’s harmful UV rays that cause fading on your home’s furnishings.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s security with bullet resistant windows, the first step is to conduct a threat assessment. During this threat assessment, a security expert will thoroughly inspect your property, evaluate your current security measures, look for vulnerabilities, and make recommendations about upgrades, including ballistic glass materials and placements.

Final Words

Though there is no way to create 100% bulletproof home windows, we hope that after reading this article you’ve gained a better understanding of the ways you can use certain materials like acrylic and polycarbonate to reinforce your home’s windows and improve its overall security.

Our team of fenestration security experts is always happy to discuss your security concerns, goals, and budget to help you come up with the best solution for your home, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.

Contact Riot Glass™ today for more information about ArmorPlast™ or to schedule a threat assessment for you and your property.

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Dec 01 2020
0

Tips from a Contractor Specializing in Security Glass

By | Blog

In our line of business we deal with clients who have many different types of security needs — from homeowners who want to protect their windows from storm damage and accidental breaks to commercial clients looking to beef up their facility’s security to prevent forced entry and burglary.

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We understand that there is no one-size-fits all approach to security and it can be hard to know exactly what to invest your time and money in when it comes to reinforcing your doors and windows.

That’s why we’ve put together this article to share some of our best tips on deciding how to improve your property’s safety and security when it comes to vulnerable glass doors and windows.

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Affordable and Effective Door and Window Security Tips

Reinforce Glass with Window Film to Improve Safety

Safety and security window film consists of a pliable polyester Mylar coating that gets applied on the inside surfaces of your existing window glass. This film adds a protective barrier to glass doors and windows that holds broken shards of glass in place instead of letting them shatter inwards upon impact.

Window film is a very affordable way to improve glass safety and security in your home or business. Though it won’t stop a determined burglar from breaking in, it can delay and deter forced entry, causing would-be intruders to move on to find an easier target.

Window film is also an effective way to protect your property during windstorms, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other extreme weather.

A standard window can break and shatter dangerously inwards during such events, but window film holds the shards of glass intact and prevents them from flying towards anyone inside the building, reducing the chance of injury.

We recommend our Riot Glass Window Security Laminates to commercial and residential clients looking for a basic and affordable glass security upgrade for their properties.

Secure Sliding Glass Doors and Windows

Many types of sliding glass doors and windows have very basic locking systems, which makes them easy to tamper with.

Whether you’re concerned about small children crawling out of high windows or burglars coming in through a back door, it’s important not to overlook the locking mechanisms of your sliding doors and windows.

Fortunately, this is something that’s relatively easy to fix without having to replace the windows and doors themselves. Purchase and install additional locks, such as deadbolts and window pins, to keep your windows and doors securely closed when you’re not around.

Though better locks are a definite improvement, we always recommend that our clients reinforce the glass itself with some type of security glass product as well. This is because it’s very easy for a child or pet to crack the glass by accidentally running into it, or for an intruder to smash through a weak pane of glass and unlock the door or window from the inside.

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Protect Against Forced Entry with Laminated Security Glass

When you really want to improve the safety and security of your home or business in a big way, we highly recommend a laminated security glass retrofit.

Laminated security glass consists of a robust thermoplastic interlayer laminated between two sheets of heavy window glass. It looks and feels just like normal glass, but creates a formidable barrier to protect against forced entry, storm damage, and even ballistic attacks and bomb blasts.

These laminate panels hold glass doors and windows firmly in place after multiple impacts. In terms of protecting against forced entry, laminated glass can delay entry long enough for the criminals to think twice or get caught, or even deny entry all together (this depends on the specific thickness and composition of the glass).

We offer our full line of Riot Glass™ laminated security glass, which is up to 100 times stiffer and five times stronger than traditional interlayer safety glass. Riot Glass™ can also be retrofitted right into your existing framing systems to avoid the cost of complete window replacement, making it a very cost-effective glass reinforcement solution.

Install Polycarbonate Panels for the Highest Level of Security

In instances where window film or laminated security glass aren’t enough, we recommend non-glass, polycarbonate panels. These glass-like panels are made from a combination of polycarbonate, acrylics, and other plastics, which gives them a level of strength and durability unattainable by normal glass.

Who needs so much security? Well, our ArmorPlast™ line of polycarbonate panels and framing has been put to use in many types of high-security commercial properties including government buildings, correctional facilities, schools, religious buildings, specialty retailers, financial institutions, corporate offices, and more.

Containment grade and ballistic grade glass-like products aren’t just for protecting against ballistic attacks, they also provide the strongest barrier against burglary, vandalism, and looting. This is why our ArmorPlast™ line is so popular among luxury retailers, office building owners, and other commercial clients looking to prevent expensive damage and theft.

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Don’t Overlook the Other Benefits of Security Glass Products

Besides the physical security upgrades they provide, products like window film and laminated glass can offer a range of other benefits as well. In addition to clear versions, these types of products are also available in tinted, colored, and mirrored varieties.

You can use these colored varieties to increase privacy, give your property a new look, reduce heat and glare from the sun, and even block out up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays that cause fading. These are all things to consider when you’re deciding what type of security glass will be the most beneficial for your home or business.

Weigh Threat Assessment Against Budget to Decide

Ultimately, deciding how to improve your property’s security comes down to two factors: the perceived threat level and your budget.

We recommend starting with a professional threat assessment to receive recommendations about how to improve your security and help you determine the best solutions to suit your unique needs and budget.

Contact Riot Glass™ today to learn more about our security glass products or to schedule a threat assessment.

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Nov 27 2020
0

Protecting Glass From Looters, Vandals, and Burglars

By | Blog

The damage and loss of merchandise resulting from looting, vandalism, and burglary can significantly hurt a business of any size. That’s why it’s so important to take proactive measures to protect your glass and secure your business against these types of unpredictable acts.

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How Can You Protect Your Glass to Save Your Business?

Traditional Glass Protection Measures

Standard window glass and even tempered safety glass are incredibly easy to shatter, meaning that your glass doors and windows are all vulnerable potential entry points for would-be vandals, looters, and burglars.

Traditional methods of protecting businesses in the face of rioting or against burglary include boarding up windows and doors, installing bars and gates, and using roll-down shutters. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of these common glass security solutions.

Common ways to protect business glass:

  • Nail or screw plywood sheets over windows and doors
  • Permanently mount window bars and hinged gates
  • Install roll-down metal shutters

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Boarding

Using plywood sheets to cover up vulnerable windows and doors is a pretty cost-effective way to protect your business or commercial facility against vandalism and looting during instances of rioting and civil unrest.

Another benefit of using this method to protect your commercial glass is that you can simply remove the boards when the unrest has subsided and your business will look just like it did previously. However, there are some disadvantages to relying on boards to secure your property.

Boarding up your building is something that you’ll usually find yourself doing at the last moment as an unexpected moment of unrest is already underway, which isn’t an ideal situation. Plywood sheets are also not the most secure option, as they can be pulled down or burned by determined individuals trying to gain entry to your business.

Bars and Gates

Permanent window bars and gates are an effective way to keep would-be intruders out of your property. Though they can indeed prevent burglary and smash-and-grab theft, they don’t always fully protect your glass.

Some types of bars and gates have enough space between them that vandals may still be able to break the glass behind them. This results in expensive clean-up and window replacement.

Bars and gates also tend to be unattractive and are thus not always a practical security option when you want to maintain a certain level of curb appeal for your property. For instance, retail stores with large glass storefronts are not ideal candidates for this type of glass protection.

Roll-Down Shutters

Roll-down shutters offer a good level of security for your commercial windows because, when mounted on the exterior, completely cover the glass and protect it against breakage. They’re also a better long-term security solution than boarding up windows and doors and don’t detract too much from your business’s appearance when they’re rolled up.

Unfortunately, determined looters and burglars may still be able to pry open some types of roll-down shutters to break into your property. There’s also always the risk that you or an employee of yours forgets to properly secure the shutters, rendering them useless.

Reinforcing Glass Against Looting, Vandalism, and Burglary with Riot Glass

When you’re looking for a high level of glass security and want a permanent solution that won’t affect the appearance of your property, Riot Glass is an affordable, effective option that’s available to you.

Riot Glass Is:

  • A clear shield mounted in security framing
  • Designed to be retrofitted into or onto existing windows
  • Built to thwart forced entry and keep existing glass intact
  • Virtually invisible
  • Available in different security ratings to suit your needs

Throughout our years in the glass security industry, we’ve received countless calls from business and property owners who’ve had their glass smashed and their property looted and damaged.

It was after one such call from a business owner who’d just had his storefront broken and his store looted that we decided we needed to create a reliable, affordable solution for property owners to permanently protect all their glass doors and windows against attacks.

After closely analyzing the available security options, like those mentioned earlier in this article, we decided that our solution needed to be completely adaptable to the needs of every type of property out there. We also wanted to make sure that our clients wouldn’t have to sacrifice the curb appeal of their property in the name of security.

After much research, development, and testing, we created our patented line of Riot Glass products to satisfy these requirements. We like to call it the “ultimate line of fenestration security products.”

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How Does Riot Glass Protect Glass from Looters, Vandals, and Burglars?

Our Riot Glass panels are designed to be retrofitted right on top of your existing glass and can fit into many types of standard framing. The panels are built to take a serious beating to keep your existing glass doors and windows intact when would-be intruders are attempting to break into your property.

Riot Glass won’t shatter and break inwards when faced with break-in attempts using common burglary tools like hammers, crowbars, and other heavy hand tools. That means that a vandal or a looter won’t be able to break your glass storefront by throwing a brick or a rock, either.

Will Riot Glass Change the Appearance of Your Property?

Whereas traditional methods of protecting your glass against break-ins and vandalism detract from the appearance of your property, Riot Glass looks and feels just like traditional window glass. The framing and mounting hardware is all sleek and low-profile, so nothing will look different about your glass doors and windows to the untrained eye.

Final Words

No property owner should have to worry about repairing their storefront or losing valuable merchandise and equipment due to vandalism, looting, or burglary. You also shouldn’t have to rely on last-minute board-ups or unsightly permanent solutions to mitigate these concerns.

For the best balance between security and appearance, choose Riot Glass. We care about our clients and always place your security needs above everything else. Contact our security experts today for a consultation.

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Nov 27 2020
0

Tips on Bullet Proofing a Commercial Building

By | Blog


Many types of commercial buildings can benefit from implementing bullet resistant security measures to protect against gun crime and active shootings. Corporate offices, government facilities, schools, and retail stores are just a few examples.

Before reading any further, it’s important that we make it clear that there is no way to make a building truly 100% bulletproof, and there is no such thing as 100% bulletproof glass.

That being said, there are materials that are bullet-resistant that can be used to greatly improve the security of any commercial facility — not only against ballistic attacks, but also from other common threats like burglary, smash-and-grab theft, and civil unrest (i.e. rioting and looting).

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How to Improve a Commercial Building’s Bullet Resistance and Security

Using Bullet Resistant Glass Products to Improve Overall Safety

Conduct a Threat Assessment

An on-site threat assessment is always the first step to take towards improving your commercial facility’s security to protect against ballistic attacks and other threats. During such an assessment, a professional security consultant will conduct a walk-through of your property as well as discuss your specific concerns with you.

This on-site assessment allows an expert to inspect any existing security measures you have in place, identify gaps and vulnerabilities in your building’s current system, and make recommendations for implementing an overall plan to strengthen your facility’s defenses.

The security expert’s threat assessment will typically include recommendations on bullet resistant glass placement and some suggestions, with your feedback, on what ballistic ratings you should consider for the location of each ballistic barrier.

Key goals of a threat assessment:

  • Evaluate threats and vulnerabilities
  • Determine the best solutions for your business
  • Make recommendations on glass types and placement

Understand Ballistic Glass Ratings

Bullet resistant glass comes in a range of ballistic ratings, meaning that different types of security glass (and glass-like products like polycarbonate and acrylic panels) are designed to withstand different numbers of impacts from different calibers of bullets.

For example, our ArmorPlast 75 ballistic grade polycarbonate sheet meets the UL 752 Level 1 rating for 9mm ballistic attacks. Our highest level of bullet resistant polycarbonate, the ArmorPlast 125MS, has a UL 752 Level 6 rating, which means it can hold up to a high-velocity, multi-round 9mm attack (e.g. from an Uzi submachine gun).

Different types of commercial buildings face other threats, so it’s essential to consider the ballistic ratings to choose the best security glass products for your needs. For instance, an office building might be a good candidate for materials with a UL 752 ballistic rating of Levels 1-3, whereas a high-security government facility might require something of Level 4,5, or higher.

Discuss Your Options with Stakeholders

If you’re the sole business owner or property owner, then it’s just up to you to select the reinforcement options that make the most sense to you. However, in many cases, there are other stakeholders, such as a whole C-suite team, building owners, security personnel, and more.

Before you go ahead and implement new safety measures to make your commercial facility more bullet-resistant, ensure that every stakeholder has had a chance to review the threat assessment and discuss the recommendations.

Getting everyone on board with your decisions will not only help ensure that you have the funding you need to implement effective security upgrades, but also that you’re opting for solutions that will work for everyone in the building.

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Install Bullet Resistant Glass and Other Components

After you’ve settled on the upgrades that you’re going to make to your building, it’s time to actually install the components of your new system. In order for your new system to be safe and effective, it’s very important to work with a contractor who specializes in security.

Things to look for in a contractor:

  • Proven track record in glass security
  • Conducts threat assessments (or works with outside consultants)
  • Variety of solutions available
  • Ability to retrofit

Many types of security glass products can be retrofitted onto your existing glass, so your building doesn’t have to undergo an expensive and disruptive glass replacement project. This is the most cost-effective way to reinforce your glass doors and windows.

For example, Riot Glass products can be over-glazed (mounted outside) or back-glazed (mounted inside). Our products are designed to be highly adaptable to the wide variety of framing materials and glass configurations in commercial architecture.

Besides reinforcing your glass, other components you might install include security framing around windows and doors, access control systems, and pass-through windows, trays, or drawers at customer transaction points, and reinforced counters and walls.

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Communicate to Employees and Building Occupants About Changes

Installing new bullet-resistant glass and implementing other security upgrades can raise questions among employees and building occupants about why it’s being done. Make sure to clearly communicate the reasons behind the changes to everyone affected by them.

Tips for communication:

  • Have someone from human resources handle employee communications
  • Work with your corporate team and security personnel to craft communications
  • Make it clear that the changes are proactive and not due to a specific threat
  • Explain that your goal is to improve the overall safety and security of the building
  • Position the project as an investment in your business and its people

Besides physical protection, making a facility more secure should also bring peace of mind. That applies not just to you and stakeholders, but to everyone who comes to work in the building as well, so don’t overlook communication before, during, and after your project.

Ready to Make Your Commercial Facility Bullet Resistant?

Choose Riot Glass for All Your Ballistic Glass Needs

We are a leading manufacturer of security glass products and experts in the installation of ballistic rated glass door and window systems. Our founder has been in the security business for more than 30 years and cares deeply about each and every one of our clients’ safety and well-being.

Contact Riot Glass today to schedule a threat assessment or to learn more about our line of fenestration security products.

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Oct 30 2020
1
armorplast 25 glass protection

How Can ArmorPlast 25 Offer Glass Protection and Guard Against Forced Entry?

By | Blog

Many of our clients are looking for glass protection that offers more impact resistance and forced entry protection than window film or laminated glass can provide. One of the most popular products that we recommend to these clients is ArmorPlast 25.

Keep reading to find out more about how this highly impact-resistant glazing shield works and how you can reinforce your existing glass doors and windows using AP25 to protect your property from intruders and other threats.

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How This Glass Protection That’s Not Actually Glass Works

ArmorPlast is a line of polycarbonate panels and framing designed to look and feel just like glass, but with the strength and impact resistance of polycarbonate. These shields are available in a range of security ratings for varying degrees of protection against forced entry, ballistic attacks, bomb blasts, and more.

ArmorPlast 25 is a non-ballistic, containment-grade glazing shield. This means that bullets can penetrate it, but it will not significantly diminish in strength or break apart, even after repeated high-force and high-velocity impacts.

Key characteristics of ArmorPlast 25:

  • Single-ply laminate
  • Satisfies the requirements of ASTM D256
  • Constructed from polycarbonate sheets
  • Glass-like hardness
  • Abrasion-resistant and UV-resistant coating
  • Resistant to yellowing and hazing
  • Resistant to chemical attacks and marring

ArmorPlast 25 is designed for long service life in high profile, harsh environments. In other words, it can take a lot of abuse. AP25 has a 5-year Limited Product Warranty against coating failure, yellowing, and hazing.

armorplast 25 glass protection

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How Does ArmorPlast 25 Offer Glass Protection from Forced Entry?

Although this specific glazing shield doesn’t stop bullets, it remains a barrier to entry even after being riddled by bullets or after receiving multiple impacts from common burglary tools. It does not shatter apart and cannot be easily dislodged, thus preventing a would-be intruder from passing a hand through to open a door from the inside.

This strength makes ArmorPlast 25 ideal for retail burglary and smash-and-grab theft prevention. High-end luxury retailers especially can benefit from installing these containment-grade shields over their storefront glass and display cases to keep intruders out of the building and block their access to expensive merchandise.

AP25 isn’t just for retailers, though. There are many types of businesses and commercial facilities that need protection for window and door glass.

Businesses and commercial buildings that can benefit from the glass protection:

  • Retail stores
  • Correctional facilities (jails, detention centers)
  • Psychiatric hospitals
  • Corporate buildings and offices
  • Schools
  • Religious buildings

Any property that requires a high level of protection against forced entry or violent attacks can benefit from installing AP25 glazing shields at vulnerable entry points. Not only does this protect expensive merchandise and products against theft, but it also helps keep anyone inside the building safe by keeping the bad guys out and giving the authorities time to arrive.

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3 Great Benefits of Using ArmorPlast 25 as a Glass Protector

1. Looks and Feels Like Regular Glass

The polycarbonate used to construct AP25 sheets is crystal clear and feels remarkably similar to regular window glass. This means that you don’t have to sacrifice visibility or detract from your property’s appearance to protect it from forced entry and other threats.

Traditional security elements like bars, gates, and shutters can be unsightly and impractical for many businesses. This is especially true for places like retail stores where you want to show off merchandise and allow potential customers to window shop as they pass by.

With ArmorPlast 25, anyone looking in from the inside won’t even know it’s there. You’ll keep all the benefits of standard window glass with the added benefits of a virtually invisible security barrier that only you know is there.

2. Protects Glass Against Vandalism, Rioting, and Looting

The same strength that makes AP25 such a formidable barrier to forced entry also makes it an effective way to protect your property against damage and losses caused by civil unrest. If you have a business in a downtown retail core, these issues can be a real cause of concern.

When you install ArmorPlast 25 protective shields in your property’s glass doors and windows, you don’t have to worry about your storefront getting shattered to pieces by vandals or determined looters looking to gain access.

The coating used on these polycarbonate shields is also very resistant to marring, scratching, and even chemical attacks. This makes it much less likely that you’ll have expensive damage to repair and clean up after if your commercial building is a target of vandalism.

3. Provides Earthquake and Storm Damage Protection

The threats that businesses and commercial facilities face aren’t always man-made. Mother nature can also be unpredictable and cause property damage that can be expensive to clean up at the very least and may even leave your building exposed to more damage or theft.

Standard glass can break apart and shatter inwards very easily when it gets hit by debris during a mighty windstorm or if your building experiences heaving shaking during a seismic event. A broken window means that your space is potentially open to heavy rains and flooding or criminals looking for an easy target.

ArmorPlast 25 solves these problems by staying intact and keeping your glass doors and windows firmly in place. Even if the glass cracks, AP25 won’t dislodge and expose your business or shatter and fly dangerously inwards, potentially injuring anyone inside the building during a storm or earthquake.

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Conclusion

When you’re looking for top-of-the-line glass protection for your business or commercial facility, ArmorPlast 25 is a great place to start. With AP25, your property remains protected during all the unexpected scenarios that can arise.

We have many years of experience working with commercial clients of all types, and we are committed to helping you find the right security solutions for you and your property.

Contact us today for more information about our AP25 glazing shields or to schedule a consultation.

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