With forced entry-related crimes on the rise and the ever-present threat of extreme weather events, businesses and commercial building owners are increasingly seeking out glass protection solutions that offer more impact resistance than traditional solutions.
These days, commercial glass protection solutions must be able to provide businesses and commercial facilities with protection against a full range of impact-related threats.
One of the most versatile solutions that we continue to recommend to our clients is ArmorPlast, especially AP25 — a highly impact-resistant (read: virtually unbreakable), polycarbonate-based glazing shield that delivers advanced impact protection against criminal and natural threats.
AP25 is a non-ballistic, containment-grade (forced entry-resistant) polycarbonate glazing shield. While it’s not bulletproof, it withstands high-force impacts without breaking apart, making it a reliable barrier against intruders and other threats. It’s specifically designed to stay intact even after multiple hits or a determined, prolonged forced entry attempt, ensuring that your glass doors and windows stay protected long after the first impact.
The key to AP25’s effectiveness lies in its polycarbonate-based composition. Unlike regular glass, which can easily shatter under stress, and even strengthened tempered glass, which crumbles upon strong enough impact, AP25 remains intact even after multiple high-force blows, whether from tools like hammers or crowbars or flying storm debris.
The virtually unbreakable strength of AP25 makes it an ideal solution for businesses and other commercial properties in need of advanced glass protection to reinforce entryway doors and windows against impacts and related security threats.
Key characteristics of ArmorPlast 25 to remember:
Commercial security concerns are at an all-time high due to the increasing frequency of large-scale smash-and-grab theft, organized retail crime, and civil unrest, among other threats.
Businesses and commercial properties in certain areas of the US, including Florida and other southeastern states, also frequently have to contend with severe storms and their after effects.
AP25 provides a versatile, retrofittable glass protection solution to mitigate many of the risks that arise from these challenges.
Here are a few examples of the types of commercial properties that can benefit from retrofitting their doors and windows with AP25:
The ability to withstand forced entry attempts remains one of AP25's most important, most sought-after benefits. In high-crime areas or for high-risk businesses, protecting against break-ins is essential.
These polycarbonate glazing shields can take multiple blows without breaking or dislodging from the surrounding framing, effectively stopping intruders from gaining access to valuable inventory or critical areas of a building.
By incorporating AP25 into storefronts or other commercial windows and doors, businesses and institutions can prevent forced entry for an extended period of time, deterring the would-be intruders or delaying them long enough for the authorities to respond and deal with the threat. This minimizes property damage and losses.
Several major events of civil unrest in recent years have underlined the need for robust, always-there glass protection measures like AP25. Security glazing is now indispensable for commercial properties in city centers, as it offers 24/7 protection against potential rioting, looting, and vandalism.
AP25’s unique composition means it can withstand severe impacts from blunt objects of all types, such as bricks, sledgehammers, and bats, and its coating can resist graffiti, marring, and even chemical attacks.
This virtually unbreakable glass protection solution is especially valuable for businesses that may be direct targets during demonstrations or unrest or simply lie in the path of an angry mob.
In addition to man-made threats, natural disasters pose a potentially devastating risk to commercial properties.
Strong storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events and natural disasters can cause standard glass windows to break in seconds, leaving businesses exposed to both the elements and potential looting.
AP25 provides the required level of glass protection during such events, keeping windows intact even if/when the underlying glass cracks. This prevents dangerous shards from flying inward, protecting occupants, and keeps the building sealed from weather, mitigating the risks of additional damage from storms and additional loss from hurricane looting.
In addition to security, many business and building owners today are also concerned with sustainability. AP25, with its long service life and durable construction, is a cost-effective solution that reduces the need for constant repairs or replacements.
Unlike traditional glass that may often need to be replaced after severe weather, break-in attempts, or acts of vandalism, AP25 shields can last for years without diminishing in protective ability or appearance.
Additionally, since AP25 can often be retrofitted on top of existing commercial glass doors and windows, the installation process is more cost-effective than comparable solutions that require full glass replacement.
AP25 offers virtually invisible glass protection, making it ideal for retailers and other businesses that rely on attractive storefronts and product displays.
AP25 security glazing doesn’t reduce visibility, allowing window shoppers and passersby to engage with your brand while giving you peace of mind in knowing that your glass is fortified against break-ins and vandalism around the clock.
This transparent layer of protection is crucial for businesses where aesthetics are highly important, such as luxury retailers, high-end office spaces, or historical buildings, where traditional security measures might detract from the building’s or brand’s charm.
AP25 not only protects glass against direct impacts but also withstands the everyday wear and tear that glazing typically faces in high-traffic areas. Its abrasion-resistant coating prevents it from becoming scratched or marred, and its UV-resistant surface ensures it won't yellow over time, even in sunny or exposed environments.
Another standout feature of AP25 is the low maintenance required. Once installed, it remains effective for years, even in highly demanding environments. AP25 is designed for long-term use, saving businesses money over time by avoiding frequent replacements or repairs due to damage or environmental wear.
With commercial security threats constantly evolving, AP25 continues to stand out among commercial glass protection solutions, providing superior impact resistance, unbreakable forced entry protection, and extreme durability. Its combination of strength, aesthetic appeal, and ease of installation makes it a top choice for businesses and facilities seeking modern security glazing solutions.
Whether you’re interested in protecting against intruders, vandalism, natural disasters, or all of the above, AP25 ensures that your commercial glass doors and windows remain intact when impacted, keeping your property safe from a wide range of threats.
Contact Riot Glass today to learn more about how AP25 can secure your property or to schedule a free consultation with one of our security experts!
Government buildings are high-profile targets for criminals, and protecting them from a wide range of threats is essential to maintaining public safety and ensuring the continuity of operations.
One of the most effective ways to harden the physical security of government facilities is by retrofitting them with bullet-resistant windows and doors, which can be done using various types of ballistic-grade security glazing.
While no solution is 100% bulletproof, advanced bullet-resistant security glazing products, like those offered by Riot Glass, can significantly improve the protection of government buildings by mitigating many types of real-life security threats, from violent attacks using firearms to acts of vandalism.
It’s important to understand that the term “bulletproof” is commonly used to describe products that are highly resistant to ballistic impacts, but in reality, no window or door is completely impervious to bullets.
Bullet-resistant, or ballistic-grade, glazing solutions are designed to withstand specific levels of ballistic force, providing a crucial buffer against ballistic attacks while still functioning like standard windows and doors.
Modern ballistic glazing is made from a combination of materials, such as polycarbonates, acrylics, and laminated security glass, which are layered together to create a barrier that can resist gunfire and other forms of physical impact.
These solutions do not just stop bullets — they also absorb and redistribute the energy of other types of impacts, helping to reduce the risk of injury due to shattered glass and further damage to the property and preventing forced entry of all types.
The goal of implementing bulletproof windows and doors for government buildings is not necessarily to create an impenetrable fortress, but rather to harden the structure against attacks long enough to protect the people inside and give security teams and law enforcement time to respond.
One of the most important benefits of installing bullet-resistant security glazing in windows and doors in government buildings is the protection they provide against active threats, including active shooter incidents. By fortifying windows and doors with bullet-resistant materials, government organizations can create safer environments for employees and visitors alike.
In the event of a targeted attack against a government building, ballistic-grade glazing can significantly delay an attacker’s progress, allowing building occupants to lock down and shelter in place while giving law enforcement more time to arrive and neutralize the threat. This added time can be the difference between life and death in such high-risk situations.
Whether the threat comes from a lone gunman or a coordinated terrorist attack, ballistic-grade security glazing can prevent bullets from penetrating windows and doors and harming building occupants.
These security measures are particularly beneficial for hardening properties like government offices, courthouses, and military facilities.
Government buildings are often at the center of public attention during periods of civil unrest and protests. Unfortunately, peaceful protests can sometimes escalate into violent actions, leading to rioting, looting, and vandalism.
During such events, traditional glass windows and doors are among the most vulnerable points of entry and can easily be shattered by rocks, bricks, or other objects thrown or swung by rioters.
Bullet-resistant windows and doors act as a powerful line of defense against these forms of destruction, providing a robust barrier that is incredibly difficult to breach. By withstanding physical impacts and preventing unauthorized entry, these systems help protect people, sensitive documents, equipment, and other valuable assets from harm, theft, and destruction.
Additionally, ballistic-grade security glazing can maintain its structural integrity even in the face of multiple impacts during a prolonged attack carried out by multiple assailants, ensuring that the building remains secure throughout extended periods of civil unrest. This not only protects the people inside, but also helps avoid costly repairs and operational disruptions.
Beyond the threat of violence, government buildings must also protect against other types of forced entry, including break-ins and burglary. While it may seem unlikely, criminals can and do occasionally target these buildings for after-hours theft, especially if they contain valuable equipment, confidential information, or sensitive materials.
Because of their extreme impact resistance, ballistic-grade security glazing systems are highly effective at preventing all types of forced entry, mitigating threats like burglary.
Traditional glass doors and windows can be broken in seconds, allowing intruders to gain access quickly. However, security glazing resists impacts from tools like hammers, crowbars, and even power tools, making it far more difficult for criminals to break in.
In forced entry scenarios, time is a critical factor. The longer it takes for a would-be intruder to breach the building, the more likely they are to be caught or abandon their attempt altogether. Bullet-resistant doors and windows significantly extend this window of time, giving the security guards and other authorities a chance to respond and intervene before entry is gained.
Acts of vandalism, ranging from graffiti to broken windows and doors, are another common threat to government buildings.
Vandalism not only results in costly repairs, but also diminishes the perceived authority and security of the institution being targeted. For high-profile government buildings, repeated acts of vandalism can become a significant problem.
Ballistic-grade glazing offers superior protection against vandalism. Because it is made from shatter-resistant materials, security glazing resists damage from thrown objects, blunt force impacts, and other methods commonly used by vandals. Even if an attacker tries to damage or deface a window or door, the security glazing will remain intact, maintaining the building's overall appearance and deterring future attacks.
Many types of bullet-resistant windows and doors also feature specialized coatings that can resist scratching, marring, graffiti, and even chemical attacks. Plus, in the event that a piece of security glazing is damaged, it’s much easier and more cost-effective to replace it than to replace the building’s actual windows or doors.
Using bulletproof windows and doors for government building hardening is an excellent way to protect against all the day-to-day threats that these critical structures are faced with.
From protecting government building occupants from active threats to securing facilities against after-hours burglary, bullet-resistant security glazing offers an always-there solution that stops criminals dead in their tracks.
Riot Glass offers a full line of ballistic-grade security glazing for government buildings’ windows and doors, with different ballistic resistance ratings and retrofit capabilities. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options!
From convenience stores open late to specialty retailers dealing in high-value and easily resalable merchandise, criminals love to target different types of stores for different types of crimes, including armed robbery, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, and looting.
In fact, FBI crime statistics from 2020 showed that convenience stores are in the top five locations for violent crimes. Organized retail crime is estimated to have cost U.S. retailers upwards of $70 billion dollars the same year — and the numbers are only rising.
Because of this, business owners are increasingly adopting bulletproof glass for retail and convenience stores as a way to protect employees, customers, and merchandise from acts of violence and property crime.
There is a lot of misinformation out there about what bulletproof glass is and how it can be used to protect businesses against threats. The reality is that there is no such a thing as 100% bulletproof glass, for retail and convenience stores or any other application.
In the retail security glass industry, “bulletproof” is a term used to market a variety of glazing (glass or glass-like) products that are bullet resistant to various degrees.
What “bulletproof” really means is that the material can stop a certain number of rounds fired from specific firearms, but it’s important to understand that any bullet-resistant glazing product can eventually be penetrated, either by a high enough volume of shots or a firearm with extreme firepower.
There are also many companies that misuse the term “bulletproof” to market glazing products that aren’t bullet-resistant at all (i.e., they don’t have any ballistic resistance rating), so it’s important to know how to distinguish the real bullet-resistant glazing from the fake.
Any ballistic-grade material, including glazing and other construction materials, should have a UL 752 ballistic resistance rating, which specifies what types of bullets it can stop from specific types of firearms, and how many of those shots it can stop (at a minimum).
When using bulletproof glass for convenience stores or other high-risk retail applications, ballistic-grade glazing with a UL 752 Level 1 or 2 rating is usually the go-to solution. This glazing is capable of stopping rounds from either a 9mm handgun or a .357 Magnum and can resist extreme forced entry attempts. Glazing with a higher ballistic resistance level is typically reserved for even more high-security applications, such as hardening government buildings.
Convenience stores, including gas station-convenience store combos, mini-marts, and other similar business types, are often open 24/7, or at least until very late. The same goes for certain types of high-risk specialty retailers, like liquor stores, cannabis dispensaries, and pawn shops.
It’s during these late-night hours that these retail businesses are most at risk of being targets for armed robbery and other types of retail theft, because of the reduced foot traffic and the cover that darkness provides. These types of stores also tend to have a lot of cash on hand at night, as many customers make small cash transactions throughout the day and it accumulates by the nighttime.
You’ve probably seen those evening news videos of local convenience store and gas station workers getting held up at gunpoint. Well, this type of scenario is all too common and is the reason why many business owners are increasingly turning to implementing bulletproof glass for retail and convenience stores.
There are three main ways to implement ballistic-grade glazing in convenience stores and other high-risk retail businesses:
One of the most common ways to implement bulletproof glass in retail and convenience stores is to build bullet-resistant transaction booths around the cash register area.
With the advent of cost-effective bullet-resistant glazing, such as ballistic-grade polycarbonate-based glazing and glass-clad polycarbonate (GCP) glazing, it’s easy to create a secure point of sale where employees are safely protected behind bullet-resistant transaction windows.
These windows can have various types of pass-throughs built in, such as trays or drawers, to facilitate cash transactions without putting employees at risk of harm.
In the event that an armed robber or a violent individual tries to breach these windows, they provide access denial and give employees time to react by taking cover behind the counter or in a back room accessible from behind the counter. The employees can then hit a panic button or call 911 and stay relatively safe until the bad guys take off or until the authorities arrive and arrest or neutralize the threat.
Another effective way to implement bullet-resistant glass for gas stations, convenience stores, and other high-risk retail businesses is to reinforce their storefront windows with retrofit ballistic-grade glazing.
Businesses with large glass storefront windows and doors are extremely vulnerable to forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, and rioting and looting, but using bulletproof glass for retail and convenience stores can significantly increase the security of their storefronts.
When you retrofit storefront windows with bullet-resistant glazing, it creates an extremely impact-resistant access denial barrier over the existing glass, protecting it from all types of blows, including those made by sledgehammers or other heavy hand tools and bullets.
For high-risk specialty retailers, such as jewelry stores, pawn shops, and cannabis dispensaries, bullet-resistant glazing can also be used to make extremely durable display cases for expensive merchandise.
With the increase in high-profile smash-and-grab thefts and cases of widespread rioting and looting we’ve seen in recent years, it’s more important than ever for these types of retailers to secure their merchandise behind ballistic-grade, or at least forced-entry resistant, security glazing.
This allows you to continue displaying products to entice shoppers and make sales, without the need to worry about losing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise to thieves in a matter of seconds.
Riot Glass offers a full range of forced entry-resistant and bullet-resistant security glazing for convenience stores and other high-risk retailers. Its specific formulations of polycarbonates, acrylics, other plastics, and laminated security glass provide the highest level of protection against a full range of security threats and ensure the glazing outperforms and outlasts other similar retail and convenience store security glazing products on the market.
Riot Glass bullet-resistant security glazing for convenience stores and other retail applications is often retrofittable, meaning that it can be fitted into many existing framing systems. It can also be used in new construction or to create secure transaction windows or booths and display cases in existing stores.
Because it’s a retrofit solution, Riot Glass is far more cost-effective than other types of bulletproof glass for retail and convenience stores, which often require a more extensive renovation and installation process.
Plus, because Riot Glass security glazing is so durable, it has a very long service life, meaning it won’t require replacement for a long time unless significantly damaged by an extreme forced entry attempt or ballistic attack.
Looking for bulletproof retail glass protection for your convenience store or other retail business? Contact us today for a free consultation!
Forced entry and burglary, smash-and-grab theft, rioting and looting, vandalism, storm damage — these are all real-life threats that retailers face on a day-to-day basis. Running a successful retail business is hard enough on its own, now throw in the challenge of protecting your store against all these threats and things get even more complicated.
Considering that the average dollar loss from a single smash-and-grab theft incident is over $7,000, and that the cost to repair storm damage to a business can be up to around $10,000, it’s important for retailers to implement comprehensive retail security solutions that protect against a full range of threats. Doing so helps mitigate financial loss and operational disruptions, so you can focus on running your business!
Riot Glass security glazing is designed specifically to resist forced entry attempts, offering superior protection against break-ins and burglary for retail stores.
Unlike traditional storefront glass, which can easily be shattered by a blow from a sledgehammer or another common burglary tool, Riot Glass retail security solutions are made from a unique composition of highly impact-resistant security glass and/or non-glass glazing materials.
With its proprietary formulations of polycarbonates, acrylics, other plastics, and other advanced glazing materials, Riot Glass replicates the look and feel of standard commercial glass, but is effectively unbreakable.
This durability significantly delays or prevents burglars and other intruders from gaining access to a store, deterring them or giving law enforcement or security teams time to respond. By creating a robust physical barrier, Riot Glass minimizes the risk of burglary-related financial loss and property damage, allowing retailers to keep their inventory and other assets secure at all times.
Smash-and-grab theft relies on the ability to quickly break through storefront or display case glass, grab valuable items, and escape before authorities arrive. Because of its virtually unbreakable strength, Riot Glass security glazing is highly effective in stopping these types of theft attempts.
The shatter-resistant properties of Riot Glass retail security solutions mean they prevent criminals from gaining immediate access to a store’s interior or valuable items in display cases, forcing them to abandon the attempt or spend considerably more time trying to break in, which increases the chances of getting caught.
For retailers, this added layer of protection safeguards high-value merchandise and reduces the risk of costly losses from smash-and-grab crimes.
In times of civil unrest, retail stores can become prime targets for rioting and looting, where large crowds may attempt to break in and cause widespread damage and steal merchandise.
Riot Glass retail security solutions help mitigate this threat by creating strong, impact-resistant barriers that can withstand prolonged attacks from blunt objects, projectiles, and other methods of forced entry that rioters and looters commonly employ.
While traditional storefront glass might easily shatter under these conditions, Riot Glass remains intact, protecting your store's inventory and property from extensive damage. It provides retailers with peace of mind, knowing that their business is secure, even during unpredictable situations.
Retail storefronts are often vulnerable to and targeted for acts of vandalism, which can range from graffiti to intentional destruction of windows. Riot Glass security glazing offers a highly durable retail security solution that resists damage from common forms of vandalism.
The tough, impact-resistant materials used to construct Riot Glass make it difficult for vandals to cause significant harm, reducing the need for costly repairs and ensuring that the appearance of your store is maintained.
By preventing easy damage to windows, Riot Glass also helps deter would-be vandals, as they are less likely to continue targeting stores with security measures in place that thwart their attempts.
Natural disasters such as hurricanes and strong windstorms, can wreak havoc on retail storefronts, often leading to shattered windows and water damage. Riot Glass offers a robust layer of defense against storm damage, with its shatter-resistant properties capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions.
Even when faced with high winds or impacts from flying debris, Riot Glass remains intact, preventing costly repairs and minimizing disruption to your business operations. This protection helps retailers maintain business continuity, avoid water intrusion, and reduce the risk of downtime caused by storm-related damage.
Certain Riot Glass retail security solutions are even tested and certified to be used as hurricane windows (an alternative to hurricane shutters and plywood board-ups) in US hurricane zones, including Miami-Dade county.
Retailers face a unique combination of threats, from opportunistic thieves and organized retail crime rings to natural disasters. Without adequate security measures, these risks can result in significant financial loss, operational disruption, and potentially damage to your store's reputation.
Riot Glass offers comprehensive retail security solutions that address all of these threats holistically, rather than relying on a patchwork of partial solutions.
Beyond the immediate threat of something like a break-in or a serious incident of vandalism, every security breach also has a ripple effect on your business, often leading to costly repairs, temporary closures, and a loss of customer trust.
By installing Riot Glass, you’re getting a long-term security solution that not only safeguards your physical assets, but also ensures uninterrupted business operations, even in the face of natural disaster or civil unrest.
Another key benefit of Riot Glass is that its installation requires minimal modifications to your store's existing structure. Riot Glass maintains a clean, professional appearance while offering unbeatable protection. This makes it an ideal choice for both modern storefronts and those located in high-end shopping districts where appearance and curb appeal are priorities.
Additionally, Riot Glass’s durability and ability to mitigate damage over time lead to long-term savings, making it a cost-effective solution. You no longer have to repeatedly replace shattered glass or deal with the frequent downtime caused by repairs, allowing you to focus more on your core business!
Ready to discuss how you can protect your retail business against a full range of threats, 24/7? Contact us today!