How Riot Glass® and QMI Security Solutions Protect Commercial Properties Together

Commercial property owners typically approach physical security from one of two angles: reinforcing the glass itself, or adding deployable barriers like shutters and gates. 

Riot Glass covers the first approach with high-performance security glazing. QMi covers the second with shutters, folding grilles, merchandise cases, and more.

Combined, Riot Glass and QMi solutions create layered protection that holds up whether a business or facility is open, closed, or caught off guard by an unexpected threat.

Riot Glass: Security That's Always in Place

Riot Glass systems are built from specialized formulations of security glass, acrylics, and polycarbonates, formed into retrofittable glazing shields that resist impact, forced entry, and in some configurations, even ballistic threats.

Because the glazing stays in place around the clock, it protects a property during business hours as well as overnight, without anyone needing to deploy it.

A few core product lines compose the Riot Glass lineup:

• RG-Series: Glass-clad polycarbonate systems that pair the clarity and hardness of glass with the impact resistance of polycarbonate, available in forced-entry and ballistic-rated configurations.
• AP-Series: Full polycarbonate-based systems built for maximum impact resistance and retrofitability, including forced entry and ballistic resistance, where extreme durability is the priority.
• Universal Framing System (UFS): A proprietary retrofittable security framing system that anchors Riot Glass into or onto existing window and door framing, often installed in front of existing glass so nothing has to be removed or replaced.
• J-Series: A compression-fit subframing system that installs Riot Glass without drilling into or otherwise altering the surrounding structure, making it particularly well suited to courthouses, historic buildings, and other properties where the existing frame can't be modified.

Since these solutions can be retrofitted into most existing storefront window or glass door framing systems, business owners get a hardened glazing barrier without changing how the property looks from the outside.

QMi: Deployable Protection for After Hours

While Riot Glass stays in place at all times, QMi's product line is primarily built around solutions that get deployed, most often at closing time, to add a second layer of protection when the building is unoccupied.

Some core QMi products for commercial properties include:

• AL8 Commercial Security Shutters: QMi's flagship rolling shutter, engineered to resist heavy impact and smash-and-grab attacks. AL8 security shutter systems are available in tiered security levels and solid or perforated slat styles.
• LX6 Clear Polycarbonate Shutters: A clear rolling shutter for interior applications that maintains sightlines to merchandise and displays while still delivering a durable, forced-entry resistant barrier.
• HD1 High-Security Exit Doors: A robust exit door system built to resist cutting, prying, drilling, and sledgehammer attacks, engineered specifically to protect the side and rear exits that are often vulnerable to forced entry.
• Side-Folding Grilles: Transparent or perforated grilles that fold sideways like an accordion rather than rolling up and down, well suited to counters, display cases, or interior openings where a rolling shutter isn't practical.
• Security Cases: Freestanding or modular locking cases used to secure high-value merchandise, whether on a sales floor, behind a counter, or in a back room.

Beyond the physical barrier they provide, QMi's shutters and grilles also act as a visible deterrent. A rolled-down shutter signals to a would-be intruder that a property is hardened, often causing them to pick an easier target before an attempt is even made.

How Riot Glass and QMi Complement One Another

Pairing Riot Glass security glazing solutions with QMi’s various commercial security innovations provides multi-layered physical protection for commercial properties across a range of industries. 

Riot Glass glazing is the "always-there" layer, protecting glass doors and windows continuously, including during business hours when a shutter can't reasonably be deployed over storefront windows and doors. 

QMi's shutters, doors, and grilles are the after-hours layer, adding reinforcement once the property is locked up for the night. Put together, the two solutions cover a full range of vulnerabilities. 

During the day, Riot Glass glazing resists impact and forced entry while maintaining full visibility and natural light. 

At night, a QMi shutter or grille rolls into place over that same opening, adding a second, visible barrier that most intruders won't attempt to defeat. On the off chance they do, they’ll be met with more resistance on the other side in the form of Riot Glass.

How the Combination Plays Out by Property Type

Specialty retail storefronts and boutiques

A jewelry store or electronics retailer might install RG-Series or AP-Series glazing into the storefront using the Universal Framing System, keeping the existing frame and glass in place. At closing, an AL8 shutter rolls down over the same storefront, adding a visible deterrent and extra structural resistance overnight.

Pharmacies and prescription counters

Pharmacies often need a mix of open-hours visibility and after-hours lockdown, particularly around the pharmacy counter itself. Riot Glass glazing protects the front windows and doors continuously, while a side-folding grille or LX6 clear shutter can secure the pharmacy counter after closing time.

Kiosks and concession stands

These structures are often built with minimal physical security to begin with, which makes them frequent smash-and-grab or burglary targets. Riot Glass panels installed with the Universal Framing System add impact resistance to service windows without requiring structural changes to the kiosk, and a roll-down security shutter can be pulled over the service counter opening when the stand is unattended.

Convenience stores and 24/7 gas stations

Because these types of businesses operate late hours or even around the clock, they need always-there glass protection. Riot Glass glazing on the front storefront, and potentially over transaction counters, provides continuous protection during all open hours. An HD1 high-security exit door hardens the side or rear exit against prying and forced entry as an added layer of defense, with an AL8 shutter available for any hours the store isn't operating.

Pawn shops, cannabis dispensaries, and other high-risk retailers

These businesses are frequent targets for both forced entry and organized retail crime. A combination of ballistic-grade RG-Series glazing, an AL8 shutter system, and merchandise security cases for high-value items creates multiple layers intruders would need to defeat before reaching anything valuable.

Schools, government buildings, and religious facilities

These properties prioritize protection during occupied hours above all else, since an active threat incident is most likely to happen while people are inside. Ballistic-grade Riot Glass glazing, often installed with the J-Series system in older or historic buildings (especially courthouses), provides that continuous protection, while QMi shutters can still be added at entry points that need after-hours reinforcement as well.

Building a Layered Security Strategy With Riot Glass and QMi

The right combination of Riot Glass and QMi commercial security solutions depends on the property. A high-risk retail location might warrant a full Riot Glass glazing retrofit, QMi security shutters, an exit door upgrade, and security cases for merchandise, all working together.

Regardless of property type, it’s important to remember that Riot Glass provides continuous protection that doesn't need to be deployed, and QMi adds a second, visible layer specifically for the hours when a property is most vulnerable. Together, they make it significantly harder for vandalism, forced entry, smash-and-grab theft, burglary, or looting to succeed, whatever time of day the attempt happens.

Contact Riot Glass for a consultation on which combination of products fits a specific property's layout and risk profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Riot Glass and QMi the same company?

No. QMi Security Innovations is the parent company of Riot Glass. They offer separate commercial security product lines that can be used separately or together.

How do Riot Glass and QMi solutions work together?

Riot Glass provides always-there protection for glass against impacts, forced entry, and even ballistic threats. QMi solutions offer additional after-hours security, typically deploying into place over vulnerable doors, windows, counters, or displays to create a multi-layered barrier system.

Can Riot Glass be used on its own?

Yes. If a property does not want to or is not allowed to install visible security shutters, Riot Glass security glazing can provide very high levels of impact and forced entry resistance on its own, while remaining virtually invisible.

How can I choose the right combination of Riot Glass and QMi products for my property?

We recommend consulting with a Riot Glass team member to discuss your needs, goals, and budget, and potentially schedule a threat assessment to determine the best solution for your unique property.