A Complete Guide To Using Security Glass for Commercial Architecture in 2025 and Beyond

Over the last few years, security glass has become a staple of modern commercial architecture. With threats like forced entry, smash-and-grab theft, looting, and violent attacks on the rise, building owners and architects are increasingly turning to security glazing as a critical layer of protection.

Today’s security glass is not only stronger than ever, but is also available in a wide range of aesthetic options that complement contemporary building designs. 

In this updated guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using security glass for commercial architecture, the most common types of commercial security glazing, and key considerations when selecting the right solution for your property.

Why Use Security Glass for Commercial Architecture?

The core reason to use security glass is protection — protection for people, property, and peace of mind.

Unlike standard commercial glass, which shatters easily into sharp, hazardous shards, or, in the case of tempered glass, crumbles upon impact, security glazing is engineered to resist breakage and maintain its integrity even after repeated high-force blows. 

Whether your concern is forced entry, vandalism, riots, or ballistic threats, the right type of glazing can delay or completely deny access, giving occupants critical time to respond or evacuate and get to safety.

Key Benefits of Using Security Glass for Commercial Architecture:

• Deters, delays, and prevents forced entry attempts
• Reduces the risk of injury from broken glass
• Maintains a clean, modern appearance
• Available in privacy-enhancing finishes, like dark-tinted or reflective coatings
• Increases commercial building security without compromising curb appeal, visibility, or natural light

With the expanding availability of retrofit security glazing solutions, such as those from Riot Glass, security glass is no longer just for new construction or expensive renovations — it’s accessible and cost-effective for a wide range of commercial applications.

Common Types of Security Glass for Commercial Architectural Applications

Modern security glazing generally falls into three main categories: laminated glass, polycarbonate glazing, and glass-clad polycarbonate (GCP). Each has its own unique strengths, drawbacks, and ideal use cases.

1. Laminated Security Glass

Laminated security glass is made by sandwiching a tough thermoplastic interlayer between two sheets of strengthened glass. When struck, the glass may crack or spall, but it usually holds together, thanks to the interlayer.

Pros:

• Resists shattering and scattering, reducing the risk of flying glass shards
• Maintains structural integrity even after impact, creating a strong barrier against forced entry attempts
• Can be engineered to meet specific impact or forced-entry resistance standards, depending on interlayer composition and glass thickness

Cons:

• Can still be defeated with enough time and force
• Not the best choice for extremely high-threat environments or active threat protection

This type of commercial security glass is best for storefronts, lobbies, or offices in areas with a lower threat profile but a desire to deter quick, opportunistic break-ins.

2. Polycarbonate Security Glazing

Unlike laminated glass, polycarbonate glazing contains no actual glass. It’s made from one or more layers of impact-resistant plastics (primarily polycarbonate, but can also contain acrylics) and can stop even the most aggressive forced entry attempts.

Pros:

• Extremely impact-resistant — read: virtually unbreakable
• Incredibly lightweight compared to glass
• Looks and feels similar to standard glass but provides far superior protection

Cons:

• More prone to scratching and marring (though specialized coatings can help)
• Susceptible to extreme temperatures (less fire-resistant than glass)

Polycarbonate is ideal for properties with a higher risk of burglary or smash-and-grab theft, such as pharmacies, luxury retailers, and cannabis dispensaries. It’s also a good choice for active threat access denial in schools and other facilities (ballistic-grade polycarbonate glazing is available).

3. Glass-Clad Polycarbonate (GCP)

GCP glazing combines layers of glass and polycarbonate for a hybrid solution offering very high levels of impact and ballistic resistance. This bullet-resistant glazing is often used in government buildings, banks, and other high-risk facilities.

Pros:

• Offers the highest levels of ballistic protection
• Ideal for active threat protection in high-risk facilities
• Lighter than all-glass ballistic glazing

Cons:

• Heavier and thicker than fully polycarbonate solutions
• Higher cost and may sometimes require new framing systems

GCP is the perfect solution for applications where active threat protection is non-negotiable, such as in courthouses, government offices, and other high-security properties.

Trends in Using Security Glass for Commercial Architecture

Security glazing is quickly becoming a standard component of resilient, future-focused building design, making its use one of the top security industry trends of 2025.

1. Retrofit installations: Many commercial properties are now retrofitting polycarbonate or laminated security glass panels over existing windows using specialized framing adapters, reducing the need for costly window replacement.
2. Design-forward finishes: Architects are installing tinted, mirrored, and decorative security glass to create visually appealing façades that still deliver robust protection.
3. Active threat preparedness: More schools, religious institutions, and healthcare facilities are implementing bullet-resistant glazing as part of layered security plans.
4. Climate-resilient solutions: Security glass that also offers protection from windborne debris, seismic events, and other severe weather and natural disasters is in higher demand, especially in storm-prone regions.

What to Consider When Choosing Security Glazing

Choosing the right type of security glass for your architecture means striking a balance between protection, aesthetics, and budget. Consider the following factors to help you make your choice.

1. Threat Level

Start by assessing the likely risks to your building. Is your biggest concern smash-and-grab theft? Rioting and looting? Gun violence? Choose the glazing type that’s rated to withstand those specific threats.

For example:

• Retail stores may prioritize burglary prevention.
• Hospitals and clinics may need a mix of forced entry and human-impact protection.
• Schools and places of worship may require ballistic-grade solutions.

2. Aesthetic Requirements

Security doesn’t have to be ugly. In fact, many property owners choose security glass because it eliminates the need for unsightly solutions like window bars.

If your business depends on natural light and window visibility — like in showrooms or retail spaces — opt for clear or lightly tinted polycarbonate or laminated glass that won’t interfere with sightlines or lighting. You can always combine it with other solutions, such as roll-down security shutters or side-folding grilles, for additional after-hours protection as well.

3. Budget Constraints

Like any construction material, security glass must fit into a realistic budget. The good news is that you don’t need to go all-in with the highest-grade glazing on every window.

Cost-saving strategies include:

• Retrofitting over existing glass with polycarbonate panels
• Using a combination of glazing types and reserving the most high-impact solutions for the most vulnerable entry points or other high-risk areas
• Phasing in upgrades over time as part of a long-term property improvement plan

What Makes Riot Glass Different?

Riot Glass is a proprietary line of retrofit-ready security glazing solutions engineered to outperform traditional laminated, polycarbonate, and GCP glazing. 

Using advanced formulations of security glass and plastics, including polycarbonates and acrylics, as well as proprietary security framing systems, Riot Glass delivers unmatched protection against:

• Forced entry
• Burglary
• Rioting and looting
• Active threats and ballistic attacks
• Storm impacts
• Vandalism and accidental damage

Whether you’re retrofitting an existing commercial space or designing a new building, Riot Glass offers scalable, cost-effective solutions that blend seamlessly with your architecture.

Future-Proof Your Building With the Right Security Glazing

From preventing theft to protecting against worst-case active threat scenarios, the right security glazing solution can safeguard your assets, improve your building’s look, and offer peace of mind to occupants and visitors alike.

Need help selecting the best solution for your building? Riot Glass experts can help you assess risks, evaluate your options, and create a customized security glazing plan that works with your goals and budget.

Contact us today for a free consultation.