AP 100

Ballistic Glazing - Level 2

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AP 125

Ballistic Glazing - Level 3

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AP 125MS

Multi Shot Protection

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AP 25

AR Polycarbonate Sheet

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AP 375

Optimal Storefront Security Panel

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AP 50

Containment Grade Sheet

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AP 75

Ballistic Glazing - Level 1

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ArmorPlast® Gen I Series


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ArmorPlast® Gen II Series


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ArmorPlast® IGU Series


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J Series

Ballistic & Forced Entry Grade Sub-framing

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RG2

13/16” Ballistic Glass

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RG3

15/16” Ballistic Glass

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RG4

1-1/8” Ballistic Glass

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RG5

1-3/8” Ballistic Glass

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RG5 MH

1-7/16” Ballistic Glass

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RG7

1-7/8” Ballistic Glass

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Our Solutions

Riot Glass® retrofit systems consist of custom-made security glass and framing designs that provide maximum protection against forced entry and ballistic threats.

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Forced Entry

Virtually unbreakable retrofit solutions

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Bulletproof Protection

Ideal protection against active threats

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Hurricane & Windstorm

Great protection against storm damage

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Energy Efficiency

Sustainable, reliable and affordable Low-E solutions

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Blast Mitigation

Security window film to a complete retrofit

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Sound Attenuation

Window glazing ideal for blocking external noise

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Our Clientele

Riot Glass® can be used to secure any building. Virtually invisible yet nearly indestructible, it blends seamlessly in almost any existing window, door, or
storefront.

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Using Security Windows and Framing for Forced Entry and Active Threat Protection

Written By: Brad CampbellJanuary 3, 2022

Security windows and framing can be used to protect what’s most important to you — typically people and property — from threats including forced entry and active threats.

By using the right retrofit technology, you can reinforce existing windows and doors to create physical barriers and keep would-be intruders on the other side.

gloved hands prying open door

How To Use Security Windows and Framing To Keep Bad Guys Out

Once you’ve decided to undertake a security window and framing retrofit, there are three main phases that you must pass through to achieve maximum security.

  1. Threat assessment
  2. Material selection
  3. Retrofit installation

Conduct a threat assessment

A threat assessment is a professional evaluation of you and your property’s security. Threat assessments are carried out to help you determine the right security solutions, including what types of security windows and framing systems to install.

security threat assessment graphic

Security professionals who conduct threat assessments not only look at the physical security of your building to identify vulnerabilities, they also talk to you to discuss your unique security concerns and determine all the perceived threats you need to protect against.

For example, retail threat assessments generally tend to focus more on protecting property against burglary, smash-and-grab-theft, and rioting and looting, whereas school threat assessments generally focus more on active threat protection.

Regardless of what type of building you conduct a threat assessment for, you will receive recommendations about what security measures to put in place to protect against all perceived threats at the desired levels.

Key things threat assessments accomplish:

  • Look at, assess, and rate any existing security measures
  • Create a list of potential threats and security-related scenarios that could unfold
  • Evaluate the potential outcomes of said threats and scenarios to determine security needs
  • Recommend security upgrades, including security windows and framing systems
  • Reassess your property’s security after upgrades to ensure effectiveness

Choose the right retrofit security window and framing systems

After you’ve conducted a threat assessment to evaluate any and all security risks, you must make a final decision about what materials and technology to use to upgrade your building’s security.

Recommendations from the threat assessment should be taken into careful consideration in order to do so, but there are other factors to consider as well. For example, budget plays a big role in most security-related decisions.

Ideally, you should install all the upgrades recommended by a security expert. But, if your budget doesn’t allow for it, you may need to compromise in some areas to find the most cost-effective solution for you and your property.

You can work closely with a security glass contractor to discuss this and make a final decision about your security window and door upgrades.

corner of big glass building with trees surrounding

Examples of different decisions you might make when choosing new security windows:

  • Laminated security glass vs. polycarbonate glazing shields
  • Ballistic (bullet-resistant) vs. non-ballistic glazing
  • If choosing ballistic-grade windows and doors, what UL 752 level?

Reinforce vulnerable windows and doors

With a final decision made about what materials and access denial technology to use for your building’s windows and doors, it’s time to actually install the retrofit system.

A retrofit security window and framing solution means that you do not need to remove any of the existing glass or framing to install the new glazing.

Instead, the security framing is mounted into or onto the existing window and door frames, holding the new retrofit glazing securely in place to prevent the existing glass from breaking due to impacts.

shattered glass

Once the new glazing is in place, there is nothing further you need to do. Your doors and windows are now protected 24/7 against forced entry and other threats.

Benefits of security glass retrofits:

  • Very cost-effective window and door reinforcement
  • Don’t require glass removal or replacement
  • Don’t damage the surrounding framing or other building materials
  • Retain the appearance and curb appeal of your building
  • Retrofit security glass doesn’t block natural light or visibility
  • Make a property fortified without looking fortified (invisible forced entry barriers)

What Types of Facilities Can Benefit from Security Windows and Framing?

Any type of facility where you want to prevent break-ins and burglary or keep out active threats is an ideal candidate for a security glazing retrofit.

For example, if you own a luxury retail store, you probably want to retain the appearance of your storefront windows, but fortify them against retail theft. 

In this case, your property would benefit greatly from installing security glass or another glass-like glazing material over the existing glass doors and windows to protect against forced entry.

Some types of facilities may not be as likely to be a target of burglary and smash-and-grab theft as luxury retail stores, but they have to worry about other concerns, such as active threats looking to do harm to those inside. 

These types of facilities include schools and universities, religious centers, and government buildings, to name a few. For these types of properties, a ballistic window retrofit would be ideal. 

Ballistic-grade windows protect against all types of forced entry and provide additional bullet-resistant protection to keep active threats out and mitigate the risks of injury to people inside during an active threat scenario.

In short, any building with security concerns can benefit from some type of security glazing retrofit for their vulnerable windows and doors.

large building with windows

Security glazing retrofits are ideal for:

  • High-end retailers
  • 24-hour convenience stores and liquor stores
  • Government facilities
  • Religious buildings
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Offices
  • Luxury homes
  • Businesses and homes in high-crime areas or urban areas prone to civil unrest

The Bottom Line

Many people don’t think about how vulnerable their windows and doors are until it’s too late, and something happens to make them realize it.

The reality is that there are many security threats all around us, every day, and many of these threats can be mitigated by reinforcing your property’s windows and doors with the proper security glazing.

police

A containment-grade security glass retrofit can mean the difference between a little bit of superficial damage to your storefront and a financially devastating loss of merchandise. 

Or, bullet-resistant security windows can prevent a tragic loss of life on a school campus during an active threat scenario.

Whatever your security concerns are, count on Riot Glass to help. Contact us today to schedule a threat assessment and discuss the retrofit security glass and framing solutions we have available for you.

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17941 Brookshire Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(800) 580-2303
info@riotglass.com

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