riot glass logo

AP100-BR-LV2

Ballistic Glazing - UL 752 Level 2

Learn More

AP125BR-LV6

Ballistic Glazing - UL 752 Level 6

Learn More

AP25

AR Polycarbonate Sheets

Learn More

AP375

Containment and Safety Glazing

Learn More

AP50BR

Ballistic Glazing - HPW Level A

Learn More

AP75BR-LV1

Ballistic Glazing - UL 752 Level 1

Learn More

ArmorPlast® Gen I Series


Learn More

ArmorPlast® Gen II Series


Learn More

ArmorPlast® IGU Series


Learn More

J Series

Ballistic & Forced Entry Grade Sub-framing

Learn More

RG2-LS

Ballistic Glazing UL 752 Level 2

Learn More

RG3-LS

Ballistic Glazing - UL 752 Level 3

Learn More

RG4-LS

Ballistic Glazing - UL 752 Level 4

Learn More

RG5-LS

Ballistic Glazing - UL 752 Level 5

Learn More

RG7-LS

Ballistic Glazing - UL 752 Level 7

Learn More
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.

view security solutions

Forced Entry

Virtually unbreakable retrofit solutions

Learn More

Bulletproof Protection

Ideal protection against active threats

Learn More

Hurricane & Windstorm

Great protection against storm damage

Learn More

Energy Efficiency

Sustainable, reliable and affordable Low-E solutions

Learn More

Blast Mitigation

Security window film to a complete retrofit

Learn More

Sound Attenuation

Window glazing ideal for blocking external noise

Learn More
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.

see more

What Is Safety Glass? Can Safety Glass Windows Prevent Forced Entry?

Written By: Brad CampbellJuly 11, 2023

One of the most underestimated aspects of securing commercial buildings against forced entry is the type of glass used in the building.

Most facilities are equipped with at least some components of a traditional commercial security system, like alarms and surveillance cameras, but these don’t do anything to physically prevent bad guys from breaking in — that’s where security glazing comes in.

But, what many people don’t understand is that there is a big difference between safety glass, specifically the tempered safety glass windows that are commonly used for commercial applications, and true security glazing, such as Riot Glass®.

What Is Safety Glass?

Safety glass is a broad term that can be used to refer to a variety of different types of glass designed to improve human safety. However, when referring to commercial glass doors and windows, tempered safety glass is what we’re usually talking about.

Tempered safety glass windows and doors are made from sheets of annealed glass that undergo a special heat treating process (called tempering), which puts the glass into a compressed state.

This not only strengthens the glass, making it about four times stronger than the original annealed glass, it also changes the way it breaks.

When a tempered glass door or window breaks, it doesn’t shatter apart unpredictably into sharp, jagged shards that can easily cause serious injury. Instead, tempered glass crumbles apart into thousands of small, granular pieces of glass, which are relatively harmless and don’t fly inwards.

By code, all glass storefronts, glass entryway doors, and other architectural glass surfaces in high-traffic areas of commercial properties have to be made of tempered glass. This is because these glass surfaces are more prone to accidental breakage, and thus pose a greater risk of glass-related injuries. Tempered glass mitigates such glass hazard risks. 

store front

Are Safety Glass Windows a Type of Security Glazing?

It’s a common misconception that tempered glass improves security, and it’s one we want to put to rest.

Although safety glass is technically stronger than standard annealed glass, it’s just as easy for intruders to break through — not to mention they’re less likely to get hurt while doing it. 

It’s incredibly easy for criminals to make an entire safety glass window or door crumble to the ground with just a few blows from a hammer, a bat, a pry bar, or another common burglary tool. Then, they can reach in and open a door from the inside or simply step right in and proceed to help themselves to anything they want.

forced entry

So, in short, tempered glass IS NOT a type of security glazing, and it should never be relied upon to prevent forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, or rioting and looting.

Safety Glass Takeaways:

  • Safety glass improves human safety
  • Tempered safety glass is commonly used for commercial glass doors and windows
  • Tempered glass is about four times stronger than annealed glass
  • Tempered glass breaks into harmless granular pieces
  • Tempered glass is required for high-traffic areas in commercial properties
  • Safety glass is not a type of security glazing
  • Tempered glass does not prevent forced entry or burglary

How To Secure Commercial Doors and Windows Against Forced Entry

When it comes to protecting commercial properties against forced entry, commercial property owners need a reliable solution that goes beyond traditional safety glass. 

Riot Glass® is a revolutionary retrofit security glazing system that can be installed on top of existing annealed or tempered glass, protecting it from impacts of all types.

The unique compositions of Riot Glass® products, which use specific formulations of polycarbonates, acrylics, and other plastics, make it outperform and outlast comparable security glazing products on the market. 

Benefits of Using Riot Glass® To Protect Safety Glass Windows and Doors

Fortifies the Existing Glass:

Riot Glass® is designed to enhance the security of existing glass surfaces, whether they are annealed or tempered. 

By retrofitting Riot Glass® over these surfaces, commercial property owners can significantly upgrade their security without the need for expensive glass replacement. 

This cost-effective solution saves both time and resources, while providing superior protection against forced entry attempts and other security threats.

Resists Various Types of Impacts:

Riot Glass® is engineered to withstand a wide range of impacts, whether they are forced entry attempts using heavy hand tools, impacts from flying storm debris, blast waves from nearby explosions, or even ballistic impacts (bullet-resistant Riot Glass®).

Even if non-ballistic Riot Glass® is penetrated by bullets, it doesn’t significantly diminish in strength or allow passage.

Mitigates Smash-and-Grab Theft:

Smash-and-grab thefts are a major concern for certain types of businesses, especially jewelry stores and other high-end retailers.

These types of businesses often rely on showing off expensive merchandise in storefront windows and display cases to attract customers and make sales, but this also exposes the goods to smash-and-grab theft.

shattered glass

Riot Glass® mitigates the risk of this type of theft by repelling attacks using hammers and other smash-and-grab tools, forcing the criminals to give up or delaying them enough for law enforcement or security personnel to respond.

Protects Against Rioting and Looting:

In the unfortunate event of civil unrest, Riot Glass® plays a crucial role in protecting commercial properties from vandalism, looting, and property damage. Its robust composition effectively resists attacks using rocks and other projectiles, as well as other objects commonly used during riots. 

Reinforcing windows and doors with Riot Glass® is an effective alternative to boarding up doors and windows during civil unrest, giving commercial property owners peace of mind in knowing that their properties are protected 24/7.

The Bottom Line

Safety glass plays an important role in commercial properties. It improves human safety and reduces the likelihood of glass-related injuries to people near a building’s windows and doors.

But that’s not all that commercial property owners need to worry about. From forced entry and burglary to rioting and looting, there are many different security threats that these properties face day to day, and tempered glass simply isn’t strong enough to mitigate these threats.

By retrofitting tempered or annealed glass storefront doors and windows with Riot Glass®, property owners can create access denial barriers that actually keep criminals out, while providing even better safety to employees, customers, and other building occupants.

Don’t wait to fortify your commercial doors and windows, without making them look fortified — contact us today for a free consultation!

riot glass logo
Looking for residential protection? At Riot Glass, we specialize in protecting your property with our patented bullet-resistant system, designed specifically for aluminium framed windows. Not sure if Riot Glass is right for your home? Explore our FAQs.
Contact Us

Related Articles

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Contact us

By clicking submit I agree to receiving marketing and promotional materials
riot glass logo
HQ & Tech Center

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

Manufacturing & Operations

1661 Glenlake Ave, Itasca, IL 60143

Interested in becoming a dealer?
Email us: info@riotglass.com

crosschevron-up linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram