How to Identify High-Quality High-Security Glasses
Explore high-security glasses, their different types, and essential features to boost security for homes, offices, and public spaces
Every day, millions of people pass through buildings fitted with glass walls and windows. While standard glass enhances natural light and aesthetic appeal, there could be some security risks associated. To address this, many buildings are now opting for high-security glass—a specially designed glass that provides enhanced protection while maintaining a sleek appearance.
High-security glass is now a common choice in places like office buildings, shopping centers, schools, and banks. For buildings, prioritizing the safety of people and assets, it's becoming a necessity.
But how can you tell if your high-security glass is high quality? What key features should you look for? In this guide, we'll outline what defines high-quality high security glass and highlight factors to consider when choosing the best option for your project.
What is High-Security Glass?
Standard glass, like what’s commonly used in home windows, can shatter easily with minimal force, creating safety risks. High-Security glass, however, is specially designed to protect against such hazards. It serves as a clear, strong shield that can withstand bullets, resist vandalism and endure explosions, all while maintaining the look of a regular glass.
It is carefully engineered with multiple layers of glass and durable materials to absorb pressure and prevent breakage. It is available in a range of strengths to meet various security needs. For example, a small shop may use basic security glass to prevent break-ins, while a bank might opt for a stronger version to protect against more severe threats.
Types of High-Security Protection
There are three primary classifactions used for high security glass and systems, each designed to address specific threats. Let's explore each one in detail:
1. Attack-Resistant Glass and Systems
Attack Resistant glass and framing solutions are designed and built to resist forceful attacks from tools such as hammers, rods, or stones. It acts as a strong, transparent barrier that can withstand significant pressure and prevent damage, much like a high-security shield, but one that you can see through. It offers high resistance and is designed to endure prolonged attacks, ensuring long-lasting security.
Common places where this classification can be used:
- Shop windows in malls
- Bank entrance doors
- Jewellery showrooms
- ATM booths
- School windows and doors
Our VETROGARD Attack, and our VDS® Attack Resistant Doors, Partitions and Facades, offers top-notch protection against forced entry, providing reliable defense against physical threats.
2. Bullet-Resistant Glass and Systems
Bullet-resistant glazed solutions are designed to stop bullets from various types of firearms. It is built to absorb the impact of gunfire and prevent bullets from passing through, providing security in high-risk areas.
You might see the use of this category of glazed solutions in:
- Bank teller windows
- Police stations
- Government offices
- VIP buildings
- Cash transfer vans
- Hotel windows, especially in windows that face airport runways, as mandated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation, India
Our VETROGARD Bullet and our VDS Bullet Resistance Doors, Partitions and Facades provides bullet resistance, offering unmatched protection against gunfire.
3. Blast-Resistant Glass and Systems
Blast-resistant glass and glazed systems are engineered to protect people from the effects of explosions and the dangerous fragments they cause. By absorbing the impact of a blast, it helps minimize the risk of injury, damage to assets, and destruction of property. This type of solution is essential in high-risk areas exposed to blast threats, such as embassies and industrial facilities.
This type of high security solutions protects:
- Big office buildings
- Metro stations
- Airports
- Important government buildings
- Industrial Facilities
Our VETROGARD Blast and our VDS® Blast Resistant Doors, Partitions and Curtain Walls provides superior blast protection, ensuring safety where it's needed most.
Key Features of High-Quality Security Glass
1. Compliance and Standards
Just as we look for ISI marks on electrical items or BIS hallmarks on gold, high-security glazed solutions must also meet official safety standards. These certifications confirm that the glass has been tested and is reliable for security purposes. For example, some important certifications to check include:
- EN 1627-1630: This standard defines the resistance of windows, doors, and curtain walls to physical attacks, ranging from RC1 (lowest) to RC6 (highest resistance).
- EN 1063 and EN 1522/1523: These standards apply to bullet-resistant glass, with classifications ranging from BR1 to BR7. The testing mimics real-world gunfire situations to verify that the glass can stop bullets effectively.
Vetrotech ensures that our high security glass and systems meet the highest standards.
2. Materials and Construction
High-quality high-security glass is constructed in layers, much like a sandwich. Each layer serves a specific purpose, making the glass resistant to breakage and impacts.
Additionally, laminated layers are used, where tough glass is bonded with a material called PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral). This helps the glass remain intact, even when cracked. By combining these materials, high security glass creates a strong, durable barrier that offers reliable protection while still maintaining clarity.
When looking for security glass, check for these materials and construction methods to ensure they meet your security needs effectively.
3. Resistance Properties
Different places need different levels of protection depending on the environment, assets and the threats they face. Whether it’s preventing a break-in, stopping bullets, or withstanding explosions, the right security glass can make all the difference.
- Attack-Resistance: Protects against physical attacks like break-ins, with the highest protection levels ranging from P1Ato P8B for glass and RC1 to RC3 for system solutions
- Bullet-Resistance: Tested in classes from BR1 to BR7, this glass provides protection against gunfire. Systems like the VDS® range offer protection from FB1 to FB7.
- Blast-Resistance: Designed to withstand explosions, where glasses are tested in classes from ER1 to ER4 and systems are tested to EPR1, and provide protection from blasts and flying debris.
Look for these types of ratings based on the specific security needs of your property.
Selecting the Right High-Security Glass for Your Needs
Let's understand what you need to think about when picking the right high security solution for your project:
1. Think About What You Need Protection From
Every building faces different risks. Are you worried about break-ins? Do you need to protect valuable items like jewellery? Or do you need the highest security because you're a bank? Make a list of your biggest safety concerns first. This will help you choose the right type of protection.
2. Consider Where the Product Will Be Used
The location of your glazed system matters a lot. Ground-floor windows might need stronger protection than upper-floor windows. Main entrance doors might need different security than office windows. Also, think about how many people pass by that area each day - busy areas might need stronger protection.
3. Get Expert Help
High Security glass and systems comes in many types and choosing the right one can be tricky. That’s why it’s helpful to consult experts like Vetrotech. Our team assists architects and engineers during the design phase, offering specialised knowledge to improve cost, timing, quality, and value.
We will assess your building's specific needs, recommend the best security glazed solutions, and ensure you get the most appropriate solutions. Additionally, through robust innovation and product development, we have a continually expanding product portfolio that can service any need that arises.
Making an Informed Security Glass Decision
Now that you have a better understanding of high security solutions, it's clear that selecting the right type of product is important. High-quality, certified, and well-engineered hig-security glass and framing solutions are key to ensuring the safety of your property.
By partnering with a reliable manufacturer like Vetrotech, you can access expert guidance, customised solutions, and the assurance that your property, assets, and people are well-protected.
To learn more about high security products, get in touch with Vetrotech and find the perfect solution for your needs today!
Attack Resistant Classes
Protection against manual attack, as tested to the glass standard EN 356 to achieve Classes P6B to P8B and the system standard EN 1630 for Classes RC1 to RC6.
Bullet Resistance Classes
Protection against bullets as tested to glass standard EN 1063 for Classes BR1 to BR7 (S/NS) + SG1/SG2 (S/NS) specific to shotguns and the system standard EN 1522 and EN 1523 for Classes FB1 to FB7 (S/NS).
Blast Resistant Classes
Protect against blasts, as tested to the glass standard EN 13541 for resistance classes ER1 through ER4 (S/NS) and system standard EN 13123-1 and 13123-2.
