For many Buffalo businesses, large windows and glass doors are essential for welcoming customers and showcasing products. But while they offer aesthetic appeal and natural light, they can also be a significant vulnerability. When it comes to protecting your livelihood from break-ins, vandalism, and other threats, the type of glass you choose matters immensely.
So, which glass type is truly best for business security? Let’s break down your options.
Beyond Basic Panes: Why Standard Glass Isn’t Enough
Most commercial buildings are initially fitted with standard annealed glass (regular window glass) or tempered glass.
- Annealed glass shatters easily into sharp, dangerous shards, offering virtually no resistance to forced entry.
- Tempered glass is stronger and safer, designed to crumble into small, blunt pieces when broken. While this reduces injury risk, it still means a quick, complete breach for an intruder.
For true security, you need to look beyond these basic options.
The Top Contenders for Business Security Glass
When security is paramount, these are the glass types you should consider:
- Laminated Glass: Your First Line of Defense
- How it works: Laminated glass consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together with a transparent interlayer, typically made of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB).
- Security Benefits: When struck, laminated glass may crack, but the PVB interlayer holds the shattered pieces together, preventing a large hole from forming. This makes it significantly harder and more time-consuming for an intruder to gain entry, often deterring them entirely. It also offers excellent sound dampening and UV protection.
- Best for: Businesses looking for enhanced smash-and-grab protection, deterring casual vandalism, and adding an extra layer of security without a “fortress” look.
- Polycarbonate Glazing: Virtually Unbreakable
- How it works: Polycarbonate isn’t glass at all, but a thermoplastic polymer that is incredibly strong and impact-resistant. Think of the material used for riot shields or astronaut visors.
- Security Benefits: It is virtually unbreakable under most forced entry attempts, including sledgehammers, bricks, and even some ballistic impacts. It can flex significantly without fracturing.
- Considerations: While extremely strong, polycarbonate can be more prone to scratching than glass and may yellow slightly over many years if not treated. It’s also typically more expensive than laminated glass.
- Best for: High-risk areas, businesses storing valuable inventory, or those needing extreme resistance to forced entry where aesthetics are secondary to raw strength.
- Bullet-Resistant Glass (Ballistic Glass): The Ultimate Protection
- How it works: This is a multi-layered composite, often combining layers of glass and polycarbonate with various interlayers. The number of layers and thickness determine its ballistic rating.
- Security Benefits: Designed to stop bullets, it’s rated to withstand specific calibers and types of ammunition. The layers absorb the bullet’s energy, delaminating and “catching” the projectile without shattering through.
- Considerations: This is the most expensive and heaviest option, requiring specialized framing and installation. Its thickness can also affect clarity and light transmission.
- Best for: Banks, credit unions, pharmacies, government buildings, high-security retail, or any business facing a credible threat of armed attack.
Factors to Consider When Making Your Choice
Choosing the right security glass involves more than just strength. Consider:
- Your Risk Assessment: What are the common threats in your area? Smash-and-grabs? Vandalism? Or a higher, more specific threat?
- Budget: Each step up in security level generally corresponds to a higher cost.
- Aesthetics and Visibility: How important are clear views and an inviting storefront? Some solutions are thicker or have a slightly different optical quality.
- Local Building Codes: Ensure your chosen solution complies with all relevant regulations.
- Installation Expertise: Proper installation is crucial for the performance of any security glass.
Partner with Beejay Security Doors for Peace of Mind
At Beejay Security Doors in Buffalo, we understand that every business has unique security needs. We don’t just sell doors; we provide comprehensive security solutions. Our experts can assess your specific vulnerabilities, explain the nuances of each glass type, and recommend the best security glass for your commercial doors and windows.
Don’t leave your business exposed. Contact Beejay Security Doors today for a consultation and invest in the right glass to protect your assets, employees, and peace of mind.
