Tips for Designing a Bulletproof Glass Entry System

When it comes to physical security, the entryway is always the highest priority. Why? It’s much easier to prevent an incident than react to an attacker who has already gained entry. While you should always have a plan for security breaches, it makes sense to focus your efforts on controlling the entry and flow of visitors with a bulletproof glass entry system.

What Kind of Bulletproof Glass Entry System Do I Need?

The ideal secure entryway will funnel all visitors through a single checkpoint in order to be verified as legitimate, or identified as a threat and contained. When designed correctly, this entryway will not become a choke point in the flow of personnel, providing minimal disruption to the regular traffic into the building.

With many different industries and building layouts, the best type of ballistic entryway system may look like any of the following:

  • Single-person mantrap: A small mantrap has a minimal footprint, allowing for one person to enter at a time for security verification.
  • Bulletproof vestibule: Two sets of secure bulletproof doors maintain similar security to a mantrap, while facilitating a moderate flow of traffic.
  • Secure lobby or reception area: High traffic flow may require a larger area to accommodate employees or visitors, with a ballistic-rated reception desk or security booth.

Many of our clients find that a secure vestibule provides the right high-level security, minimal disruption, and integrated aesthetics for their facility. However, that choice is based on many factors for each unique situation.

Factors that Influence Bulletproof Entryway Design

In order to choose the best entryway for your facility, make sure you consider the following:

  • Threat Level: The biggest driver for your bulletproof entryway is the type of threat you need to mitigate. Do you expect assailants with handguns or high-powered rifles? Bulletproof materials are tested to the UL 752 standard, which can influence the thickness and heaviness of the bulletproof glass.
  • Budget: This is also an important factor to the scope of your project. Fortunately, Bullet Guard is well-practiced at helping our clients meet their security goals within the confines of their allocated resources.
  • Existing Architecture: The fewer changes to the existing architecture, the more cost-effective and inconspicuous the security upgrades will be. For example, vestibules are a common type of entryway, so it often makes sense to retrofit the current style with bulletproof windows and doors.
  • Traffic Patterns: The flow of people into and out of the building plays an important role in the type of entryway that works best. Some entryways have periods of heavy traffic, like schools, while others have more steady foot traffic, such as banks.
  • Climate: When there’s a big difference between the exterior climate and the building temperatures, the thermal insulation of entryways can be a considerable cost-savings. You may need to consider HVAC efficiency in entryway designs that experience extreme heat or extreme cold.

5 Tips to Improve Your Bulletproof Entryway

Bulletproof security measures have some unique properties that architects, engineers, and contractors need to know. Make sure you understand these five tips before you decide on a bulletproof entryway design.

1. Bulletproof Materials May Require Structural Reinforcement

Bulletproof materials, including ballistic glass and bulletproof doors, can be extremely thick and heavy. Your bulletproof glass entryway may require more reinforcement than a non-rated system in order to prevent framing concerns like sagging. Doors often require special closers and openers in order to make them easy to use. A good bulletproof material provider will walk you through these concerns, making sure your project is properly engineered.

2. Consider Adding Thermal Protection Features

If your building is located in an area with sub-zero temperatures or high heat and humidity, materials with high insulation properties can help ease the strain on your HVAC system. Your Bullet Guard team can provide materials that are compatible with LEED-certification, superior thermal insulation, and more. A mantrap or vestibule can also act as a thermal break to help maintain interior climate control.
Not only can these features save you money on energy costs, but this also helps maintain a critical line-of-sight on potential threats rather than having windows fog up due to temperature differential.

3. Consider Non-Ballistic Threats

Bulletproof-rated entryways can also be rated to other threats, like blunt-force attacks and even severe weather hazards. Consider the full spectrum of physical threats to your facility and choose bulletproof glass that meets your full threat level. One of our ballistic experts can help you consider the potential threats and educate you on the different types of threat protection available for entryways.

4. Take a Systems Approach: Stack Physical Security Measures

When it comes to physical security, the opportunities are endless. You can add automated physical access controls like ID badges, silent alarms and panic buttons, interior bulletproof containment and saferooms, AI vision systems for threat analysis, and more. It’s important to remember that you can add more layers as time and budget allows. There will always be more security tactics that you can try, but at some point, you’ll find that additional measures have diminishing returns. Talk to a security expert to understand the most effective security strategy for your goals.

5. Find a Trusted Security Partner for Your Bulletproof Entryway

When it comes to bulletproof materials, you can’t cut corners. Protecting human lives means using high-quality materials that are independently tested and installed by experienced professionals. We are happy to help with customized solutions, from design to installation, so that your personnel and visitors are safe and secure. With 40+ years of experience in bulletproof barrier systems, we have the expertise and knowledge to guide you through any ballistic security project.

Call Bullet Guard for Your Bulletproof Entryway Security Project

If you’re considering how a bulletproof entryway would improve the physical security of your facility, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bullet Guard with any questions. Our team will gladly help you understand your options for entryway security, relying on our industry knowledge to find the best solution for your specific needs.
For more information, please send us a message or reach out for a quote.

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