Considering buying bulletproof glass? You probably have a few questions. In this blog, we answer the most commonly-asked questions about purchasing bulletproof glass, as well as a few other topics that we regularly address.
Your Questions About Buying Bulletproof Glass, Answered
Question: What level of bulletproof glass do I need?
Answer: If you’re considering buying bulletproof glass, first must determine your threat level. For instance, a convenience store concerned about handgun threats may only need a UL Level 1 ballistic barrier. Organizations like banks or government buildings may attract high-level threats involving rifles, so they may require Level 4 or 5.
Not sure what level of protection is right for you? Talk to an expert at Bullet Guard. Our team has years of experience in assessing an organization’s threat level and overall security goals. We can advise you on the specific type of bulletproof glass or ballistic barrier system that will fit your needs. This includes determining a UL protection level, as well as the type of ballistic glass that best fits your application.
Question: How much does bulletproof glass cost?
Answer: There are many factors that affect the cost of bulletproof glass. The UL protection level, the type of construction, and the finishing and framing can vary widely from one project to the next. UL levels 1 through 3 are very commonly used; the cost typically ranges from $45 to $60+ per square foot. It’s important to remember that bulletproof glass is heavier than non-rated glazing, so the additional engineering and framing can significantly impact the overall cost. For a more detailed list, read our full post on Bulletproof Glass Cost.
Question: Where to buy bulletproof glass?
Answer: Whether you need a comprehensive bulletproof system, or a few panes of bulletproof glass, we always recommend purchasing your bulletproof glass from a trusted manufacturer who can help you identify the right product for your application, rather than an online drop-shipping retailer. Don’t trust your team and your customers’ safety to an unknown product shipped from overseas. With Bullet Guard products, you know exactly what you are getting, including our excellent and knowledgeable customer service team.
Plus, when you choose Bullet Guard as your ballistic barrier partner, we work with you to create custom designs to fit any application, ensuring your overall structure can safely handle the dead load of our materials. Since we independently test to the UL752 standard, you can rest assured that our products will hold up to the expected ballistic rating.
Question: How long will it take to receive my bulletproof glass?
Answer: A simple bulletproof barrier project takes about four to eight weeks, but some projects may take more time. We recommend contacting our team as soon as possible to start working out the details and informing us of any changes as soon as possible. Complex projects, special finishes, custom hardware, and installation scheduling conflicts can all extend the timeline. Our team of experienced bulletproof barrier designers can estimate a more accurate project planning timeline based on your specific needs, and keep you updated as things progress.
More Bulletproof Glass FAQs
Question: How strong is bulletproof glass?
Answer: Bulletproof glass is thick, heavy, and incredibly strong. The strength of bulletproof glass is typically defined by a standard. The UL 752 standard is the most common when it comes to bulletproof barriers. It includes eight commercially-available levels of protection, which specify the type of weapon and ammunition the bulletproof glass will stop. Levels 1 through 3 stop shots fired from a variety of handguns, while Levels 4 through 8 stop shots from rifles, including semi-automatic rifles. Level 8 bulletproof glass will stop five close-range shots from an AR-10 rifle. Most applications do not require this level of protection, but assessing your threat level will give you a better idea of what level would best suit your project.
Question: Is bulletproof glass really bulletproof?
Answer: Yes, bulletproof glass can stop bullets. The UL standard tells you the minimum safety rating of your glass, including the number of shots the glass can stop.
However, the more accurate name is “bullet-resistant glass,” because ballistic glazing cannot withstand continuous gunfire forever. Nothing can. At some point, all bulletproof glass will fail. Even though bulletproof glass cannot withstand an infinite ballistic attack, it does buy valuable time for a coordinated threat response.
Question: Where should I use bulletproof glass?
Answer: You should put bullet-resistant systems in between a would-be attacker, and the people that you need to protect. Many security professionals choose to install a ballistic barrier at the entry to your building. If there is a front counter or reception area, you can utilize ballistic barriers with transaction windows. Since every facility is different, contact one of our experts for solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Bullet Guard to Discuss Your Security Project Today
Bullet Guard has a long history of providing custom, reliable, bulletproof barriers in all different types of applications. Our knowledge and experience gives us the ability to be high-quality partners for your security project.
If you have more questions, or if you’re ready to get started on your bulletproof glass project, please contact us or reach out for a quote. Our team is happy to provide you with the information you need to take the next steps in your security planning.