If you’re a gas station or convenience store owner who’s worried about being one of the 267,988 robberies that happen every year, bulletproof windows are a practical way to keep your team safe and even deter crime. But before you rush out to install a bulletproof window, consider implementing these three best practices in the process.
1. Choose a Level of Bulletproof Protection That Reflects Your Threat Level
According to the FBI, firearms are used in 36% of robberies in the United States. For store owners and managers looking for a practical level of protection, UL Levels 1, 2, and 3 all offer coverage from a range of handgun fire. Levels 1 and 3 in particular are popular options. If you’re interested in a higher level of coverage, Levels 4 or 5 may be a good fit for your store or gas station, as both offer varying levels of protection from rifle fire. Be aware that as the level of protection increases, so does the weight and thickness of the barrier—and the price.
We want you to make the most of your budget without compromising safety. Please don’t hesitate to bring up your concerns with our team. We’ve been designing and installing ballistic barriers since 1974, and are ready to help you get started today.
2. Use Package Passers and Voice Ports Instead of a Barrier Cutout
If your team has been relying on a cutout in a barrier to pass items, there are safer ways! Best practices dictate that there is no clear shooting lane between the threat and secure sides of the glass. Using a package passer or deal tray lets you do business without leaving your staff vulnerable to threat.
A solid barrier can also make hearing difficult if you don’t have tools in place to address sound transfer. A best practice is to use a voice transfer tool such as a voice port or speak through. We offer a range of sound transfer options, including a variety of voice ports and voice around systems that give you a way to speak naturally with your clientele, without the use of intercoms or microphones.
3. Invest Time in Barrier Design Upfront
If you’re ready to just put a sheet of bulletproof glass up and be done with it, we encourage you to wait and think about your barrier’s design and how it’ll fit in your convenience store or gas station. This serves two purposes. First, you’ll avoid simple mistakes, like blocking a vent, a camera, or a light. Second, you’ll be more likely to have a visually appealing barrier that blends in with your environment, rather than looking like a bulky, cumbersome wall between you and your customers. One of the biggest concerns people have about installing bulletproof windows for convenience stores and gas stations is that the window will make the premises look unwelcoming or even dangerous. Taking the time to design a barrier helps you not only avoid this issue, but create something that can be downright beautiful.
A System Will Protect Your Convenience Store Better Than One Single Barrier Product
If you’re ready to invest in comprehensive ballistic protection for your convenience store or gas station, it’s time to take a systems approach. An entire system—including countertops, wall panels, and other accessories—will offer your team more protection than one single bulletproof window. Creating effective, visually appealing systems is what we do best, and our team is ready to help you get started protecting your California convenience store or gas station today.
Bullet Guard Can Help You With Your Bulletproof Windows for Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
The Bullet Guard team has been designing, fabricating, and installing ballistic barriers in California since 1974. We know what it takes to keep your team safe and are ready to speak with you about your options. To get started, fill out our contact form or call our team at 866.941.9552.
Security window film is a popular physical security product; it’s a relatively inexpensive layer of thermoplastic film that can be applied over existing window glass. Security window film is also gaining a reputation for being bulletproof or ballistic…even though standard film products that fit this description can’t stop a bullet.
At Bullet Guard, we believe consumers should have the information they need to make informed choices about their security. We know there are a lot of myths about what so-called “bulletproof” film can and can’t do; in this article, we outline three myths about security window film (which is the more accurate product name) so you can understand your security product options.
Myth #1: All Security Window Film Is Bulletproof
The Facts: Not all window security films offer bulletproof or ballistic protection! Different types of film have different capabilities, which are indicated by a third-party rating and testing information. For instance, the UL 752 bulletproofing standard is the gold standard for ballistic products. If window film is not rated or tested to this standard, it’s likely that it can’t stop a bullet.
If film is applied in a single, thin layer (usually measured in mils) over existing window glass, the product won’t offer ballistic protection. This is the most common type of security window film on the market today.
True bulletproof window film is typically very thick and requires replacing existing window glass. Sometimes, thin, single-layer film products are described as ballistic, so be sure to look for testing information to validate that claim.
Myth #2: Security Window Film Is an Equivalent Alternative to Bulletproof Glass
The Facts: Security window film does not protect from bullets like ballistic glass. Many schools and businesses choose security window film because it seems like a budget-friendly alternative to bulletproof glass. While window film might be more affordable than bulletproof glazing, it does not offer the same level of protection. The most common security window film products are only designed to delay an assailant’s entry, not stop bullets. This means that when a window with security film is shot, the bullet goes through but the window glass is held in place instead of shattering out, making it more challenging for a would-be intruder to get through the window and into the building.
While bulletproof glass also holds together when shot, it stops the bullet, protecting people on the other side of the glass.
Myth #3: Security Window Film Offers Comprehensive Protection
The Facts:Security window film only delays forced entry.
Because security window film can’t stop a bullet, we always recommend using it in places where there are no people behind the glass. If you need to protect people, use bulletproof glass.
We are enthusiastic advocates for using the right products in the right places. In some applications, film is the right solution! If you’re not sure about whether to choose bulletproof glass or security window film, please reach out to our team. We can help you identify which product is right for you and your threat level.
Protect Your People with Bulletproof Glass
Bulletproof glass is the most reliable means of ballistic protection. At Bullet Guard, we independently test all of our ballistic glass products to the UL 752 standard so you can trust that you’re getting comprehensive ballistic protection. We can also work with you to design and engineer a custom bulletproof system that fits perfectly in your space without compromising functionality.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Bullet Guard Today
We’ve been manufacturing bullet-resistant glass since 1976 and are ready to help you secure your facility today. To get started, give us a call at 866.941.9552 or fill out our contact form to send us a message.
The price of bulletproof glass depends on many factors, such as the type of glass and level of protection. Because there are so many factors impacting the price of commercial bulletproof glass it’s impossible to quote a specific price in an article like this. Therefore, we can share that the price range of UL levels 1 through 3 is approximately $45 to $60 per square foot.
Factors That Affect the Price of Bulletproof Glass
Bulletproof glass costs are not quite as simple as just the cost per square foot. Some of the other factors that go into the overall project cost include the type of glass, level of protection, finishing elements, and other services.
Type of Bulletproof Glass
Complex types of bulletproof glass, like glass-clad polycarbonate, are more expensive than less complex construction, like monolithic acrylic. It is important to note that the cost of the glass does not mean “better” than the other. The cost simply reflects the additional cost of materials and construction time.
Level of Protection
Bullet-resistant glass with higher levels of protection require more material to successfully stop rifle fire. For example, Level 1 laminated polycarbonate is ¾” thick and has five layers. Level 8 GCP is 2 ½” thick and has 11 layers. Many of these individual materials require complex fabrication to increase strength and durability. Again, this difference in material cost is reflected in the overall cost.
Finishing Elements and Framing
Bullet-resistant glass often requires special framing to support the unit’s weight. When glass edges are not covered by a frame, we add a special beveling and polish to elevate the aesthetics. The cost of these finishing elements varies by project and design style. The goal is to create a ballistic barrier that blends seamlessly with your existing architecture and aesthetics, so the finishing details are based on your unique situation.
Additional Services
While not directly connected to the ballistic glass fabrication, shipping and installation services contribute to overall project cost. Handing ballistic glass is very different from working with common float glass, requiring specialized knowledge and techniques. This makes hiring the Bullet Guard team (or a glazier who specializes in bulletproof glass) a good choice for your project. We always provide customers with quotes for these line items so they can budget appropriately.
Bullet Guard Brings Over 45 Years of Expertise to Your Project
When you choose Bullet Guard as your bulletproof glass supplier, you’re not only getting a top-of-the-line ballistic barrier product, you’re getting over 45 years of experience, expertise, and insight. We know how to make the process simple and take every measure to make sure you get exactly what you need to keep your facility safe. This includes having straightforward conversations about threat level and level of protection needed; we know that ballistic barrier products are an investment, which is why we’re committed to selling you only the products you need, and never the products you don’t so you can make the most of your budget.
Get Started with Bullet Guard
If you’re trying to budget for a bulletproof glass project, the best way to get accurate numbers is to speak with one of our experts. Our team is ready to speak with you about your goals and how we can help. Whether you’re an end-user looking to fortify a facility or a contractor in search of a supplier, get started by giving us a call at 866.941.9552 or fill out our contact form to send us a message. We look forward to speaking with you!
If you’ve never installed a bulletproof glass barrier before, you might be in for some surprises! Because ballistic glazing is heavier and thicker than standard glass, it’s more difficult to work with and requires special know-how when you’re installing in the field.
In this blog, we outline the steps installers and glaziers can take to make their project go off without a hitch.
Plan Your Bulletproof Glass Installation Project Carefully
Plan out how you will complete the bulletproof glass installation ahead of time. This includes the number of people you’ll have on-site, the amount of time you’ll need, and all the tools and equipment you’ll use.
Most Bullet Guard installs take one to three days with two to four people. These highly-trained craftsmen should know what’s arriving, where it needs to go, and how to get it there. Remember, glazing is very very heavy. You may not be able to move it using familiar methods.
Double Check Tools, Materials, and Space Before Getting Started
Once you receive the shipment, inspect materials before beginning the installation. If there’s an issue, point it out to the manufacturer right away. This prevents product failure later on and protects your team from being held accountable for damage that wasn’t your fault. Then, double check your materials, your tools, and the master plan to make sure you have everything you need to get started.
After you’re confident in the materials’ condition, lay out your channels according to the top-down, overall view of the system to ensure they match. Make sure everything matches the plan, verifying color, height, and other details. An important step in this process is to ensure the threat and secure sides of the glass are oriented correctly. You don’t want to install a barrier backwards!
Finally, make sure your workspace is ready for the installation. Double check that there are no light fixtures or outlets that are in the way of where the barrier needs to go. It’s rare, but it happens.
You Cannot Cut Bulletproof Glass in the Field
If there’s a sizing error, a quick cut on the fly won’t solve the problem. Ballistic glazing is often made of several layers of glass, polycarbonate, and special adhesives. Cutting the product down to size not only damages the polished edge, but can cause irreparable damage to those layers (especially if you’re working with an insulated glass unit IGU, which includes interior air-gaps). Again, if there’s a size issue, contact the manufacturer.
Steps to Take to Make the Bulletproof Glass Installation Go Smoothly
Once you’re ready to begin the bulletproof glass installation, there are a few tips that will make the process go more smoothly:
Lay out the U channel that will accept the glazing
Mount all the framing and channels in the specified opening
Peel the protective sheet off each panel. Clean them thoroughly with the cleaner provided by Bullet Guard
Consult the documents that came with your order to identify where each window will fit within the system
Install each window, along with any support system required by the engineering plan
Install any system accessories, such as package exchangers
When you’re done, clean all glazing again using the same specialized cleaner. You’re ready to step back and admire your handiwork!
Be Careful About Which Cleaners and Solvents You Use on Ballistic Glass
It’s extremely important that you do not use a conventional cleaner or any other product on the glazing. Some solvents are commonly used in the installation process, and it’s all too easy to accidentally apply them to the window. These liquids can damage the glazing, causing what’s called “crazing,” a fine spider web of cracks on the surface of the bulletproof glass.
Installing Bulletproof Glass or a Bulletproof Barrier? Bullet Guard Can Help
Working with glazing has a learning curve. If you’re unsure about a job, would like more resources, or more information on Bullet Guard’s installation capabilities, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’ve been manufacturing and installing bulletproof glass and other ballistic barriers since 1976 and are ready to help you with your project. To get started, give our office a call or send us a message. We look forward to speaking with you!
If you’re working on adding a layer of ballistic protection to a police station, there’s a strong chance you aren’t starting from scratch. Many police stations are built with security in mind. Concrete blocks are an excellent bullet-resistant building material that are very common, as are entryways that regulate the flow of traffic. Small additions and substitutions can take existing features and make them even more secure and effective.
However, adding a layer of ballistic protection to these existing structures (and even new construction!) requires experience and expertise. We’ve been designing and fabricating industry-leading bulletproof barriers since 1976 and are proud to help protect municipalities around the country. In this blog, we outline five practical tips for designing a police station for ballistic security.
1. Identify and Secure Weak Points
If you haven’t done so already, conduct a security assessment. What weak points need to be secured? Side lites, half lites, and other windows in doors can be a security risk if they’re not secured with bulletproof glass. Additionally, door frames and hardware are often-overlooked weak points.
Many precincts choose to add bulletproof glass transaction windows to separate officers and other staff from the public, adding ballistic paneling to countertops and desks, and other surfaces that would stand between your team and a threat.
Finally, exterior windows are often a weak point that many stations choose to address. If there are exterior windows (or doors) that offer a clear view into the station’s interior, consider reinforcing them with bulletproof glass. A reflective coating can help deter potential threats by preventing them from shooting into the building.
2. Regulate Access
Simple additions to existing architecture can make a police station exponentially more secure. Instead of an open space for people to speak with officers or staff, consider adding a transaction window. Windows are available in several different designs, with different options for talk-through ports and package or document passing. Instead of a single set of doors, adding another layer creates a man trap that allows you to regulate who comes in and out—and trap potentially violent individuals who come into your facility with harmful intentions.
If you already have these features in place, replacing existing barriers with bulletproof glass only adds to the level of security in your facility.
3. Identify Opportunities Within the Building’s Exterior Perimeter
Once you’ve identified what you need to reinforce in the perimeter between the public and the police team it’s time to consider the interior opportunities. In addition to our bulletproof glass, Bullet Guard can also fabricate impact-rated glazing. This glass can stand up to various levels of blunt force and is ideal in any situation where you might deal with a violent or potentially unruly individual, such as an interrogation room. We can also add special coatings to ballistic and impact glass to make it tinted, a one-way mirror, and more. For more information about our capabilities, please reach out to us.
4. Your Ballistic System Should Blend In
It’s hard to protect and serve when you and your constituents feel like you’re in a bunker! Whether you’re designing a new police station or retrofitting an existing structure, your ballistic barrier should blend in seamlessly. Ideally, it should look like another architectural feature, if the public notices it at all. Transaction windows in particular risk looking bulky and cumbersome; at worst, the barriers keep your team from doing their jobs. Bullet Guard specializes in visually sleek systems that look great without sacrificing functionality. This includes backglazing projects, which adds a layer of bulletproof glass to exterior windows, rather than replacing the entire window with a ballistically-rated option.
5. Make Your Design Decisions Based on Context
No recommendation is going to be perfect for every precinct. If your area has a particular challenge, talk to your Bullet Guard representative about those issues so we can recommend the right product for your situation. You know your station’s needs better than anyone—it’s our job to make sure you have the right tools in place to keep your officers safe.
Bullet Guard Has Helped Fortify Police Stations and We’re Ready to Help You
Our team is proud to work with law enforcement agencies across the state, helping them secure their facilities from ballistic threats. This includes elegant transaction windows, guard booths, exterior windows, and more.
Need to Incorporate Ballistic Protection Into Your Police Station Design? Bullet Guard Is Your Trusted Partner
For pricing information, a quote, or to speak with one of our experts about our projects, please give us a call at 916.373.0402 or send us a message. We look forward to speaking with you!
Architects, engineers, and construction professionals need ballistic partners they can trust. Bullet Guard is proud to partner with the AEC community on all types of ballistic projects. Whether you’re working on your first bulletproof project or your fiftieth, you’re in the right place.
As concerns over workplace violence grow, Bullet Guard is your trusted resource for exceptional ballistic products, insightful design support, and timely installation.
Bullet Guard Is Your One Stop Shop for Ballistic Barriers
After nearly 50 years in the industry we know how much of a financial investment ballistic barrier projects can be. While it’s certainly tempting to shop around when you’re developing project specs, we believe that sticking with one provider has plenty of benefits—especially when you choose to work with our team.
Choosing Bullet Guard means ensuring that every component of your project is cohesive. Components will fit together visually and physically. Plus, we’re able to identify potential challenges and make helpful suggestions about how to resolve them. For instance, bulletproof glass is substantially heavier than standard tempered or float glass. This additional weight requires special frames and systems to support it. If your designs don’t take weight into account, we’ll make sure you have a good solution in place.
We Design and Fabricate All Kinds of Complex Bulletproof Solutions
Bullet Guard’s product offerings include bulletproof doors, windows, barriers, frames, enclosures, accessories, and fiberglass panels. Our capabilities include standard designs as well as complex custom work for all industries.
Because we have such robust custom capabilities, everything we build is per your specifications. We never have to modify your designs or specifications to fit the product. The end result is not only exactly what your client called for, it’s beautifully executed. In many cases, users barely notice that the barriers are there.
Our Proven Process Ensures Flawless Execution
Whether you already have project drawings or need to create them, we support you every step of the way. Every project goes through our Proven Process.
This refined approach means we know what questions to ask, steps to take, and mistakes to avoid to ensure your project gets completed on time and on budget. Plus, our team of experienced project managers makes sure that you, the client, know what’s happening at all times, reducing stress.
We Offer Practical Design Support
Need help nailing down some of the details? We’re happy to help with that. Our team is always available to suggest solutions that best fit your project applications, such as type of transaction window or speak through port, level of ballistic protection, and customized elements. And like we previously discussed, we’ll always make sure that your designs are feasible and appropriate for the setting.
Protective Packaging and Shipping
Our custom shipping crates are almost as complex as the systems themselves! We don’t leave anything up to chance during shipping. When you choose Bullet Guard, you can expect your order to arrive in pristine condition, ready for installation.
Detail-Oriented Finishing
Finishing is just as important as the product design and fabrication. Our team of craftsmen makes sure the little details are all beautifully aligned and flawlessly executed. This includes frames and finishes, accessories like deal trays or package passers, and even door hardware. Plus, the Bullet Guard installation team takes exceptional care to ensure the finished product not only fits in the space, but looks beautiful, too. For instance, in the rare case that a product arrives on site and doesn’t fit in the space, we can make adjustments on the fly—something that’s difficult if not impossible for third-party installers who don’t always have the experience to safely modify ballistic materials.
These details can make the difference between a pleasant work environment and struggling to execute basic job functions. Ballistic systems should improve the work experience, not limit it, which is why we take such care to get everything exactly right.
Bullet Guard: Ballistic Partners Trusted by the AEC Community
If you’d like to learn more about our capabilities or have questions about a specific project, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a message through our contact form or give our West Sacramento office a call at 866.264.3049. We look forward to speaking with you!
Physical bank barriers are one of the most effective methods for not only protecting bank staff, but preventing armed incidents. In fact, the presence of physical barriers is often enough to deter a would-be bank robber. Although we hope you never have to put your ballistic bank barrier to the test, having a comprehensive system that completely separates the public from bank staff is the most reliable way to ensure their protection.
Designing a ballistically-rated bank barrier is often a complex endeavor. In this blog, our team breaks down the essentials: the different levels of protection, common bullet resistant materials, and the components you’ll need for your project—along with recommendations for components suitable for financial institutions. Keep reading to learn more.
Understand UL Levels of Protection
Bulletproof materials are rated on a scale of one to eight, depending on how resistant they are to different types of ballistic attacks. These ratings are based on the UL 752 Standard for Safety Bullet-Resisting Equipment, published by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Broadly, the levels are broken out as follows:
Level 1: Able to withstand three shots from a 9mm pistol, suitable for banks, gas stations, pharmacies, and retail
Level 2: Able to withstand three shots from a .357 magnum pistol, suitable for corporate banks and financial institutions
Level 3: Able to withstand three shots from a .44 magnum pistol, suitable for utilities, law enforcement, and government facilities
Level 4: Able to withstand up to one shot from a .03-06 hunting rifle, suitable for federal government or military facilities
Levels 5-8: able to withstand multiple shots from different hunting rifles, assault rifles, and machine guns, suitable for federal government and military facilities
The levels in the UL guide are considered the gold standard in ballistic protection. All of our products are tested in a third-party laboratory to ensure we meet or exceed the UL rating recommendations.
The Four Common Types of Bullet-Resistant Glass
You have four different types of bulletproof glass to choose from when designing your physical bank barrier.
Acrylic glazing: For indoor applications, available in UL levels 1-2.
Polycarbonate and laminated polycarbonate glazing: For indoor applications, available in UL levels 1-3.
Glass-clad polycarbonate glazing: Indoor and outdoor applications, available in UL levels 1-8
Insulated glass: Exterior applications, available in UL levels 1-8.
Choosing the Right Level of Protection for Your Project
Most banks and financial institutions need UL levels 1 or 2 in their facilities. However, UL rating is only one factor of many that you’ll need to consider. For example, acrylic glazing and polycarbonate materials offer comparable protection levels using materials that are of comparable thickness. The difference between the two comes down to clarity, capabilities, and price. Acrylic is just about crystal clear and about $10 less per square foot. Laminated polycarbonate has a very subtle purple-gray tint to it while being slightly more expensive. Laminated polycarbonate is also resistant to forced entry and severe weather.
Another common factor is spalling. When a bullet or other projectile collides with ballistic glass, the impact breaks some of the glass into particles, or spall. Acrylic ballistic glass produces spall; laminated polycarbonate does not. On no-spall glass, these airborne fragments develop on the threat side as well as the safe side of the glass. So while they might not be hit with a bullet, staff behind the counter might be affected by spall particles. No-spall glass only produces spall on the threat side.
If you’d like to speak with our team about which type of ballistically rated glass and UL rating is right for your facility, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to walk you through the different options.
Ballistically Rated Components for Your Physical Bank Barrier System
Components make your bank’s barrier system complete. Bullet Guard offers a comprehensive list of offerings so you can find the right item for your next project.
Transaction Windows
Your service is at the forefront, not distracting or muffled teller windows. Choose from a variety of crystal-clear windows with very little sound interference.
Deal Trays
Our deal trays make passing items between parties so easy, you’ll forget it’s ballistically-rated protection.
Package Passers
A standard 1” x 14” x 14” package passer makes transferring items simple and safe. We offer additional sizing based on your specific needs in UL levels 1-8.
Fiberglass and Countertops
Reinforce your service area with ballistically-rated countertops, fiberglass, and other components that make your system complete.
Bullet Guard Is Ready to Customize Your Security Solution
When your bank needs reliable, aesthetically pleasing ballistic protection, don’t want to contact Bullet Guard. We have over 40 years of experience and are proud to be the industry leader in bulletproof barrier systems. We have the know-how and skill to customize ballistic barriers for your historic buildings or add beautiful minimalist dividers to your new facility.
Not sure exactly what you need? That’s what we’re here for. Our experienced team can help you choose the right item based on your unique needs. Send us a message to get started, or give us a call at 866.941.8695.
When it comes to ensuring the safety of a company’s people and property, a ballistic barrier is an excellent security asset. Highly customizable for any scenario, they offer the desired level of protection without impeding employee workflow or sacrificing building aesthetics. Choosing the right design is imperative, as no two businesses will have the exact same needs. Let’s take a close look at how Bullet Guard’s security experts can help you find the right products for your upcoming ballistic barrier project.
General Considerations
There are a variety of factors to consider during the creation of a bulletproof building design, including:
What type of building is the design for?
What functions need to be performed in the bulletproofed areas?
Are there any specific aesthetic requirements for the bulletproofing elements?
The answers to these questions, among others, help determine what type of bulletproofing material and design is appropriate for the building project. A warehouse has different needs than those of a healthcare facility, for example. A warehouse might focus on a check-in point or security station and access control, while a hospital might secure the ER and pharmacy with transaction windows that don’t interfere with communication.
Each building will come with unique security considerations, including accessories to accommodate daily tasks and interactions, access control, and visibility considerations such as line of sight and lighting.
Appropriate Materials and Building Aesthetics
Another important part of the design process involves selecting materials appropriate for the industry and the building’s aesthetics. With so many options available, safety doesn’t have to be compromised when taking appearance into consideration. Clear materials like acrylic and polycarbonate provide a sleek, modern look, bringing natural light in to create a more welcoming environment. Ballistic fiberglass panels can be incorporated into new construction or retrofits, making them a versatile solution adaptable to any type of wall covering.
Choosing the appropriate level of protection will also depend on the industry, type of building, and location. Most ballistic materials are rated using levels 1 – 8 of the UL 752 “Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment.” Broadly speaking, materials rated Levels 1 – 3 stop clusters of bullets fired from pistols, while those rated Levels 4 and above stop one or more bullets from various rifles as well as any pistols. Levels 1 -3 are the most common in commercial construction.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ballistic Design
Although each design is unique, there are still some common things to watch for. Some tips for effectively bulletproofing a commercial building include:
Considering bulletproofing during the design stage. Designing a building with bulletproofing in mind ensures the bulletproofing elements fit properly with the other structural and aesthetic building components and the bulletproofing is sufficient to provide the level of protection necessary for the given environment and application.
Budgeting for bulletproofing materials. Bullet-resistant glass costs more than regular glass because it is designed to do much more than regular glass. It is important to keep this in mind when establishing the budget to avoid running out of funds during the project. Contacting a ballistic expert during the planning stage can help you get an idea of what your project might cost.
Understanding the role of bulletproofing in various facilities. Different facilities face different levels of risk from different threats. For example, banks have a high chance of being targets of theft. Understanding the level of protection needed for a particular building helps architects create a bulletproof design that is effective and cost-efficient.
Bullet Guard: Your Ballistic Barrier Experts
A well-designed ballistic barrier plays an important role in strengthening the security of a property, offering physical protection and peace of mind to employees and employers alike. Creating the perfect design for your ballistic project takes careful planning and forethought, but with the help of Bullet Guard’s experts, it doesn’t have to be a headache. If you need assistance in planning the design of your ballistic barrier, contact us to request a quote today.
When planning any project, the fine details can sometimes be overshadowed by the larger picture. People may be so focused on providing the appropriate amount of protection that they may forget to consider the necessities of daily operations. In order to ensure business as usual, ballistic accessories are utilized in a variety of ways, making them a practical choice in any scenario.
Those working in customer service especially rely on the ability to effectively communicate and would be leery of any changes that may create difficult customer interactions. By incorporating bulletproof accessories in your ballistic system, you allow employees to sidestep these difficulties, providing a secure environment without compromising customer satisfaction.
Available Ballistic Barrier Accessories
As each place of business has its own unique safety needs, we offer multiple system accessory options for you to choose from.
Deal Trays
Designed for use with transaction windows and security enclosures, we offer a range of deal tray sizes to provide an additional layer of security. Made from stainless steel, our trays are available in stock sizes of 10” x 12” and 10” x 16” in two different models: a recessed deal tray with a 1 ½” depth recess, and a 2 ¼” high surface mount deal tray. If you’re looking for something less standard, we’re more than happy to customize something to your specific requirements.
Package Exchanges
Available in both standard and non-standard models, package exchangers or “passers” are often used in banking, fast food, convenience stores, post offices, cash vaults, and other similar environments, facilitating smoother transactions with an additional layer of security. Bullet Guard stocks four different standard models ranging from 12” to 22” in width and 14” to 16” in height. Products at UL levels 1-3 are crafted from transparent materials, while products at UL level 8 have an opaque look.
Another option is one of our custom package exchanges—units made with aluminum frames and double interlocking doors, specially designed to only allow one door to open at a time. Optional stainless steel cladding can be provided, as well.
Voice Ports
Used in conjunction with transaction windows, voice ports enable natural sound transmission without the use of intercoms, protecting staff without creating an additional atmospheric barrier. Bullet Guard offers a wide range of options, including rectangular, circular, arched, horizontal, and vertical voice ports, in addition to transaction windows with voice surround options.
Planning Ahead
As businesses continue to see the value in a proactive security stance, it’s clear that a holistic understanding of a company’s needs is essential. Bulletproof accessories are key components of any ballistic barrier system, but it’s beneficial to establish these needs in advance when possible. Questions to ask include:
What items will need to be passed back and forth?
In any public-facing scenario, transactions are likely to include a physical component. Determine the dimensions of items frequently exchanged, including allowances for typical package deliveries, if necessary.
How many people will be working?
If multiple employees will be conducting transactions simultaneously, you may need to consider multiple instances of accessories. You may only need one package exchange, but your staff may find additional voice ports to be necessary.
Ballistic Barrier Accessories: Effective Communication Through Innovation
When it comes to customer service, the slightest miscommunication can make a difficult situation even more challenging—a prospect that many workers would rather avoid. Here at Bullet Guard, we know how important it is to balance employee safety with transaction ease, and our team of experts is ready to provide you with a solution. To learn more, visit our accessories and components product page or contact us to request a quote today.
Transaction windows are a necessary safety consideration in any public-facing industry, as they serve as the main point of contact for any number of interactions, including the exchange of documents and currency. Utilized in a variety of ways, from drive-up windows to teller lines and service counters, these bulletproof systems offer practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions for your security concerns.
Product Features
Serving as more than just a visible physical barrier, bulletproof and bullet-resistant transaction windows offer many benefits over standard windows for businesses and their employees. The advantages of implementing one of our systems includes:
Increased safety (ballistic resistance and forced entry protection)
Blends with surrounding aesthetics
Ease of communication
Available Options
Because each place of business has its own specific safety needs, we offer multiple transaction system options for you to choose from.
Interior Transaction Windows
Baffle – the baffle transaction window uses sections of overlapping glazing to allow sound to travel around the window. This style offers the best possible sound transfer and is ideal for continuous windows in a row like at a bank or utility office.
Sliding – well-suited to high-traffic areas, this sliding window can open easily to pass packages or other large items. Also available with a “hole and backer” style voice port.
Hole and Backer – this window style features a round voice port with an oversized “backer” to ensure clear communication and visibility.
Arched or Arched Backer – similar to a hole and backer style, this transaction window features an arched cut-out with an oversized backer to allow sound to transmit naturally.
Exterior Transaction Windows
Exterior transaction windows like drive-up pass-through “DUPT” windows, can be challenging since they need to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather conditions while providing employees with clear visibility and communication. Various features like stainless steel voice ports, small package pass-throughs, and custom counters can help facilitate the day-to-day tasks of doing business and keep things running smoothly and safely.
Custom Transaction Systems
Our bulletproof teller windows are requested primarily for existing teller lines or new ground-up banking projects, although they can be used for virtually any application where there is potential for security threats and armed attacks. They are manufactured from UL-listed acrylic or polycarbonate bullet-resistant materials that facilitate air circulation behind the barriers, allowing for natural sound transmission while also guaranteeing security. Upon request, we can provide custom storefront systems that separate teller lines from public access. We can also fabricate architectural armor for under-counter and teller hood protection, providing an added layer of security.
Planning Ahead
As safety concerns in the workplace rise, more and more businesses are looking for ways to protect workers without compromising customer satisfaction. Incorporating a transaction system into your ballistic security plan can accomplish these goals, but there are some practical considerations to address before diving in:
How many people will be working?
Because our systems are designed to your specific needs, we need to know how many employees will occupy the space at any given time in order to avoid disruptions to their daily workflow.
How many customers or visitors are typical on a daily basis?
Understanding daily customer flow is essential to planning a new transaction system. An estimated headcount makes it easier to determine the necessary number of public-facing workstations to best serve your visitors.
What items will need to be passed back and forth?
A transaction system is more than just a bulletproof window—features and accessories are key components of visitor satisfaction. It’s important to note the physical components of transactions to prevent unnecessary barriers to quality customer service.
Bullet Guard: Your Transaction System Experts
We know that working with the public comes with its own unique challenges, and communication barriers can exist even before a physical barrier is even put in place. Here at Bullet Guard, our experienced staff is available to help create a unique safety solution that protects your staff without hindering communication. For more information, visit our bulletproof transaction windows product page or contact us to request a quote today.
