What is the best burglar proof glass?

Unbreakable glass windows are a confusing product type in the window industry. There’s a great deal of misbelief and misconception around unbreakable glass and whether certain products deliver on such promises.

This because there are many catch-all terms and labels that are tossed around as “unbreakable glass,” when in reality, most security products on the market can indeed be penetrated with enough force and willpower.

Despite its ambiguity, there are in fact unbreakable glass options on the market. Buyers must understand the various types of products and how they differ in terms of strength and un-breakability.

What Is Unbreakable Glass?

Unbreakable glass can be classified into two primary types:

• Laminated glass windows:

  A specialized type of security window designed with a thin piece of transparent film that’s sandwiched between two panes of normal glass, also known as shatterproof glass.

• Polycarbonate window panels:

  Flexible and high-strength panels that look just like regular window glass, but they are actually made of a combination of acrylics, polycarbonate, and other plastic.

Both of these widely-known types of “unbreakable glass” are far more durable and lightweight than normal glass windows, but they’re not created equally. Below we go into greater detail behind each of these solutions and which option might be best for you.

Laminated Glass (aka “Shatterproof Glass”)

In the window industry, unbreakable laminated glass is often tossed around as “shatterproof glass.” This has become a catch-all term that vaguely defines a certain variety of laminated security glass products. However, this term can be a bit misleading because most shatterproof laminated security glass is not 100% unbreakable. 

Rather, it’s designed to be very shatter-resistant. When this type of laminated security glass does break, it holds glass shards in place to prevent the glass from shattering dangerously inwards. So while this solution might help protect against natural disasters and storm threats, it might not be enough to protect against a bomb blast or a determined intruder.

Laminated security glass can delay entry by a few minutes to total non-entry, depending on the thickness of the glass and the determination and tools of the individual trying to gain access. It can be a sufficient deterrent for vulnerable locations.

For instance, laminated glass can be a sound solution for retailers who wish to better protect their storefront and merchandise against smash-and-grab theft, burglary, rioting, and looting. It can also be installed on glass windows and doors of homes and residential complexes to help deter intruders and threats. 

As an alternative to laminated glass upgrades, safety and security window film can offer similar advantages and features. Security window film is often far less expensive to install and can also offer added benefits, like energy savings, sun control, and UV protection.

Polycarbonate Panels

If you’re interested in unbreakable glass that truly lives up to its name, polycarbonate panels are the type you want. Polycarbonate panels are significantly more difficult to break than both standard glass windows and laminated glass mentioned above. Compared to these latter options, polycarbonate panels deliver superior protection against forced entry attempts, burglaries, and weather-related disasters.

Although these panels look and function like glass windows, they are made of a combination of polycarbonate, acrylics, and other plastic resins. The combined strength and durability of its material composition makes polycarbonate panels a truly unbreakable and impenetrable solution.

While a laminated glass or shatterproof windows can effectively delay forced entry attempts, a polycarbonate window will always maintain its integrity against the most relentless and aggressive of attacks, including bomb blasts. Some polycarbonate panels have been engineered for ballistic protection, which provides protection against firearm threats. 

One of the best examples on the market is DefenseLite polycarbonate security panels. DefenseLite is 250 times stronger than glass and nearly invisible once installed. It’s been test across a wide range of blunt force objects and weapons and is proven effective as an unbreakable glass solution for the most demanding applications. It’s also easily mounted to existing glazing frames using a custom vented aluminum extrusion that creates a stand-off from the primary window and door glass.

DefenseLite also produces BulletShield, polycarbonate shields that offer UL 752 ballistic protection at a fraction of the cost of alternative products. RIghtfully acclaimed the body armor for windows, BulletShield is a bullet-resistant option that’s been tested with a wide range of firearms. You can learn more about this ballistic unbreakable glass solution here. 

At Window Film Depot, we specialize in many different types of protective glass solutions. Whether you need a security deterrent to prevent burglaries and looting, or a full-on ballistic solution to stop armed intruders dead in their tracks, we can help you determine the optimal solution to fit your needs. Get in touch with one of our professionals by contacting us online or call 866-933-3456  for more information. 

Burglars are opportunistic criminals and most of them won’t go to great lengths to get into a home. They take advantage of situations where it will be easy to make some quick money by stealing electronics, jewelry, or cash. Don’t let your home be an easy target. To prevent theft, creating burglar-proof windows and doors in your home will deter criminals from gaining entry.

While most burglars gain entry through doors, the second most common area susceptible to break-ins is first-floor windows. Second-floor windows are more difficult to reach and far less likely to be the source of a criminal’s attack. Fortunately, you have choices on how to prevent break-ins through your windows. There are several options available to you to reinforce security and keep your valuables safe.

How to Burglar-Proof Your Windows

Window Bars

One of the simplest and most affordable solutions for how to burglar-proof windows is to install bars on the exterior of the windows. These bars keep would-be thieves from being able to gain access to the window to force it open or break the glass. However, window bars are obtrusive, and not many people want them to change the appearance of their homes. So what do you do if you want to prevent window break-ins without unsightly bars?

Window Security Films

If you want to prevent window break-ins but can’t install bars, window security films are an affordable and visually appealing solution. These thin films, which are applied over your existing windows, are engineered to be tear-resistant and strengthen glass to prevent break-ins. They make the windows much more difficult to penetrate and slow burglars down, often enough to make them give up and move on to easier targets.

Additionally, these security films have other benefits that keep you and your family safe, like UV protection and protection from flying glass during natural disasters.

Window Locks

While it may seem obvious that you should lock your windows to keep burglars out, what you might not realize is that the locks that many windows come with are less than ideal and fairly easy for thieves to bypass.

There are numerous options available for secondary locks that can be installed to increase security on your windows. Pin locks are pins that slide into the window frame to keep it closed and track locks clip on the track of sliding windows and doors to keep them from opening.

These types of installations often have the added benefit of preventing children from opening windows from the inside as well, so kids stay in and burglars stay out.

Polycarbonate Safety Shields

One of the best ways to burglar-proof windows is to install polycarbonate safety shields, like DefenseLite, over your existing windows. Polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass and nearly impenetrable by would-be thieves. This option combines the low-profile appearance of security films with the performance of window bars to keep burglars at bay.

Unlike glass, when these polycarbonate panels are hit with blunt objects like crowbars or rocks, they flex with the impact and deflect energy away. Unable to break through these shields, most criminals give up and flee the scene leaving your windows intact and your valuables safe inside your home.

Motion Sensor Lights

While motion sensor lights aren’t an installation that can be applied directly to windows, they are a helpful way to deter criminals from even attempting to break in. Thieves target homes that have areas of low visibility, so neighbors and others nearby can’t spot them. If the exterior of your home is well-lit, burglars are less likely to see your home as a prime target.

Install floodlights with motion sensors at least ten feet high so burglars can’t reach them to disable them. When someone walks nearby, these lights will turn on and scare off anyone trying to access your home.

Security Cameras

Much like motion sensor lights, security cameras are an effective way to prevent criminals from even attempting to break into your home. Make sure security cameras are visible to make them the most effective since most criminals won’t bother with a home protected by security cameras.

However, some criminals are bold and will still attempt to burglarize your home with their faces covered. This is why it’s so important to protect your windows from burglars by reinforcing them with one of the options above.

How to Protect Windows from Burglars

As you can see, there are many options available for burglar-proofing windows. You can make upgrades to the window itself by installing films, locks, or polycarbonate shields or install deterrents to upgrade overall security with motion sensor floodlights and security cameras. Hopefully, you have some new ideas for how to upgrade your window security so you can leave your home with peace of mind, knowing your property is safe.