Glass isn’t exactly known for being resistant to breakage, but there are many different types of commercial glass products out there, some of which are designed to be highly impact-resistant, making them far more resilient than you might expect.
The strongest glass products out there can be used in various commercial building applications to increase both safety and security, protecting building occupants and property from physical harm and other threats.
Strongest Glass Types for Commercial Buildings Explained
In commercial buildings, security, safety, and durability are top priorities when it comes to glass, yet traditional commercial window and door glass is incredibly vulnerable to shattering.
Even strengthened tempered glass, which is commonly used in commercial buildings in order to meet safety requirements, is actually designed to break; just in a way that’s less likely to cause injury.
However, there are several more advanced types of glass products that have been engineered to withstand substantial force.
The following options represent some of the strongest glass and glazing products you can find on the market. They offer varying levels of impact resistance, making them ideal for commercial settings that require extra protection from forced entry, extreme weather, and other threats.
Laminated Security Glass
Laminated security glass is one of the most widely used types of impact-resistant glass in commercial buildings. It is made by bonding two or more layers of glass together with a durable interlayer, which is typically made from some type of thermoplastic, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).
This interlayer holds the glass together upon impact, preventing it from shattering into dangerous shards. Instead of breaking apart, laminated glass cracks in a spider-web pattern, making it much harder to penetrate.
This type of strong security glass is commonly used in storefront windows, doors, and other building openings where both safety and security are top concerns. It not only provides protection against break-ins, but also protects against vandalism, rioting and looting, storm damage, and accidental impacts.
By making window penetration much more difficult, laminated security glass protects building occupants from glass-related injury, mitigates further property damage, and prevents theft, including burglary and smash-and-grab theft.
Polycarbonate-Based Security Glazing
Polycarbonate-based security glazing is made from polycarbonate, a thermoplastic material known for its extraordinary impact resistance and flexibility.
Polycarbonate-based security glazing looks and feels much like traditional glass, yet it’s considered virtually unbreakable, making it a go-to choice for high-security areas in commercial buildings.
Polycarbonate is much lighter than glass, yet it can withstand repeated blows from heavy objects such as hammers or crowbars without cracking or shattering. Whereas laminated security glass can still crack and spall upon impact, polycarbonate-based security glazing essentially bounces impacts away, showing little to no effect on its surface.
Even if faced with a ballistic attack that may penetrate the glazing, polycarbonate-based security glazing retains its shape and strength, remaining a barrier to forced entry. In fact, depending on the thickness and specific composition, certain types of polycarbonate-based security glazing, such as ArmorPlast, can even stop bullets from specific types of firearms.
In addition to its extreme resistance to breakage, polycarbonate can also be coated with anti-scratch layers to help it resist marring and maintain its clarity over time. This material offers excellent long-term durability, making it a cost-effective choice for commercial buildings requiring high levels of security.
Because of its versatility, polycarbonate-based security glazing is suitable for use as everything from retail forced entry protection for storefront doors, windows, and display cases, to hurricane windows, an alternative to storm panels and hurricane shutters.
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate Security Glazing
Glass-clad polycarbonate security glazing is a hybrid solution that combines the best of both laminated security glass and polycarbonate-based security glazing materials. It consists of layers of polycarbonate sandwiched between layers of glass, resulting in a composite material that’s one of the strongest glass products you can find.
The glass-clad polycarbonate structure is designed to withstand prolonged attacks, including attempts to break through with heavy tools or even multi-shot ballistic attacks. It provides the highest level of protection against forced entry, active threats, and other forms of physical attack.
The combination of materials ensures that the glass-clad polycarbonate does not shatter on impact, as well as minimizes spalling to help retain visibility, which is essential in high-risk situations.
Where Can You Get the Strongest Glass for Your Commercial Property?
At Campbell Glass and Films, we offer a full range of the strongest glass products from Riot Glass, a leading U.S. manufacturer of security glazing solutions for commercial doors and windows.
We serve all types of commercial buildings that require enhanced safety and security measures, including:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Government buildings
- Banks
- Retail stores
- Office buildings
- Religious facilities
- Hospitality businesses
- And more!
We can help you choose the right type of strong glass for your specific applications to help you protect your property and its occupants, including employees or customers, from potential threats, while maintaining a professional and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In addition to providing state-of-the-art security glazing solutions, we also offer a full range of commercial window tinting services.
We can combine your new security glazing solutions with different types of window films, including privacy films, decorative films, and sync control films, to achieve the perfect balance between aesthetics and function, meeting the demanding requirements of security experts and design professionals alike!
Ready to transform your commercial space with the strongest glass and highest quality window tinting options out there? Contact Campbell today to chat with our friendly, knowledgeable team!
