Bulletproof Windows vs. Security Film: Which Offers Better Protection?

Article Summary

• How do bulletproof windows differ from security film? Bulletproof windows resist gunfire, whereas security film strengthens existing glass against forceful entry.
• Bulletproof windows replace your existing windows to provide excellent defense against bullets, break-ins, and severe weather.
• Security window film is an easily-installed and cost-effective way to make your existing windows significantly harder to shatter or break into.
  
  

Bulletproof Windows vs. Security Film: Which Offers Better Protection?

There are a variety of ways that you can secure your windows and incorporate forced entry prevention, and two of the most popular ways are security film and bullet resistant windows. These are two very different types of defense. Both types of security treatments have their own best use cases, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. Depending on your specific needs, either can be a solution to keep a building secure and offer an extra layer of security for your windows.

Let’s take a broad look at the overall pros and cons of bullet-resistant glass and safety window film. A few benefits are shared, such as some insurance companies offering lower premiums for properties that have any type of security features. Additionally, both types of windows help prevent and limit glass shattering.

What Are The Benefits of Bulletproof Windows?

Bulletproof windows are resistant to gunfire and can provide a significant amount of forced entry prevention. They are often called bullet resistant, as no glass can ever truly be “bullet proof.” In addition to being a deterrent for those who would use guns, they also help limit damage from thrown objects such as rocks and bricks. Several other benefits of bulletproof windows include:

• Bullet-resistant glass is available in a variety of strengths to protect against different types of firearms.
• Bullet-resistant glass provides a very high level of forced entry resistance.
• Ideal for protecting properties with valuable assets, such as jewelry stores and banks.
• Dramatically stronger glass than typical windows, providing a level of protection from natural weather events as well.

What Are The Benefits of Security Film?

For those tackling lower-level threats, safety window film is a fantastic cost-effective option to increase the security of your existing windows. Designed to protect against many of the common tools used in break-ins, such as hammers and crowbars, security window film is often used to enhance the security of residential properties. Some specific benefits of security film are:

• A cost-effective upgrade for existing windows.
• Offers upgraded resistance to forced entry compared to normal windows
• Security film installation is a fast, efficient process.
• After an impact, the security film holds glass shards together, reducing injury chances.
• Can help with energy efficiency by providing an extra layer of insulation.

The Differences Between Shatter-Resistant Windows and Bulletproof Windows

The difference between these two types of forced entry prevention starts with the basic fact that security window film is not bullet resistant and will not stop a bullet. Bullet proof windows are tested and certified to stop various types of ammunition. Security Shield Doors offers two types of bulletproof windows: level 3 windows that are rated to stop handguns, and level 8 windows that are rated to stop rifle fire.

An additional difference between bulletproof windows and safety window film is how they function and are installed, with the safety window film essentially working as a layer of protective plastic that enhances the security of your existing windows. In general, security window film can only do so much to secure your original windows. The stronger your existing glass is, the better security that safety window film offers. Even with this in mind, security window film is an excellent choice for a cost-effective way to add an extra layer of protection to your windows.

Bulletproof windows, however, are totally new windows made of special glass that replaces your existing windows. These windows are made in a variety of ways, most commonly from either specially formulated pure glass or a polycarbonate window core covered on both sides with glass. These are ideal when security is your top concern. Much like bulletproof doors, these windows will provide you with a serious deterrent to a variety of threats. 

Differences In The Levels of Forced Entry Protection

Although security window film helps to protect your windows from forced entry, they are not as durable to attack as bullet resistant windows. With enough time and effort, safety window film can be breached, especially if an assailant is focusing on a wooden frame or a window’s locks. 

The key point to remember is that a safety window film’s job is to make your window’s glass significantly harder to smash. If a window is easily pried open or otherwise breached, there is little that the film can do for prevention. Even if a company claims to offer ballistic window film, it will never reach the level of forced entry protection that bulletproof windows offer.

However, for many, this level of protection is the ideal way to handle security threats, risks, and concerns. Protection against smash-and-grab thefts is much more cost-effective with safety window film than with bulletproof windows.

That said, bullet resistant glass will always be stronger than security window film solely due to the type of glass used. The glass Shield Security Doors uses to construct bulletproof glass is on par with, or even better, than the type used to create hurricane safe windows. In the case of protection from both intruders and the natural world (storms with flying debris), bullet resistant glass is a great option.

Which Window Safety Solution Is Right For My Needs?

Ultimately, each property faces its own unique set of needs and circumstances when it comes to security. If you are unsure how to quantify your risk and make the best decision, reach out to Security Shield Door’s trusted team of experts to find the right solution for your needs. Otherwise, consider all your concerns when making the choice between security film and bulletproof windows.

Both security film and bulletproof windows offer a level of shatter-resistant windows. If your main concern is thrown objects, smash-and-grab break-ins, or the use of tools to break glass, the film will likely cover all your needs for a much lower cost. Following this logic, many rental property owners choose to use safety film as their best security option. Some property owners choose to only apply security film to windows in areas of high traffic, such as first-floor windows facing the street.

Bullet resistant glass is an ideal solution for business owners or homeowners with large amounts of valuables to keep safe. This is especially true in areas of high-crime or in industries where even the quickest smash-and-grab can result in thousands of dollars of losses. 

Window Reinforcement Buys You Time

Overall, the main benefit that both safety window film and bulletproof windows share is that they buy you time. When a break-in occurs, every second matters, especially as multiple factors have begun to lead to police taking longer to arrive. Forced entry prevention is about buying yourself more time for the police to arrive in a dangerous situation. Both security window film and bulletproof glass offer this, but specifically crafted and installed bullet resistant windows will buy you the most time due to their strength, durability, and material.

If you’re ready to take the next step in securing your home, business, or rental property, our team of security experts can help you find the perfect solution for your needs. From safety window film and bullet resistant windows to high-security doors and safe rooms, we are well-equipped to handle your security concerns. Reach out to us today to request a quote and find the peace of mind that you deserve.