As a business or property owner in the downtown core of Portland–or anywhere else in the metro area–you know how important it is that storefront windows look great and remain intact. But during times of unrest, you can be put on high alert when it comes to those big and beautiful picture windows that greet the public. Fortunately, several glass security products on the market can keep your properties safe, sound, and secure.
Glass security products are vital for business and property owners as they act as a deterrent against vandalism, looting, and property damage caused by smash-and-grab safety breaches, protecting valuable assets, employees, and clients or customers. Reinforced glass and security films provide a physical barrier against forced entry, protecting occupants and merchandise from potential harm, as well as natural disasters.
These products help maintain business continuity by minimizing disruptions caused by broken windows. By investing in glass security solutions, business and property owners demonstrate their commitment to safety, security, and resilience in uncertain times, preserving the integrity and longevity of their establishments.
Top Glass Security Products
Glass security products play a crucial role in improving safety and protection for residential and commercial buildings. Here are a few of the most common glass security products:
Security Film
Clear or tinted security film is an effective solution for reinforcing glass windows and doors. It provides a strong layer of protection, making it more difficult for intruders to shatter the glass. Security film also helps prevent injury by holding shattered glass together during breakage.
Depending on the tinting levels, window film can provide smash-and-grab security by obscuring what’s inside your storefront. If they don’t know what’s inside, criminals are less likely to break a window to find out and will move on. With reflective coatings, security film not only does the job, but it looks great doing it too.
DefenseLite Security Shield
Made from robust polycarbonate material and designed with ventilation for added flexibility, the DefenseLite Security Shield can withstand attempted break-ins for up to 40 minutes. Positioned an inch or two in front of the window within the existing frame, the shield absorbs the brunt of any impact, ensuring enhanced protection for the window itself.
While the shield takes a beating, the glass behind is safe and sound. It doesn’t take long for potential intruders–or just vandals–to move on to something a lot easier. This security glass system is more expensive than other options, but will more than make up for the expense if you’re experiencing multiple broken windows in a year, every year.
Laminated Glass/Tempered Glass
Laminated glass consists of multiple layers of glass bonded together with a durable interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This construction enhances strength and resilience, making it difficult to break through. Laminated glass is commonly used in storefronts, banks, and high-security facilities.
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that undergoes a specialized heat treatment process. During tempering, the glass is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled, creating internal tension and compressive stresses. This process strengthens the glass, making it up to five times stronger than untreated glass of the same thickness.
When broken, it fractures into small, granular pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury. So while they don’t provide increased security of other options on the list, your employees, customers, and others will be safer if they happen to be inside the store when the glass is broken.
Bullet-Resistant Glass
Designed to withstand ballistic impact, bullet-resistant glass is composed of multiple layers of glass and polycarbonate materials. It protects against bullets, forced entry, and explosions, making it suitable for use in banks, government buildings, and critical infrastructure facilities. However, this is a more expensive security glass solution than those listed above and isn’t as readily available.
Window Bars
There are several types of bars or gates available to protect store windows, each offering varying levels of security and aesthetics. Fixed window bars are permanently installed over windows to prevent forced entry. While highly effective, they may obstruct visibility and detract from the store’s appearance.
Rolling Security Shutters
These metal shutters roll down over windows to secure the storefront. They are available in manual or motorized options, offering convenient operation and strong protection against intrusion and vandalism. However, if you have a large storefront, installing these shutters (they look like garage doors) can be cost-prohibitive.
By evaluating the specific security needs and preferences, store owners can choose the most suitable option to protect their windows while maintaining the desired aesthetic appeal of their storefront.
Wondering About Glass Security Products? Work With The Experts
Pacific Window Tinting has proudly served as Oregon’s premier provider of top-quality window tinting for commercial and residential properties for more than two decades. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every project we undertake and our in-house team of installation experts upholds the highest industry standards, ensuring superior quality and craftsmanship in all our services.
We do not outsource any of our work–this means that our dedicated staff maintains full control over the quality and precision of every project from start to finish. We were also the first authorized dealer/installer of DefenseLite Security Shield in Portland, securing our position that we provide the most up-to-date security window products in the area.