What is polycarbonate security glass

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An open sign hangs in a store window to help illustrate What is polycarbonate security glass.

In times of unrest–especially in downtown Portland–you have to think about what’s best for your people, your business, and your facility. When protests turn unruly for whatever reason, you want to be sure your employees and customers aren’t caught in the crossfire of broken glass when someone goes a little too far. This is where polycarbonate security glass comes into play.

Even in times of relative peace, there are always smash-and-grab types of criminals looking for an easy score. But what is polycarbonate security glass? More a thicker plastic sheet than actual glass, it is 250 times stronger than glass and is designed to take a beating without breaking.

As a business owner, you know that working during the later hours is sometimes just a part of the job–there’s bound to be a time when the sun has gone down and you are still hard at work. But have you ever stopped to consider the potential dangers of working during these late hours? Particularly, the risks that come with having windows that can easily shatter and cause panic.

It’s not uncommon for vandalism or accidents to occur during these later hours, and having to suddenly deal with flying glass is a situation no one wants to be in. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and protecting your windows is just one small step towards ensuring that your business stays secure even when the night seems its darkest.

What is Polycarbonate Security Glass

Polycarbonate glazing safety glass is a tough and durable material known for its high impact resistance while still allowing for visual contact with the outside of the store. The primary purpose of polycarbonate security glass is to provide protection against forced entry, vandalism, and impacts while maintaining transparency.

Polycarbonate security glass is preferred over traditional glass because it is significantly more shatter-resistant upon impact. Even when subjected to strong blows for more than 30 minutes, polycarbonate tends to flex and absorb the energy, preventing breakthroughs while maintaining transparency.

This makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of situations where safety and security are critical. Polycarbonate security glass can be installed in windows and doors of business storefronts, banks, retail stores, and even your home to prevent break-ins and unsafe cleanup afterward.

In some cases, polycarbonate security glass can be tinted to provide protection from UV light when your employees are working in direct sunlight for a lot of the day. The UV protection will protect people as well as furniture, flooring, and everything that is in direct contact with the sun for hours on end.

How does Polycarbonate Security Glass Work?

Windows are an essential element of any building, providing natural light, ventilation, and aesthetic appeal. But, with the ever-increasing threats of theft and break-ins, the need for security glass windows has become even more crucial. Polycarbonate security glass is custom-made to meet the exact specifications of your window frames, providing maximum protection against forced entry and break-ins.

Polycarbonate panels, such as DefenseLite Security Shield, are actually attached to the frame of your windows and glass doors. There is about an inch between the glass and the polycarbonate material so the flexing won’t come into contact and potentially damage the glass.

Although installing this kind of glass requires a more involved process, you can rest easy knowing that Pacific Window Tinting is here to make sure that your investment is installed safely and securely. Our team of experts will ensure that your polycarbonate security glass is fitted to perfection, providing peace of mind and advanced protection for your business.

Polycarbonate Glass Cost

The city of Portland has been dealing with an unfortunate trend over the past couple of years – lots of broken glass. While it’s certainly a safety hazard and an eyesore, it’s also a financial burden for businesses. Just think about an office building with multiple windows – the cost of constant replacements can quickly add up.

Even for smaller businesses, the need to replace windows on a monthly basis can be a major strain on resources. So while polycarbonate glass costs more than standard tempered glass for your business, the money you save by not having to replace your storefront windows every couple of months is easily recouped.

If you’re tired of having to replace your store or business windows every time there’s some civil unrest in the city, give Pacific Window Tint a call. We can assess your needs and give you a free estimate on outfitting your storefront with polycarbonate security glass. We are one of the only authorized dealers of DefenseLite Security Shield, so you know you’ll be getting the best, installed by the best.