Written By: Brad Campbell | December 21, 2016
It has long been our quest to bring to the market a cost-effective ballistic glazing solution that is effective, affordable, and easy to install. To that end, we have developed ArmorPlast, a retrofit ballistic glazing solution that is more affordable than a full glass and framing replacement.
There is no one-size-fits-all ballistic solution, and we highly recommend a full threat assessment to determine the best materials for your application. You may reference the various classifications for ballistic resistant materials on our Ratings Chart page.
During a threat assessment, one of our expert security consultants will do a complete walkthrough of your property to examine your existing security measures, look for vulnerabilities, and make recommendations about materials and their placement.
Besides looking at the physical strength of your building’s defenses, the security expert will also discuss your security concerns in detail with you to get an idea of what threats you want to guard against.
Once the perceived threat has been established, we will measure the existing fenestration, or window frame pocket depth, to determine if the needed material can be accommodated within the remaining framing.
We have many configurations of framing and ballistic material combinations, which allow us to install the system with very little aesthetic change to the building. This means you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your property’s curb appeal to enhance its security.
A ballistic glazing system is rated only as high as the lowest component’s rating, so when we install a system within an existing frame, we do not apply a rating to the system, as there are vulnerabilities at the framing. In other words, if we place a UL752 Level 3 ArmorPlast panel in an unrated frame, we cannot rate the system. The framing is not rated, so the system is therefore not rated.
So, why would you want an unrated system? The concept is similar to that of body armor. Police and military body armor does not cover the entire body; in fact, the head, everything below the waist, and the sides of the body are often vulnerable. However, the center of mass is protected which significantly increases the chances of survival.
ArmorPlast was born from this same philosophy. We are covering the most vulnerable area of the window – the viewable glass – and thereby significantly increasing the likelihood that the occupants of the room will have time to run away from the area.
In an active threat scenario, the first place the shooter is going to try to shoot through is what they think is a vulnerable window. In a situation where your building’s windows are made from traditional window glass, the window will break apart instantly and allow the attacker easy access to your facility and those inside.
Once a shooter is inside the building, there’s no telling how tragic the scenario will potentially turn. However, a window reinforced with ballistic glazing will retain its strength and deny the shooter access, even after multiple ballistic impacts.
The delay to entry caused by the ballistic window panels gives anyone inside the building time to call the police, get away from the windows, and evacuate the building or barricade themselves somewhere safe inside until the authorities arrive.
This delay is critical in saving lives and giving the police time to arrive on the scene and deal with the situation. ArmorPlast can be the difference between a tragic day and everyone going home safe after a scary situation.
It’s been our mission to provide affordable ballistic glazing solutions that are highly effective, and simple to install. We truly care about each and every one of our clients and always put their safety and security above all else.
This affordable technology allows schools, municipalities, commercial buildings, religious venues, or any other building where ballistic protection is desired to have a level of protection that has been previously out of reach due to budgetary constraints.
In an active threat scenario, the perpetrator will be caught off guard. The original glass still breaks upon impact, but the bullet is stopped by the ArmorPlast panel. The shattered glass creates a “white out” effect which further confuses the assailant. This confusion buys precious time.
Another key benefit of ArmorPlast is that it is virtually unbreakable. Even after being shot many times, it remains solidly in the frame, preventing an intruder, and his gun from entering the building.
Its virtually unbreakable strength also makes ArmorPlast a highly effective barrier to burglary and smash-and-grab theft. ArmorPlast panels won’t break apart in the face of forced entry attempts using heavy hand tools commonly used by would-be burglars.
Additionally, ArmorPlast panels have a proprietary hard coat that is resistant to marring, graffiti, and even chemical attacks. Combined with its high level of impact resistance, this makes ArmorPlast a great choice to protect against rioting, vandalism, and looting that can occur during moments of civil unrest.
ArmorPlast is part of the ultimate line of security fenestration products that we are proud to offer. When you want the best in retrofit security glass and ballistic glazing solutions, look no further than Riot Glass.
Riot Glass has a nationwide network of installation partners, so call today to learn more about protecting your building.
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