Both bulletproof and blast-resistant commercial glass are engineered from ballistic-grade materials designed to provide maximum security against natural and man-made threats to keep your property safe without sacrificing your window views. While both have elements in common, each is designed to forestall specific types of disasters. Here are the main differences between bulletproof and blast-resistant glass.

Bulletproof Glass

Despite the name, bulletproof glass is not entirely bulletproof. If you shoot any glass enough times, the bullet will penetrate it. However, bulletproof glass is still quite durable. It’s made from layers of polycarbonate material fused with layers of glass to create a clear surface able to withstand the force of a speeding bullet, heavy tools, and storm debris, making it an ideal installation for commercial establishments.

Blast-Resistant Glass

When standard commercial glass is subjected to a blast event, large amounts of dangerous broken glass, or spall, explode inward. Blast-resistant glass is designed to mitigate damage from industrial, accidental, or deliberate explosions by significantly reducing the amount of spall resulting from explosive blasts.

Constructed from dual-pane polyvinyl butyral-glass composites, also called PVBs, blast-resistant glass is sometimes called explosion-proof glass due to its ability to withstand massive shock waves. The outer surface is tempered to withstand initial forces before breaking, while the inner surface is made from laminated glass with a thick layer of PVB that can break without shattering, preventing glass from spraying interior spaces.

If you’re looking to install a blast-resistant or bulletproof window in your business or professional establishment, get in touch with Statewide Door & Glass. With more than 25 years of experience, they provide affordable commercial glass and door installation and maintenance services to businesses throughout Anchorage, Wasilla, and Kenai, AK. They offer cutting-edge products, including all-glass doors and office partitions. Call (907) 562-2074 today to schedule your free estimate.