How to Break Bulletproof Glass (2024)

If you’re looking to purchase bulletproof glass for your school, workplace or government building, it might be helpful to know how durable the glass truly is. Is it actually “bullet proof”? Can non-projectile threats break through the glass? Understanding the different types of the glass may also prove useful in making your selection.

You might be wondering:

Which glass is best suited for a hotel as opposed to a police station? Before answering these questions, it is important to understand what bulletproof glass is, how it is used today and the misconceptions that surround it.

What is Bulletproof Glass?

Bulletproof glass is also known as ballistic glass or bullet-resistant glass. It is transparent and composed of multiple layers of glass and plastic. This combination of materials allows the glass its elasticity. This ability to flex without breaking is the key to prevent spalling (the spraying of glass). Ballistic glass absorbs the energy of the projectile so that it loses momentum. Once the projectile has lost momentum, it will fail to reach its target. Different types of glass have different levels of protection, also known as the Underwriters Laboratory 752 Level (1-10), or simply UL Level.

To put it simply:

These levels indicate which types of glass can resist the penetration of forced entry, projectiles and explosive blasts.[image_with_animation image_url=”2588″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”]

The Five Types of Bulletproof Glass

There are five common types of bullet-resistant glass.

1. Insulated Ballistic Glass: Designed for schools, community centers, places of worship and the like, this glass is cost-effective, easy to maintain and provides protection against forced entry and UL Level 1 threats.
2. Monolithic Acrylic Glass: Of the five mentioned, this is the most common type of bullet-resistant glass and can be found in many public buildings. It provides protection against UL Level 1 and 2 threats. Its uniqueness stems from its ability to be modified (drilled, cut and slotted).
3. Polycarbonate Glass: Effective against UL Level 1 through 3 threats, polycarbonate is relatively soft but more than capable of deflecting a projectile. This glass has a noticeable tint which may be unappealing to those who would like to remain inconspicuous.
4. Laminated Glass: Composed of glass and resin, this glass can protect against UL Level 1 through 4 threats. It is fairly heavy but scratch resistant and easy to maintain.
5. Glass-Clad Polycarbonate (GCP): Perfect for the exterior, this glass can protect against forced entry, blasts and UL Level 1 through 8 threats. Like polycarbonate, GCP has a noticeable tint and the installation is labor intensive.

What’s the best one?

We may be biased, but our innovative glassis made of GCP and can protect against even the most volatile weapons. This glass can withstand rapid gunfire from handguns, shotguns and automatic weapons including the AR-15 and AK-47.

The Time and the Place For Glass

Today, bulletproof glass can be found in a number of industries, including but not limited to stadiums, schools, police stations, financial institutions, hotels, convenience stores and even fast-food restaurants. These industries experience a high volume of foot traffic making them susceptible to threats, projectile or otherwise. Unfortunately, in recent years almost all of these industries have experienced an increasing number of ballistic threats.

Now…

In the face of new-age threats, new-age solutions are required. That’s why BallistiMAX glass is equipped with counterfire technology. This allows the defender to fire rounds that will penetrate from the “safe” side while preventing penetration from rounds fired by the assailant on the “threat” side. It is also equipped with a countermeasure called BallistiSHOCK. When an assailant fires at the glass, they are bombarded with shards of glass making it more difficult to continue firing.[image_with_animation image_url=”2589″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”]

Misconceptions

The first misconception is that bulletproof glass is cheap. In reality, it can cost thousands of dollars. It all depends on the size of the structure that needs to be protected and the UL Level of the glass. The second misconception is that the glass is indestructible.

Here’s the kicker:

The glass can and will break if it is continually fired upon. That is why the term bullet-resistant glass is more appropriate. The last misconception is that ballistic glass is light because it is made with plastic. Depending on the UL Level, a small sheet of ballistic glass can weigh dozens of pounds. With its cost-effective, durable, and lightweight nature, BallistiMAX glass rises above these misconceptions.

How to break bulletproof glass

There are generally four ways to break bulletproof glass. Understanding these methods will help you understand the UL Level glass required to protect your school or business.

1. Repetition: Suffice it to say, we are not going to tell you exactly how to do this. But, this method is more effective if the projectile is stronger than the UL Level. For example, it would be easier to break a UL Level 1 with a .44 Magnum because it would require less rounds for the projectile to break the glass. The good news is BallistiMAX can be fabricated to any level desired. Furthermore, the Ballistishock technology makes it likely that any assailant would be quickly disabled before they have the chance to implement this strategy.
2. Sledgehammer: A sledgehammer cannot penetrate polycarbonate glass or GCP, but it can shatter monolithic acrylic. This method requires more effort and more repetition depending on how strong the assailant is. The good news is that it would take many minutes, even hours to accomplish. Help would certainly be on the way.
3. Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG): An RPG is a shoulder-fired missile that will obliterate any form of bulletproof glass that is currently on the market. However, civilians cannot access this weapon.
4. Dynamite or C4: There are several types of ballistic glass that are rated blast resistant, however, detonating an explosive one or more times within several feet of the glass will render it ineffective. These explosives are illegal and not available to the public.

Image: BallistiMAX glass being fired at in a test environment with no penetrations.

Author: Mary Qualls