Installing glass into a building design delivers a sense of openness and visibility, yet it can also introduce points of vulnerability within the structure’s protective envelope and security system. In practice, this glass forms part of a larger glazing system that determines how effectively a façade or partition resists impact and intrusion. From vandalism and break-ins to ballistic attacks, glazing systems must be carefully matched to the risks they face.

Glass can be reinforced through different approaches, including the installation of bullet-resistant glazing or the application of ballistic film to existing glazing. Each solution improves glass performance under impact, though their protection levels and intended applications vary. Evaluating their differences helps identify the most appropriate system for a facility’s security needs.

Ballistic Film: Reinforcing Existing Glass for Impact Resistance

What It Is

Ballistic, or security, film is a thin polyester or polymer laminate applied directly to the surface of existing glass. Typically between 3 and 8 mils thick, the film forms a transparent coating that strengthens glazing without requiring full replacement or altering visibility.

How It Works

When glass protected by ballistic film is struck, the adhesive layer bonds the fractured pieces together, helping to prevent shards from scattering, reducing the risk of injury, and keeping the glass intact for longer to delay forced entry. The ballistic film can increase the impact tolerance of the glass, enhancing protection during blasts, vandalism, and attempted intrusion.

Where It’s Used

Ballistic film is most often installed in commercial storefronts, schools, and offices, particularly in zones where property protection or impact mitigation is the priority. It is a practical retrofit for facilities needing a quick, non-intrusive upgrade to their existing glazing.

Why It Is Not Bulletproof

Although the term “ballistic film” suggests bullet resistance, this material is not bulletproof. It cannot stop projectiles or meet certified ballistic standards such as UL 752. Ballistic films are designed for impact resistance, not ballistic protection. If used within its intended scope, ballistic film acts as an excellent safeguard against breakage and forced entry, but it cannot substitute for certified ballistic glazing.

Bullet-Resistant Glazing: Certified Protection Against Firearms

What It Is

Bullet-resistant glazing combines multiple layers of glass, polycarbonate, and adhesive interlayers, each working to absorb or deflect the energy of high-velocity projectiles. Unlike ballistic film, bullet-resistant glazing is a purpose-built system engineered and tested as a complete assembly, including the glass, frame, and mounting structure, to ensure verified ballistic performance.

How It Works

Should a projectile strike bullet-resistant glazing, the outer glass layer absorbs and spreads the initial impact energy across its surface. The subsequent glass and polymer layers then dissipate the remaining force, reducing the projectile’s velocity and preventing penetration. A polycarbonate backing layer captures residual fragments and spall, protecting occupants on the secure side of the glazing.

Testing and Standards

True bullet-resistant glazing is evaluated under recognized standards:

  • In the United States- UL 752 defines performance across ten protection levels, from Level 1 (handgun threats) to Level 10 (high-powered rifles).
  • In Europe- EN 1063 classifications (BR1 to BR7) define performance levels based on specific calibres, projectile velocities, and firing patterns.

These ratings provide clear, quantifiable benchmarks of ballistic resistance to specific firearm threats.

Where It’s Used

Commonly installed in banks, government buildings, law enforcement facilities, and control rooms, bullet-resistant glazing is used wherever protection from firearm threats is required. Once integrated within a rated frame and structure, it provides a tested ballistic barrier that helps safeguard occupants and property from armed assault.

Ballistic Film vs. Bullet-Resistant Glazing: The Differences

Purpose

  • Ballistic film: Reinforces existing glass to resist impact, fragmentation, and forced entry.
  • Bullet-resistant glazing: Absorbs and arrests projectiles, providing certified ballistic protection for life-safety applications.

Construction

  • Ballistic film: A thin polymer layer applied as a retrofit to existing glass surfaces.
  • Bullet-resistant glazing: A multi-layer composite of glass, polycarbonate, and internal bonding layers engineered to absorb impact energy and stop ballistic projectiles.

Certification

  • Ballistic film: Not rated for ballistic performance and does not meet UL 752 or EN 1063 standards.
  • Bullet-resistant glazing: Certified under standards like UL 752 and EN 1063, confirming the glazing provides proven levels of protection against specific firearm threats.

Applications

  • Ballistic film: Suitable for lower-risk areas such as upper floors or interior partitions where the likelihood of firearm attack is minimal.
  • Bullet-resistant glazing: Required for entryways, reception counters, and public-facing zones where ballistic protection is essential.

Ultimately, ballistic film enhances the protection of property, while bullet-resistant glazing is engineered to safeguard people from armed attack

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Security Needs

1. Assess the Threat

  • If your primary concerns involve smash-and-grab theft, vandalism, or accidental impact, ballistic film offers suitable reinforcement.
  • If your facility faces a risk of firearm attack or armed intrusion, bullet-resistant glazing is the best choice.

2. Consider the Environment

  • Ballistic film performs well on upper-storey glazing or low-access zones where direct assault is unlikely.
  • Bullet-resistant glazing should be used on ground-floor façades, entry points, and occupied public areas where exposure to ballistic threat is higher.

3. Prioritize Occupant Safety

  • Ballistic film is a practical enhancement for unoccupied or low-risk areas.
  • Bullet-resistant glazing is required in spaces where people could be at risk from ballistic attack.

Certified Ballistic Protection, Engineered by Armortex

While ballistic film enhances glass performance against impact, only bullet-resistant glazing provides verified ballistic resistance. Armortex’s bullet-resistant glazing is tested to meet UL 752 standards, offering clarity, durability, and dependable protection in high-security environments. Speak with the specialists from Armortex now to find out more about our bullet-resistant glazing solutions.