Quick answer: Yes. Bullet resistant wall panels are well suited to existing buildings because they are lightweight, come in standard sheet sizes, and can be field-cut to fit. Armortex® manufactures UL 752–compliant composite fiberglass panels (Levels 1–8) for interior walls—engineered as rigid sheets that integrate into wall assemblies during a retrofit. Exact installation depends on the existing wall construction, so specifics should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

What Are Bullet Resistant Wall Panels?

Bullet resistant wall panels are rigid ballistic sheets installed within or behind a wall to stop projectiles. Armortex bullet-resistant fiberglass panels are woven in-house from roving ballistic-grade fiberglass, mechanically injected with a thermoset resin, and pressed into flat rigid sheets using a hydraulic hot press. This process maximizes ballistic performance through proper de-lamination and reliable projectile retention.

The panels are engineered to withstand extreme impacting forces per Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards Levels 1–8, and customers define the level of protection they need.

Why They Work Well in Existing Buildings

Several characteristics make these panels practical for retrofits rather than new construction only:

  • Lightweight composite construction— panels weigh from 2.5 to 14.5 pounds per square foot depending on level, lighter than steel at equivalent protection.
  • Standard sheet sizes— available in 8′, 9′, and 10′ lengths and 3′ or 4′ widths, matching common wall dimensions.
  • Field-cuttable— Armortex provides installation and cutting instructions, and the panels can be cut with standard tools (Armortex also uses waterjet and laser CNC cutting in-house).
  • Interior application— the panels are designed for interior walls, the typical location for added protection in an occupied building.
  • Square edge— simplifies butting panels together within a wall assembly.

Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panel Specs

  • Ballistic level (UL 752):Levels 1–8
  • Length:8′ | 9′ | 10′
  • Width:3′ | 4′
  • Thickness:from ¼″ up to 1 7⁄16″ (multiple options)
  • Weight:5 to 14.5 lb/ft²
  • Application:Interior
  • Edge:Square
  • Primary material:Composite fiberglass
  • Product range (SKUs):F. 100 through O.F. 800 (opaque fiberglass)

The panels are UL-compliant and have been approved by the U.S. Marshal Service and the General Services Administration (GSA), among other government agencies. A fire test report (ASTM E119-00a) is also available.

How Retrofit Installation Typically Works

Because the panels are flat, rigid, and field-cuttable, they integrate into standard interior wall construction during a renovation. The general approach is to size and cut panels to the opening, then fasten them within the wall assembly per Armortex’s installation and cutting instructions. The right thickness and UL level are selected based on the assessed threat and the protection the customer requires.

Since every existing wall differs in framing, depth, and finish, the specifics—fastening method, panel layout, and integration with existing studs and drywall—should be confirmed with Armortex for your particular building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fiberglass bullet resistant panels be retrofitted into an existing wall? Yes. Their lightweight sheet form, standard sizes, and field-cutability make them suitable for installation in existing interior walls; installation should follow Armortex’s instructions.

How heavy are the panels? They range from 2.5 to 14.5 pounds per square foot, depending on the UL level selected.

What protection levels are available? Armortex fiberglass panels meet UL 752 Levels 1–8.

Are these panels for interior or exterior use? They are specified for interior application.

Are the panels certified? They are UL-compliant and approved by the U.S. Marshal Service and the GSA, among other agencies.