School administrators and security directors are under increased pressure to make their buildings safer, but limited budgets don’t always make extensive upgrades possible.
That’s why many are focused on reinforcing standard doors and windows, often the first point of entry for an active shooter. A few strikes with a hammer or pry bar can compromise the opening in seconds, allowing the attacker to begin shooting before anyone can respond.
That’s why districts are looking for solutions like our new SchoolDefender® glass, designed to slow down intruders without requiring major renovations.
Here’s a closer look at how it works and where to use it.
SchoolDefender glass is a laminated glass-clad polycarbonate that is not ballistically rated but tested to withstand forced-entry. It’s ideal for standard windows or doors that don’t require bulletproof glass.
That’s a major advantage, as most ballistically rated glass is too heavy to fit standard frames and requires framing tested to the same UL 752 level.
That means less demolition, shorter schedules, and lower project costs.
SchoolDefender is tested to the ASTM F1233 standard for security glazing, meaning it has been proven to stay intact after repeated attacks, including a series of strikes with hammers, pipes and even a propane torch. Because the standard simulates a multi-stage attack, this means the material can potentially delay intruders from entering by several minutes, buying critical time for first responders to arrive.
It’s available in both monolithic and insulated configurations, with options that are engineered to fit standard commercial framing, so you can target the most critical locations first (entries, vestibules, admin suites) and phase work as budgets allow.
It’s also designed to blend in with your building’s architecture and is available in a variety of custom options, including special tints, low emissivity, low iron and bird–friendly versions which add a pattern that is nearly unrecognizable to people but allow birds to recognize it as a solid object so they don’t run into it.
While security window film can help hold shattered glass together and slightly delay forced entry, it cannot stop bullets and is not a substitute for tested, forced-entry-rated glazing. One blow with a propane torch, and it can easily melt away.
We do recommend using window film in low-risk areas and as part of a comprehensive systems approach to security. And in high-traffic areas where protecting people from bullets is your top concern, ballistic glass will always be the best option.
However, if your primary goal is to strengthen standard windows and doors to prevent forced entry, SchoolDefender is a stronger alternative to window film and a more cost-effective alternative to ballistic glass.
SchoolDefender glass isn’t just for schools.
It’s designed for any facility that could be threatened by an intruder, from K-12 and college campus buildings to workplaces, hospitals, banks or government agencies.
It’s ideal for new construction or renovations where the goal is to increase security and delay entry with minimal disruption.
Consider it if you are:
If you’re making plans to protect your facility this year or you’ve been hired by a district, our team can help you identify your threats, write clear specs for your project, and choose the right materials.
Unlike competitors who sell off-the-shelf products, our team designs, fabricates, and installs custom barrier systems in-house to match your threat profile, schedule and budget.
Our Proven Process™, developed over more than 20 years, is our way of ensuring your barrier system meets your exact specifications with minimal disruption. In many cases, we can install barriers within a day.
We’ve protected more than 30,000 buildings, including thousands of schools, and have the experience to help you navigate every step.
When you’re ready to get started, schedule a consultation with us.