Paul La Vigne | |
Key Takeaways:
- Not all security glass is equal—select the right material and UL rating based on your store’s specific threats, location, and customer needs.
- Match the frame to the glazing to avoid weak points that compromise your system’s effectiveness.
- Natural light and curb appeal matter—ballistic glazing can preserve aesthetics while delivering maximum protection.
- Plan ahead—budget in phases, start with high-risk entry points, and work with experienced professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
If you're planning to install new windows for your retail store, you’re not just making an aesthetic upgrade—you’re making a security investment. The right choice in security windows can help protect your property, enhance curb appeal, reduce risk to customers and employees, and even improve your store’s energy efficiency.
With so many options and features on the market—from laminated glass to bulletproof windows and polycarbonate glazing—how do you choose the right system?
Here are the most important features and considerations to help you make an informed decision, whether you’re building or remodeling a gas station, boutique store, or a national chain.
Understanding the Security Threats Facing Retail Stores
Storefronts are among the most vulnerable points of entry for commercial properties. They’re also one of the most visible. Unfortunately, that makes them a common target for smash-and-grab thefts, forced entry attempts, armed robberies, and random acts of violence.
In a National Retail Federation survey, 73% of retailers said shoppers were more violent and aggressive than they were just a year ago.
Additionally, organized retail crime and acts of violence near retail areas have become more common, with 67% of retailers reporting an increase in crime and nearly 30% closing stores in certain locations.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York, and Seattle were the top five cities most affected by organized retail crime, the National Retail Federation reported.
Policies to address loss prevention are only one part of the solution and typically only address the loss of property. Physical protection must be a top priority to protect employees and customers and give the public a sense of security as they shop.
Elements of Retail Security
As you plan security updates, remember that a systems approach including multiple integrated elements offers the best protection. No single window or security glazing will protect you at all vulnerable areas. For instance, while bulletproof windows can stop gunfire from a riot outside a convenient store, a robber looking for cash can walk directly through the door and jump across the counter if there are no barriers.
A well-designed storefront system is one of the most critical components in protecting both exterior and interior retail spaces. This integrated solution includes ballistic framing, reinforced doors, bullet-resistant glass and transaction windows tested to common standards for bulletproofing, forced entry and blasts. Whether they are designed to deter intruders or inside the store to secure high-risk zones like cashier areas, these systems create physical barriers that protect employees, customers, and property.
It’s important to choose security glass that matches the specific threats you’re trying to safeguard against. For most retail settings, we typically recommend using materials tested to UL 752 Level 1–3, which is capable of stopping three shots from various types of handguns, depending on the level.
For areas at risk of civil unrest or looting, you may want to consider materials tested to common standards for forced entry protection, including ASTM F1233.
Security window film can also offer forced entry protection, but should not be considered in areas where people are typically present. Security window film is a good option for securing secondary entrances where the goal is to delay a potential intruder to the point they give up or first responders have time to arrive.
Choosing the Right Security Glazing
When it comes to glazing for security windows, you have a variety of options, each designed for different applications and budgets.
Here’s a closer look at the most common types and where they are typically used.
1. Acrylic Glazing
Lightweight, highly transparent, and cost-effective, acrylic is a smart solution for interior applications requiring UL 752 protection levels 1-2. It offers excellent clarity and natural light transmission, but is not rated for forced entry protection.
2. Polycarbonate and Laminated Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate glazing is made of multiple polycarbonate layers laminated together and typically has an acrylic layer included to increase its clarity. Combining durability and lightness, it’s appropriate for interior application, rated up to Level 3, and is more resistant to impact, so it can be used where both bullet resistance and forced-entry protection are needed.
3. Glass-Clad Polycarbonate (GCP)
For interior or exterior applications requiring maximum protection, GCP is the most versatile glazing for interior and exterior use. With layers of glass and polycarbonate bonded together, this material resists high-impact threats and includes no-spall options to keep your people safe from broken shards. It can be manufactured to offer up to a Level 8 protection level and also offers forced entry protection.
4. Ballistic Insulated Glass
Ideal for exterior storefronts, insulated glass units add thermal performance , improving energy efficiency while maintaining high levels of security. Insulated glass panels can sometimes be retrofitted into existing frames. However, retrofitting insulated glass into existing non-rated frames reduces the overall protection offered by the window.
Features That Go Beyond Bullet Resistance
Bullet resistance is only one piece of the puzzle. The best high security windows offer a full range of features to enhance both safety and performance, including:
Light Transmission
Retailers thrive on visibility. Choose glazing with high clarity to let in natural light and maintain an inviting storefront.
UV Protection
Long-term sunlight exposure can fade merchandise. Certain coatings block harmful UV rays, preserving both inventory and the glass itself.
Weatherability
For exterior windows, your glazing needs to withstand the elements—rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
Noise Reduction
Thicker laminated glass and multi-layer systems can significantly reduce exterior noise, enhancing the customer experience.
Framing Considerations
A common mistake is assuming the glass is enough. In reality, the entire window system must be designed for enhanced security.
Ballistic glass is only as strong as the frame that holds it.
We recommend reinforced aluminum or steel frames rated to the same UL level as your glazing. Without them, your windows—no matter how strong—are only protected by the glazing itself.
Additionally, ensure your security doors, windows, and transaction areas are integrated as part of a cohesive system. This avoids weak points and ensures continuity across your property.
Design and Aesthetics Still Matter
Retail success depends on visibility and branding. Security shouldn't compromise your look.
We specialize in custom solutions that preserve curb appeal—from subtle tints and slim sightlines to glass that blends with surrounding materials. Our glazing systems can be beveled or polished for a refined look and matched to non-rated glass for aesthetic continuity
Whether you’re running a boutique or a national convenience chain, your windows should protect your space while maintaining an open, inviting feel for customers.
Planning for Installation and Budget
Installing bulletproof windows doesn’t have to break the bank. Here's how to manage the process:
- Start with high-risk areas - Focus your budget on areas like the front entrance, cashier counter, or any other high-traffic vulnerability.
- Consider off-hours installation - TSS offers overnight installation to reduce disruption to your operations.
- Reinforce support structures - Security glass is heavy. Make sure counters, walls, and sills are properly supported.
- Consider backglazing - If replacing your storefront isn’t possible, backglazing (adding ballistic panels behind existing panes) offers discreet protection without major renovations.
- Use a systems approach - Combine Level 1 ballistic glass with security film for added forced entry protection in lower-risk zones where people are not typically present.
Questions To Ask Before You Install
Before investing in any security window system, ask the right questions to ensure the proposed solution aligns with your actual needs—not just marketing promises.
Start by confirming the glass has been tested to the UL 752 level; this tells you what level of ballistic threat the system is designed to withstand.
Next, ask whether the glazing includes no-spall protection, which prevents glass fragments from flying inward after impact-even when the bullet itself is stopped.
Don’t overlook the window opening—ballistic glass and framing is heavier and thicker than standard window units, and it requires properly engineered support to perform effectively. If you’re retrofitting an existing storefront, ask if the new system can be safely integrated without a more extensiverebuild, saving time and cost.
Finally, ensure any upgrades will still comply with your lighting design and ADA accessibility requirements.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Too often, businesses invest in "security" upgrades that fall short due to preventable missteps.
One of the most common is assuming that all security glass offers the same level of protection. In reality, there’s a significant difference between safety glass, forced-entry glass, and bullet-resistant glazing—each serves a different purpose, and using the wrong type can leave your people and property vulnerable.
Some store owners also overcompensate by selecting a glass that’s tested to UL standards that are higher than what they need without a clear threat assessment. This not only drives up costs unnecessarily but may also add weight and complexity your structure isn’t built to support.
These oversights can compromise your safety, disrupt operations, and waste valuable budget—making it essential to consult with security experts from the start.
Security, Efficiency and Confidence—Without Compromise
Choosing the right windows for your store is about more than glass—it’s about protecting your property, employees, and customers without sacrificing visibility, energy savings, or brand image.
At Total Security Solutions, we design custom bullet-resistant windows and barriers that strike the perfect balance between safety and budget. From government properties to corporate offices and national retail chains, we’ve helped thousands of clients achieve the appropriate level of security with systems built for the real world.
Ready to protect what matters most? Contact our experts today to explore a custom solution designed for your space.
