Ballistic Glass

As a business owner, you may take many steps to ensure the safety of yourself, your employees, and potential customers. But when considering all of the safety measures on the market, you might not think about the important role ballistic glass plays in this safety. While this glass might seem like a minor addition to your business, it plays a major role in keeping everyone safe.

At Valley Glass, our team is dedicated to providing businesses across Idaho and Utah with the most reliable ballistic protection on the market. As it becomes an increasingly popular choice among business owners, we work hard to create the perfect glass for every business.

From windows to walls, transaction windows, and more, we’ve got the ideal products to keep you, your employees, and your customers safe.

Commercial Services

Damaged or broken windows pose a significant security risk to yourself, your business, and your customers. With quick and reliable commercial window replacements from Valley Glass, you can ensure the safety of everyone who visits your property.

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Window Replacement

With custom storefront windows, you can make a great first impression on new and returning customers. Valley Glass creates durable, energy-efficient designs that enhance your business’s visibility and aesthetics, regardless of your desired style.

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Storefront Windows

The walls in your office make it difficult to create the open workspace you’ve dreamed of. Create a modern workspace with glass office walls from Valley Glass. Our designs offer privacy without sacrificing light, adding a sleek look to any office.

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Glass Office Walls

Valley Glass provides ballistic glass solutions for high-security needs in banks, schools, hospitals, and detention facilities. Our specialized ballistic glass is designed to offer superior protection while maintaining clear visibility and strength.

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Ballistic Glass

The History of Ballistic Glass

Ballistic glass is primarily used to reduce damage caused by bullets to both property and human lives. Its initial application was on battlefields, particularly in bunker and vehicle windows during World War II.

During World War II, scientists discovered that stacking various sheets of tempered glass and laminating them with epoxy created bullet-resistant glass. This early version, while innovative for its time, was nearly four inches thick, weighed over 50 pounds, and could only be cut into small rectangles for window use.

After the war, engineers began expanding the applications of ballistic glass, notably in bank security. They incorporated technologies such as acrylic and plastic additives, which improved the material’s viability. Although acrylic was discovered in the 1800s and was initially brittle, post-war formulations created a stronger, more flexible glass.

Today’s ballistic glass is much thinner, can withstand equal or greater force, and weighs only eight pounds per square foot. It is made from a single sheet of thermoplastic rather than multiple layers of tempered glass, allowing it to be milled, drilled, routed, and flame-polished.

Modern glass’s design focuses on absorbing explosive forces from projectiles to minimize property damage and human injury. It is used in various settings, including banks, fire stations, police stations, government agencies, and convenience stores.

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Types of Ballistic Glass

Several types of ballistic glass are available today, such as monolithic acrylic glass, layered polycarbonate glass, and glass-clad polycarbonate.

Strength Levels of This Glass

This glass is produced in different strengths based on the types of bullets it can withstand. The strength is determined by the number of layers of glass/plastic used:

Level 1: Absorbs force from three 9mm bullets commonly used in gas stations, banks, pharmacies, and retail shops.
Level 2: Handles three .357 magnum bullets suited for corporate banks and financial institutions.
Level 3: Withstands three .44 magnum bullets, typically found in police stations and government agencies.
Level 4-5: Can withstand a single bullet from .30 caliber and 7.62mm rifles used in military and government settings.
Levels 6-8: Also used in military and government contexts, with increasing capacity to absorb force from more powerful bullets.

Choosing the Right Glass

With the variety of glass available, selecting the appropriate type is crucial for ensuring optimal protection without unnecessary expense. A common mistake is opting for over-protection, which can lead to overspending and the selection of glass that is too thick or heavy for existing window frames. As the level of protection increases, so does the thickness and weight of the glass, potentially compromising the integrity of the installation.

At Valley Glass, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you navigate the selection process. We understand that every business has unique needs, and our technicians are trained to assess your specific requirements carefully. We begin by conducting thorough measurements of your windows and evaluating the materials of your existing frames.

This ensures that the chosen glass will fit correctly and that your frames can support the weight and thickness of the glass without compromising safety. We take the time to explain the various levels of glass, guiding you through the options based on your location and potential threats. Whether you need glass for a bank, a retail shop, or a government agency, we provide personalized recommendations that align with your budget and security needs.

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction means we won’t just sell you glass; we’ll ensure you have the right solution tailored to your business. Contact your nearest Valley Glass location today for expert guidance if you need new ballistic glass.

Your Utah and Idaho Glass Expert

At Valley Glass, our technicians are equipped to help you choose the right glass for your business. We will measure your windows and assess the material of the frames to ensure they can support the chosen glass’s weight and thickness. If you need new ballistic glass, contact your nearest Valley Glass location.