Many people looking to secure the exterior of their building will ultimately get a bulletproof storefront system—even if they aren’t operating a store. Bulletproof storefronts are used in every type of building. They’ve become especially common in schools, government buildings, and corporate offices, in addition to retail locations. Bulletproof storefronts have even been adapted for interior use, to secure checkpoints in schools, airports, and government buildings. In this blog, we walk you through the process of building a bulletproof storefront, some special considerations, and how TSS supports you the entire way.
The Bulletproof Storefront: Adding Security to Your Building Entrance
The bulletproof storefront was originally designed for retail locations. In these projects, large exposed display windows and wide entrances are replaced with ballistic equivalents. The bulletproof storefront system will blend seamlessly and you’ll get all of the advantages of ballistic security without making your building look like a fortress or prison.
Every bulletproof storefront we design and fabricate is custom and unique to our customers. This means no two systems are alike. When you work with TSS to design a custom bulletproof storefront, our Proven Process will help ensure you get the perfect fit for your needs:
1. Assess
The first time you contact us, our team will gather information about your project, needs, and situation. This information helps us build the best system for your situation. Doing a little homework before making this first call will ensure that it is productive.
Before you speak with us about your bulletproof storefront, think about:
- Protection Level: What are the threats you need to stop? A federal office facing bomb threats has a very different threat profile than a Las Vegas jeweler dealing with smash-and-grab petty theft. Having a clear understanding of the risks you’re facing will help us make accurate product recommendations so we can make the best use of your budget.
- Energy Efficiency: Different buildings in different regions face very different environmental challenges—not to mention different building codes and green project requirements and priorities. Let us know if you have any efficiency specifications you need to comply with for your project.
- Installation: Is your project a retrofit, or part of a larger renovation? Will you want us to send installers, or do you have local glaziers or contractors you’d prefer? Start thinking about the logistics of your project so we can plan accordingly.
- Other Special Considerations: Do you need tinted or mirrored windows? An overnight or weekend installation? Specific door hardware or access control systems? Understanding all the little details helps us build a system that meets your needs.
2. Plan
After the initial call, our project team will define the scope of the project. This is when we’ll flesh out the details needed to create a realistic cost estimate and timeline. At this stage, we usually ask a prospective customer to take a few measurements, as well as some pictures of the entryway, exterior and interior. These might include measurement and picture requests, because we occasionally need to dig into the details to sort out potential issues around installation, millwork, or framing.
This is also the stage for specifying door hardware. That may seem early. However, doors are at the heart of a bulletproof storefront, and door hardware has a huge effect on how those doors are made. This affects the rest of the entryway system and the project timeline. For example, there have been periods when certain door hardware has had especially long lead times due to supply chain issues. Planning early helps mitigate any potential challenges as quickly as possible.
At this stage we’ll also contact engineers or other specialists, if necessary, to confirm that the existing exterior framing doesn’t include any structural elements or other issues that the new bulletproof storefront will need to accommodate.
Once we have all of the details, we can create a timeline for your project. We like to start with a customer’s ideal completion date and work back from there, adjusting as needed to accommodate lead times from our suppliers. At the end of this step, we will finalize your timeline and budget.
3. Produce
Before production begins, we confirm your materials, timing, and measurements. We manufacture systems precisely to get a smooth, tight finish. Since most ballistic materials are extremely hard, and can’t be modified or trimmed onsite, we want to make sure that every measurement is precise and accurate.
Then, we get to work fabricating and assembling your bulletproof storefront system. Our team will conduct rigorous inspections to make sure the final product meets your needs and expectations. If there is anything that needs to be addressed, we do so before your system is shipped for delivery.
4. Deliver and Install
If you’ve decided to use us as your installer, the installation process will cause as little disruption as possible. We can often install a bulletproof storefront overnight, or during a weekend, without interrupting services for your customers or clientele. Schools, non-retail businesses, and government offices usually schedule their installation for regular breaks in operation, like summer recess, national holidays, or low points in the annual business cycle.
Balancing Protection and Efficiency in a Bulletproof Storefront Project
Balancing protection level and energy efficiency is where most businesses struggle when planning an exterior bulletproof storefront.
Energy efficiency hinges on thermal break exterior window frames and insulated glass window units (or IGUs). IGUs are double-paned, making them thicker than non-insulated windows. Standard exterior ballistic glass is already thicker than normal glass, and so ballistic IGUs are several inches thick.
If a business wants to keep their existing insulated window framing and just “drop in” bulletproof glazing, the protection they’ll get is extremely limited. Most standard window framing won’t fit anything above Level 1 insulated exterior ballistic glass, which will stop shots from smaller caliber pistols. If you replace the existing non-rated frames with bulletproof thermal-break framing, your bulletproof storefront can go up to Level 5. That will give you windows that are more than two inches thick, fully thermally insulated, and able to stop shots from high-powered rifles. However, these are choices we are ready to help you navigate. For more information on your energy efficient options, please contact us.
Let TSS Help You Plan Your Bulletproof Security Solution
At Total Security Solutions, we’re always eager to give everyone the tools they need to make the right decision. That includes our latest introduction to bulletproofing a retail storefront infographic.
If you have any questions, or are ready to begin moving forward with a bulletproof storefront project, we’re here to help. Contact our ballistic security experts to learn more about designing your ideal bulletproof storefront or entry system, or request a quote if you are ready to begin. Our team of experts look forward to speaking with you.