Jim Richards | |
Fiberglass is not bulletproof unless it has been fabricated in a specialized process and designed for bullet resistance.
Non-ballistic fiberglass does not use the correct materials or production process to resist penetration from gunfire. If you are looking for true bulletproof fiberglass for protection, you need to find materials that are tested to a known standard of bullet resistance.
What Makes Fiberglass Bulletproof?
The term “fiberglass” refers to a set of products made from glass fibers held together with a plastic matrix, often a thermoset polymer such as epoxy. There are a wide variety of glass fiber arrangements, from chopped strand mat to a woven cloth. The fiber arrangement and the type of plastic matrix are what give fiberglass its physical properties, which are often incredibly strong, versatile and lightweight.
You may have a fiberglass shower or fiberglass insulation in your home. Many boats and airplanes are made of fiberglass. None of these products will stop a bullet.
For bulletproof protection, fiberglass cloth mats are soaked in resin (the plastic matrix). Then they are layered together and press-molded in a high pressure oven to create bulletproof panels of fiberglass. The resulting material is so strong, even at 1/4-inch thickness, it can stop a tight cluster of three 9mm bullets fired from a pistol. Increasing thickness increases the level of protection. How does it work?
When a bullet encounters the ballistic fiberglass, it deforms, going from an aerodynamic projectile to a high-friction mass. This helps the layers of fiberglass grip the bullet and redistribute the energy laterally. In doing so, the layers of fiberglass separate in a process called delamination.
The resin and the weave of the cloth prevent any fragmentation of the panel. Instead, the “safe” side of the panel may simply warp, similar to how a piece of fabric would stretch under pressure.
Where Should Bullet-Resistant Fiberglass be Used?
Because bulletproof fiberglass is so cost-effective and versatile, it is an excellent product to add to your physical security profile. In fact, it’s one of the most practical and effective bulletproof materials on the market, which means it should be your first choice for bulletproof protection.
Ballistic fiberglass can be used almost anywhere:
- The material is relatively thin. Compared to other bullet-resistant materials, fiberglass is easy to add to small spaces or form complex geometry.
- Achieve any aesthetic with fiberglass. Veneer, paint, or laminates transform the look of fiberglass, and your options for the appearance of your project are nearly unlimited.
- It is resilient and long-lasting. Fiberglass doesn’t degrade over time and doesn’t require any maintenance if it is properly installed.
- The level of protection you need. Some ballistic materials are limited in how much protection they can provide, but bulletproof fiberglass is available at UL 752 levels 1 through 8.
With that in mind, there are some limitations for fiberglass. One of the big ones is that sunlight and heat may degrade the material over time, so it isn’t suitable for exterior applications or uninsulated exterior walls. Since it is typically enclosed in other materials, sunlight is usually not a concern, but heat may be a factor.
All ballistic materials are quite a bit heavier than their non-rated counterparts, mainly due to the extra thickness. Bulletproof fiberglass is usually the lightest option, but it may still require some structural reinforcement to prevent sagging. For example, Level 8 fiberglass is just over 16 pounds per square foot! Fortunately, Levels 1-3 are adequate protection for many projects, which are much thinner and lighter than Level 8.
Bulletproof fiberglass is opaque. This means it is suitable for walls, countertops, desks, and doors, but when it comes to clarity or visibility, fiberglass is not the right product. Most businesses utilize ballistic fiberglass as much as they can in their physical security project, but when it comes to windows or a clear line of sight, there is no substitute for bulletproof glass. These products often work in tandem as part of a comprehensive security plan.
Bulletproof Fiberglass that Fits Seamlessly Into Your Space
When it comes to ballistic protection, bulletproof fiberglass is one of the most versatile and cost-effective products available. Experienced installers, like TSS, can customize your bulletproof protection to discreetly reinforce almost any interior surface.
For more detailed information on how bulletproof fiberglass can protect what matters most, download our free Ballistic Fiberglass Solutions Guide. See how this material can fit seamlessly into your space while simultaneously providing advanced protection.
