In most office environments, there are three key locations that benefit from bulletproof office windows:
- Entryways and reception windows
- Individual offices
- Exterior windows
Some organizations also choose to add bulletproof office windows to the following areas, even if they aren’t regularly staffed:
- Conference rooms
- Areas like server rooms or storage areas for sensitive information
As with any security program, what’s right for you will depend on factors including your threat level, geographic location, the type of windows you want to make bulletproof, how you’ll use the space, and more. The locations discussed in this blog work for many different facilities. If you’re interested in getting a personalized recommendation, our team is happy to speak with you about your options.
The Three Most Important Locations for Bulletproof Office Windows
Increasing physical security and controlling office access are important steps in preventing violence. Improving these vulnerable areas generally provides the most protection to the most likely targets.
1. Entryways and Reception Windows
The entryway and reception area are the most important places to invest in bulletproof office windows. This is your first line of defense. An attacker who can’t get into the building is less likely to hurt the people inside. Bulletproofing your entryway also involves other barrier products, such as bulletproof doors or secure vestibules.
2. Individual Offices
Over the past ten years, adding bulletproof office windows to c-suites has become increasingly common. However, violence targeting individual medical practitioners is also on the rise; for example, the American Urological Association (AUA) noted increased instances of violence, harassment, and threatening behavior against their practitioners by patients. A 2019 survey found that 62% of urologists reported being threatened by a patient, and 23% had been physically assaulted. The AUA also noted increased violence against office staff, making a multi-layered approach to bulletproof office windows a critical endeavor for these specialized clinics and offices.
3. Exterior Windows
Adding bulletproof exterior windows is part of a larger trend of offices and corporate facilities paying better attention to perimeter security and access control. Organizations are increasingly opting to add bullet-resistant and forced-entry rated windows to their ground floor and entryway, in addition to investing in surveillance cameras, monitoring, and access control. This is a big step forward in taking a comprehensive approach to safety and security.
Choosing the Right Bulletproof Office Windows
If you’re looking for exterior bulletproof office windows, glass-clad polycarbonate (GCP) or bulletproof insulated glass can withstand the elements and potential attacks. If you’re looking for interior bulletproof office windows or reception windows, acrylic or polycarbonate can stop shots from common handguns; GCP is a great option indoors if you’re looking for protection from rifle fire.
Our team can customize these office windows to match your building’s aesthetic, design style, and other details. We commonly customize bulletproof windows and glazing by adding tints, mirroring effects, frosted elements, and more. Our team is happy to walk you through the process of adding bulletproof windows to your office—we’ve secured facilities nationwide for decades and are happy to help you get started today.
Need Bulletproof Office Windows but Want to Skip Major Construction? Backglazing Is an Option
In contrast to many ballistic and physical security companies, TSS offers both full window replacement and backglazing. Most existing exterior window frames allow for about an inch of glazing thickness. But most facilities want a level of security that requires bulletproof windows that are at least 1.25” thick. In that case, if you want to replace the window, you’ll also need to replace the frame. If you want the security but not an involved construction project, backglazing is a great option.
Backglazing is an alternative that increases security while allowing you to keep existing frames and leave the building facade entirely untouched. This makes projects go faster because it avoids the challenges associated with removing window frames or having to work in heavily landscaped areas around the building. Our removable backglazing system is especially popular, because it’s designed for quick installation and easy long-term maintenance.
Why Add Bulletproof Office Windows to Conference Rooms or Storage Areas?
Why is it important to secure areas that are usually unoccupied, like conference or storage rooms? When conference and storage rooms have bulletproof windows, they become safe rooms.
Businesses also often ask TSS to secure sensitive areas like testing labs, document storage areas, or server rack rooms. While these spaces are not primary working or meeting areas, reinforcing them helps an organization meet broader operational goals and integrate those spaces into their access control system, monitor access to those sensitive areas, and confirm chain-of-ownership over materials stored in those spaces.
Make Your Business Safer With TSS
At TSS, we’re pleased to offer free materials, like this Gun Violence Trends report, to support personalized, comprehensive security planning based on real-world data. If you have any questions, or are ready to begin moving forward with a project, we’re here to help. Request a quote today. We look forward to speaking with you!