Protect your employees and commercial space with bulletproof windows.
Nothing is more important than your people. When you need to protect what matters most, Total Security Solutions is here to help. We can fabricate all types of bulletproof windows: from interior or exterior windows, to customized transaction windows, or even an entire curtain wall of windows. No matter your unique situation, we can deliver the Safety + Aesthetics™ you’re looking for.
When we refer to bulletproof windows, we mean anything that is transparent and not a door. This includes everything from exterior windows, interior windows, office windows, side lites (the glass panels next to doors), floor-to-ceiling bulletproof glass panels, entryways and vestibules, guard booth windows, reception desk windows, and more.
No two ballistic window projects are exactly the same. That’s why we never sell any products off-the-shelf; everything we fabricate is tailored to your exact needs and unique space. Our custom bulletproof window fabrication capabilities include:
When you choose TSS as your bulletproof window partner, you can trust that you’re getting exactly what you need, every time.
Transaction windows are busy hubs where documents, currency, and goods are exchanged. As such, they can leave your staff and assets vulnerable to criminal activity. Our wide range of bulletproof transaction windows can provide ballistic and forced entry protection for any setting.
The most popular transaction window, hole and backer feature a voice port and overlapping backer at mouth level for clear sound transmission. Metal voice ports are also available.
A premier TSS product, baffle windows use an offset glazing system similar to the hole and backer design. The overlapping window baffles are visually sleek and secure.
The arched backer captures the best of the hole and backer and baffle windows. The arched backer features elegant lines without creating a shooting lane.
Voice transmission windows feature a clear pane of glazing with clandestine air channels within the frame that transfer sound from the secure side to the threat side. There are two styles of voice transmission windows available, aluminum voice around and natural voice rail.
Sliding reception windows are popular for a reason; they’re extremely functional and endlessly customizable. Choose from horizontal or vertical slides and accessories like package passers, voice ports, deal trays, and more.
Fixed exterior transaction windows are hardy to the elements but make communication easy. Weather-resistant voice ports facilitate clear communication and accessories like deal trays and flip-lid cash passers are no-nonsense additions
When you need the benefits of ballistic glass windows but can’t alter the aesthetics of your space, backglazing is a practical solution.
Backglazing works like a storm window, in that it adds an additional layer of glass to an existing exterior window frame. Unlike a storm window, backglazing sets behind the windows on the inside. By default, backglazing is not removable, but we do offer special frames that allow you to remove the bulletproof pane in order to clean.
As with the rest of our capabilities, we are able to tailor our backglazing to your unique space. TSS has fabricated retrofit solutions for historic windows, added sleek ballistic layers that blend in with existing aesthetics, and even added ballistic glass panels behind floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’re interested in ballistic protection, but aren’t sure what the solution is, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of custom bulletproof glass experts can walk you through the process of hardening your physical security.
Get free advice from our ballistic experts.
Something we’re seeing with increasing frequency is the use of security window film instead of bulletproof glass. Generally, window film products are designed to prevent glass windows from shattering out; they can’t stop a bullet. If you’re interested in “bulletproof window film” there’s only one way to be certain that it can perform the way you expect it to, and that’s testing to third party standards. For example, the UL 752 is the gold standard for many bulletproofing companies, including TSS. The UL 752 outlines the type of protection you can expect from a given product; if you’re considering a window film or simply want to make an informed decision, we always encourage you to ask your provider about the applicable testing standards.
What many people don’t realize is that bulletproof glass is significantly heavier than standard glass. And because the product needs to perform under pressure (although ideally it never will) it must be supported by a frame that can withstand the weight of ballistic glazing and the force of a potential attack. Unless you already have a robust frame system in place, you’ll likely need a frame for your bulletproof windows, too.
TSS offers a variety of frame strengths and options to ensure your space’s security is comprehensive and effective. Or, to learn how ballistic frames impact a system’s performance, speak with one of our experts.
Many factors influence the cost of your bulletproof window project, including the UL safety level, window design, frame, and accessories.
UL level 1-3 bulletproof glass costs anywhere from $45 to $80 per square foot. On average, a comprehensive bulletproof system (including bulletproof panels, doors, and countertops) can range from $20,000 to $50,000. However, the cost of everything from the components to the system itself depends on a huge number of factors, so these estimates could be higher or lower than your project.
There are different levels of ballistic glass, or glazing. The glazing’s “strength” is rated on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the Underwriter Laboratories standard, which is the gold standard in the ballistics industry. The most common ratings outside of high-security military facilities are levels 1 through 8, which encompasses the majority of our projects.
UL Rating | Weapon | Ammunition | Weight | Velocity | Shots | Typical Uses | Ballistic Material Thickness |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 124 grains 8 grams | 1175 FPS to 1293 FPS | 3 | Gas stations Banks Pharmacies Retail Shops | L1 Glazing: 0.5”–1.25” L1 Fiberglass: 0.25” Armor Plate: 0.25” | ||
2 | 158 grains 10.2 grams | 1250 FPS to 1375 FPS | 3 | Corporate Banks Financial Institutions | Glazing: 0.75”–1. 375” Fiberglass: 0.375” Armor Plate: 0.25” | ||
3 | 240 grains 15.6 grams | 1350 FPS to 1485 FPS | 3 | Utilities Police Stations Government Facilities | Glazing: 1.25” Fiberglass: 0.5” Armor Plate: 0.25” | ||
4 | 180 grains 11.7 grams | 2540 FPS to 2794 FPS | 1 | Federal Government Military | Glazing: 1.5” Fiberglass: 1.375”” Armor Plate: 0.25” | ||
5 | 150 grains 9.7 grams | 2750 FPS to 3025 FPS | 1 | Federal Government Military | Glazing: 1.625” Fiberglass: 1.375” Armor Plate: 0.3125” | ||
6 | 124 grains 8 grams | 1400 FPS to 1540 FPS | 5 | Federal Government Military | Glazing: 1.25” Fiberglass: 0.5” Armor Plate: 0.25” | ||
7 | 55 grains 3.56 grams | 3080 FPS to 3388 FPS | 5 | Federal Government Military | Glazing: 2. 1875” Fiberglass: 1.625” Armor Plate: 0.25” | ||
8 | 150 grains 9.7 grams | 2750 FPS to 3025 FPS | 5 | Federal Government Military | Glazing: 2.5” Fiberglass: 1.625” Armor Plate: 0.3125” | ||
9 | 1 | Federal Government Military | |||||
10 | 1 | Federal Government Military |
Bulletproof glass thickness depends on the type of glazing and level of protection. Our thinnest glazing is ¾” thick, and our thickest is 2 ½”.
Bulletproof glass stops a bullet by absorbing its energy. Glazing is made of many layers, each designed to slow a bullet’s progress. Between the layers of glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate, a Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayer adheres the layers of glazing together and its “sticky” properties also grab onto the bullet, impeding its progress. The flexible polycarbonate layer absorbs the force of the bullet.
The bulletproof glass manufacturing process varies between glazing types. However in general, glazing is manufactured by layering different ballistic materials over each other to leverage their unique strengths. The final product is then “baked” in a special oven to set the entire sheet together.
TSS is proud to provide businesses, organizations, and institutions across the country with industry-leading Safety + AestheticsTM in ballistic barrier solutions.
We’re happy to field any questions you might have about getting started; to get in touch or request a quote, send us a message, or call us at 800.513.1468. We look forward to speaking with you!