Security revolving doors and mantrap portals have never been more popular due to their ability to prevent unauthorized entry without the need for guard services. These doors can be customized in a variety of ways for both aesthetic and security purposes, and glass is no exception, as the material is used to create the door wings or panels and the protective sidewalls.
Let’s walk through the pros and cons of each type of glass available in high security doors and how they can impact your physical security goals.
1. Standard Glass - Not Used in Security Doors
Before we get into the specialty glasses used in security doors, let’s set the stage by first defining “standard” glass. Standard glass is used in windows and interior doors due its light weight, clear visibility and affordable cost. However, this type of glass is not used in security doors due to its lack of strength and breaking pattern. If broken, standard glass will break into various sharp, irregular shapes all over a floor. This can pose a great danger to the public and is therefore not used in commercial buildings.
2. Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a considered a type of “safety glass,” and is comprised of two pieces of standard glass adhered together using plastic as the glue. Because the glass is doubled-up, so to speak, an intruder will find it more difficult to break the glass to gain access through a locked security door. If the laminated glass does break, though, the debris will stick to the interior plastic film rather than falling to the floor in several sharp, jagged pieces. The features that add to the “pros” of laminated glass also contribute to its “cons.” For instance, the thick, stacked nature of the glass makes it heavier than traditional glass and this can make the door wings of a revolving door slower and harder to push (a low energy drive or motor would be helpful here). Also, due to the assembly costs, the price will be higher than traditional glass. In security revolving doors with rotating wings, laminated glass will slow down the speed of rotation and could lower passage throughput. However, for security portals that have sliding doors, the weight is not as big of an issue.
3. Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is considered a “safety glass,” and is created from a single piece of glass that is “tempered” with heat and chemicals for added strength. In fact, GlassDoctor.com says that tempered glass can be up to four times stronger than typical glass of the same size and thickness. Many of us are familiar with tempered glass being used in automobiles for safety reasons. When tempered glass breaks, it will fall to the ground in small, pebble-like pieces with rounded edges that will not easily harm anyone. When it comes to revolving doors and security portals, tempered glass is the least expensive solution and the lightest in weight. For this reason, security revolving doors come standard with tempered glass.
4. Vandal-Resistant Laminated Glass
Vandal-resistant glass takes laminated glass to the next level. Instead of laminating standard glass with plastic film, the type of glass used is tempered glass...giving you the best of both worlds. The resulting glass is so strong that it can withstand attempts by a criminal to breach the security door using various tools, such as axes, hammers, crowbars, and electric drills/tools. Vandal-resistant glass will also stand strong against external elements, such as high winds. Due to how it is created, this glass type is more expensive than a laminated or tempered glass alone. The vandal-resistant glass Boon Edam offers is UL 972, which is tested using the "Ball Impact Test" to withstand impact from a 5lb (2.26 kg) steel ball.
5. Low Iron Glass
Low iron glass is a sub-type of glass that can be either tempered or laminated. It is really all about aesthetics. The benefit of this glass type is that it is completely colorless and crystal clear, void of any greenish tints that can be seen in standard float glass. Architects prefer this glass type for new construction and renovation projects where a lot of glass is being used to make a structural statement, or when there are glass storefronts and all-glass revolving doors.
6. Bullet-Resistant Glass
The final glass type available on security revolving doors and mantrap portals is bullet-resistant (BR) glass. BR glass is made of multiple layers of glass and laminate film, and is available in a variety of “levels,” or thicknesses. However, because security doors have moving wings or panels, the glass is available up to Level 3 (29 mm thick). A glass any thicker would be too heavy to allow the door wings to rotate. Level 3 glass can stop three .44 magnum bullets, or a bullet twice as heavy and significantly faster than the bullet of the most common handgun, a 9mm semi-automatic. This glass type is the most expensive option but comes with the strongest benefits.
If you have any further questions about the glass types available with security revolving doors and mantrap portals, please reach out to our team of Entry Experts who can walk you through the pros and cons of each type based on the goals of your or your client’s building or campus.
Security should come first when it comes to your home or business place. With different kinds of danger lurking around, you need to protect yourself, your family and employees. Installing security glass is one way to ensure everyone’s safety.
What is security glass?
Security glass is fortified glass that protects a building’s entryways, such as doors and windows. Whether you use it at home, in your store or office, this glass will protect you, your employees, and your customers. That’s because security glass is strengthened to resist hand tools such as hammers, axes and pliers, and bullets and other projectiles.
In addition to its defensive properties, security glass is specifically designed to break into small, non-lethal fragments rather than sharp jagged pieces that can easily lacerate the skin or cause greater harm to humans.
What are the types of security glass?
Security glass is available in two main types: tempered glass and laminated glass. Below are their characteristics as well as their pros and cons.
1. Tempered glass
Tempered or toughened glass is thermally and chemically treated glass to increase its strength. It is designed to crumble into small harmless fragments rather than sharp, dangerous shards. Tempered glass won’t hold up under continuous physical attack, but it is less likely to harm you if it breaks. It is generally used in vehicles and areas that are prone to earthquakes.
2. Laminated glass
Laminated glass is made of two panes of toughened glass and a durable plastic interlayer sandwiched between the glass panes. The glass and interlayer (usually a polyvinyl butyral or PVB) are bonded chemically to each other during the manufacturing process. This makes laminated glass challenging to shatter.
When the glazing of laminated glass is hit, it breaks within the frame but will be held in place by the PVB. More layers of glass and PVB can also be added during manufacturing. Once it reaches 5cm or more, laminated glass becomes bulletproof and meets UL 752 standard for bullet-resisting equipment.
What are the pros and cons of using security glass?
Tempered glass and laminated glass both have their pros and cons, with both sharing the most of the advantages.
PROS
· Strength
Tempered glass is five times stronger than regular float glass of the same thickness. This means it can withstand a much stronger hit without shattering. Nevertheless, when it does shatter, it breaks into tiny pieces that are not jagged or sharp. This is the same with laminated glass, so whatever you choose, you don’t have to worry about being cut.
· Heat resistant
Tempered glass is up to five times more resistant to heat than standard glass. It can withstand temperatures up to 250oC, making it much safer in the event of a fire. That is why main reason most government buildings, high-rise apartments, offices and schools use tempered glass windows. Laminated glass, on the other hand, can withstand lower temperatures.
· Noise reduction
Both tempered and laminated glass are almost twice as soundproof as standard glass. Hence, they are preferred in soundproofing, reducing noise levels up to 60dB. This makes them ideal for use in music studios, gyms, cinemas, and other places where noise reduction is essential.
· UV protection
Tempered glass has an SPF of around 16 and can absorb 65 percent of UV rays. You can further increase the SPF of your tempered glass by choosing a bronze or gray tinted finish.
· Impact resistant
Laminated glass is more protective and impact resistant than regular glass. This makes it suitable for reinforced windows for high-rise apartment buildings and offices, glass shower enclosures, and other safety applications.
· Durable
Tempered glass is often used for glass housewares because it is less prone to breakage than regular glass. It is commonly used in dining tables, backsplash, and shower enclosures because they are safe for you to use.
· Helps save energy
Laminated glass can be installed over existing glass doors and windows. This will turn them into a double- or triple-pane, which can help maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home without needing an air conditioner. This will help you save a significant amount on energy costs.
Cons
- It cannot be cut once installed. A tempered glass sliding door cannot be altered to include a pet door once it is installed. Instead, you will need to replace the whole door panel.
- Tempered glass has to be ordered to size because there is no way to cut it again without it breaking.
- Laminated glass requires proper installation to take advantage of its benefits. For example, the sound-dampening properties of laminated glass can only be achieved if it is installed with the right amount of airspace between panes.
- Tempered and laminated glass are more expensive than regular glass. That’s because their manufacturing process is more complex, the materials are more expensive, and the installation is more difficult and time-consuming.
- Delivery time is longer.
- Laminated and tempered glass can be difficult to break in an emergency.
Let Glass King design and install your security glass.
Glass King is known in the Phoenix Metro area for our unbeatable service. We specialize in home and commercial glass repair and replacement. Whatever your project, as long as it involves glass, we’re here to help you. We are licensed and insured, so you don’t have to worry about liability risks. Call us at 480-389-5656 to know more about our services, or fill out our contact form today.