It’s not just banks and embassies anymore who are worrying about bulletproof glass.
High-end homebuyers are too. And builders are starting to listen.
Security glass has gone from luxury upgrade to expected standard in high-end real estate markets. Right up there with smart home tech, gourmet kitchens, and pool houses.
Here’s everything you need to know about bullet proof windows in new construction.
From what they are and why you need them, to types of security glass and how to choose:
- Why Security Glass is Becoming Standard in Luxury Homes
- The Different Types of Security Windows Explained
- 4 Reasons High Security Windows Should Be Standard in New Builds
- Choosing The Right Security Glass For Your Project
Let’s dive in!
Why Security Glass is Becoming Standard in Luxury Homes
The stats are straightforward:
23% of burglaries occur through first-floor windows. Don’t have security glass in your home? That makes your expansive floor-to-ceiling windows your weakest link.
Glass is everywhere these days in luxury homes. Wide expanses of windows are one of the most common features in upscale properties.
But standard glass is nowhere near as tough as other elements of your home. Single or double pane glass are by far the weakest points of any home’s security.
That’s where security windows factor in.
Builders and contractors are starting to see custom bullet proof windows installed as part of the build from day one — not retrofitted as an expensive afterthought. High-security windows resist forced entry, ballistic impacts, and some even provide resistance to blast pressures.
Looks just like regular glass though on the outside.
And that’s the key selling point for security glass. Security doesn’t have to mean bars or ugly steel grilles over every window. Security glass allows homeowners to keep that $20 million view without compromising safety.
The Different Types of Security Windows Explained
There’s more than one type of security window out there. Different levels of protection, risks, and price points to consider.
Here are the basics:
- Laminated glass. Consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a layer of thick, tear-resistant PVB. When broken, it cracks easily but holds together.
- Tempered glass. Processed by heating then rapidly cooling the glass. This makes it 4-5 times stronger than standard glass. Breaks into small blunt chunks (vs shards).
- Bullet-proof glass. Layered glass that can be engineered to resist varying degrees of ballistic force. Comes in multiple levels of UL-rating to stop from handguns up to military grade weapons.
- Blast-resistant glass. Designed to stand up to explosive shockwaves. Typically used in government or military facilities, but seeing use in high-end residential builds.
Laminated and bullet-proof glass are the two big ones for residential properties. Bullet resistance is obviously overkill for most people. But depending on where you live and potential threats, it may not be a question you need to rule out.
High-threat individuals such as executives, celebrities, politicians, and those in volatile regions often specify bullet or blast-resistant windows every day.
4 Reasons High Security Windows Should Be Standard in New Builds
Okay, so now that you know what they are let’s talk about why you should care.
Reason #1 – Forced Entry
The average smash and grab burglary takes between 8 and 10 minutes. Just enough time for an intruder to get in, grab whatever they came for, and get out.
A regular window can be broken in as little as 10 seconds.
Security windows, on the other hand, are engineered to take significantly longer to breach. Slowing down the intruder just enough to get your alarm to go off, or neighbours to call the police.
Give an intruder that extra hurdle and they’ll often decide it’s not worth it and move on to an easier target.
Reason #2 – Smash-and-Grab
Smash-and-grab burglaries are when thieves break into a home to steal high-end valuables. Jewelry, art, collectibles, anything expensive that can be quickly grabbed and sold.
Security glass holds together when struck. Even if hit repeatedly with a hammer, security laminated glass is tough to breach.
Make it difficult for thieves to quickly smash a window and access your home and you reduce that risk.
Reason #3 – Storm Damage
Hurricane-force winds, hail, and freak weather events.
Security windows also offer benefits here. Impact-resistant glass does a great job of fending off severe weather and can play a key role in fortified “safe rooms” for worst-case scenarios.
Again, multi-functional benefits for the extra cost.
Reason #4 – Soundproofing
Lots of high security window systems feature significant sound dampening properties. Some even boast soundproofing levels of 30 dB or more.
Great news if you’re looking for peace and quiet from outside traffic. Or don’t want every conversation inside your home transmitted next door.
Many security glass windows can also act as added privacy glass. Limiting the ability for passersby to see inside your home.
Choosing The Right Security Glass For Your Project
Picking the right type of security windows for your build boils down to these factors:
- What threats are you looking to protect against?
- What windows will you need to specify?
- Have the windows been tested to verify security ratings?
Factor #1 – Risk
This will help you decide what level of security glass you need.
Ballistic requirements are different than forced entry. High crime areas may have different needs than low crime suburbs.
Understanding where you live and potential threats will help dictate what type of security glass you need.
Factor #2 – Window Types
Partnering with your builder and window contractor from the get-go is essential. High security windows can come in any size, shape, or tint you need.
Don’t compromise on the style of your home to get security glass installed.
Factor #3 – Security Testing Standards
Just like anything else you want to verify the product has been tested by a third party and lives up to performance expectations.
EN356 certifications indicate resistance to manual force. UL752 standards refer to bullet resistance.
Layers of Security Work Best Together
Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into. Don’t forget about layers when it comes to home security. High security windows are just one part of a complete home protection plan.
Perimeter alarms, reinforced doors, interior access controls, and video surveillance all play a role.
Layers work together. And that’s what helps keep your home safe.
Security Glass and Home Resale Value
There’s another huge bonus for high-end home builders who spec security glass from day one.
Future resale value.
The smart home security market is expected to hit $62 billion by 2029. Homeowners are paying and expecting more than ever before when it comes to home security features.
Spec your luxury home without security glass and it better be something else buyers can’t get anywhere else.
Otherwise, your house will stand out for all the wrong reasons when it comes time to sell.
The Bottom Line on Security Glass in New Builds
High security windows are quickly becoming table stakes when it comes to luxury real estate.
Basic stats show us why:
- 23% of break-ins come through first floor windows
- Security glass thwarts forced entry, ballistic impact, and in some cases storms
- Today’s high-security windows look identical to traditional glass
- The best time to install security windows is at build stage
- High-security windows increase the value and marketability of luxury homes
They keep families safe. They help protect your home from Mother Nature. Best of all, they don’t compromise the design of your home.
It’s a win-win for builders and buyers across the luxury market.
