There are a number of specialized products designed to protect buildings like schools. One example is called “School Guard Glass”.  Most schools have doors with windows fitted into them in the upper half of the door frame, where passersby can see into the classroom. The standard glass can be a vulnerability in an attack, even if the door is locked. The window can be easily broken, or shattered by a gunshot.

Protecting Classrooms

The basic design of the protective glass is to delay an intruder, and hinder access.

Security doors can be installed pre-fitted with this specialized glass. Alternatively, you can keep your current doors and re-fit the door windows with security glass.

The improved door window is actually a kit, including SG5 glass with glazing compound and tape. According to our partners*, this combination has been tested to hold off an intruder for over four minutes and take multiple gunshots. The SG5 glass will stay in place to keep an attacker out.

It’s important to note that it’s not a perfect system. While it can prevent shatter (and help keep intruders out), bullets can still pierce it. You can see videos online showing just how strong fortified glass can be, with the testers pounding hammers and firing into it.

You can get even more protection, if required. Attack resistant doors can be “fire rated” for up to 90 minutes*. Discovery Channel profiled “blast” tested doors, that can resist even more damage. Bullet resistance is another door option, with “armor-like” qualities, ranging from strength levels 1 to 10. Levels 4 through 10 offer the highest protection, tested for high powered rifles. Special locks, hinges, and heavy duty door closer are all part of the protection.

Add Protection with Attack Resistant Doors

There are both wood and metal doors with attack-resistant features and protective glass. Together, the idea is to keep students and teachers inside the classroom safe until law enforcement and security can jump to action. Safety commissions have found that the first few minutes of an attack are very significant, and added protection is vital.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for schools. Each campus is unique, and budgets differ. Our objective is to find affordable solutions to enhance and protect entryways, windows and other openings in buildings.

Let Us Help You Protect Your School

To discuss your school or district’s unique security concerns, contact our team. We’ll do an assessment and put together a plan to fit your needs. Call us today for a free consultation, toll-free: 202-297-5922.

* Testing and specs above are referenced from our partner manufacturers (and their third party testers); we’re happy to discuss any product’s specifications with you. It’s important to us that you understand the protective abilities of door and window hardware, along with the limitations. You can read about the safety commission’s findings in our previous blog.