Custom Wood Finishes
Fixed or Opening
From Axe to Rifle Resistant
Windows From $3,000 – $25,000
Residential Features
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Protection Levels
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Window Design
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Installation Details
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Ballistic Windows – Discreet for Homes & Historic Buildings
Important residential features
- Clear view through bulletproof glass due to consistent index of refraction precision
- Thermal layer of argon or air to exceed U-value requirements
- Complete system that includes bulletproof glass, frame, and trim
- Fully custom designs and sizes
- Design replication, including for historic landmarks
- Opening windows – extremely rare for ballistic glass
WINDOW PROTECTION LEVELS
- Bullet resistance to all 8 UL 752 levels, including handguns and rifles
- Blast protection available to Department of Defence & GSA Standards (1 thru 45 PSI)
- Fema 361 Certification Available (Federal Guidelines for Safe Room Construction)
- Forced Entry Resistance Available to ASTM standards
Bullet-Resistant Level Comparison
Residential bulletproof glass for windows ranges in protection levels between the eight Underwriter Laboratories paragraph 752 ballistic standards. These indicate the caliber type, velocity, and the number of rounds fired per square foot area.
Most homeowners typically work with Levels 1-3 when covering large portions of their home’s exterior. These levels cover handguns.
Level 1 residential ballistic glass stops three rounds from a 9mm handgun; level 3 stops three rounds of one of the most powerful handguns on the market, the .44 Magnum.
The higher rifle ballistic levels are more often employed for safe rooms, though a sizeable number of clients will utilize it for their entire home exterior. Rifle levels comprise Levels 4, 5, 7, and 8.
Level 6 is the odd exception – it stops 9mm rounds like Level 1, but at a faster speed and higher quantity; this is to stop bullets from a weapon like an Uzi.
Take a look at the UL 752 diagram to the right to see more detail. Our team can give you several options based on your specific situation to help you figure out which bulletproof windows are right for your home.
Vulnerabilities in Standard windows
The average residential window is easily defeated.
Glass resists compression very well, making it a durable material for standard window applications. In contrast, it is highly susceptible to tension.
Even sophisticated glass manufacturing processes leave thousands of microscopic cracks. By itself, this doesn’t present a problem; however, when tension or bending is applied, these cracks “open.” At that point, the material’s interatomic bonds can easily break, leading to a multiplicative effect.
A criminal can easily use this to his advantage. An ordinary sharp object (even a screwdriver) is sufficient. And the larger the window, the easier it is to bend enough to crack. Double or triple-pane glass helps, but not significantly against a criminal – they merely need to hit the window harder.
Even without shattering the glass itself, household window frames and locks are susceptible to forced entry attacks through prying and cracking. Window frames are generally made of wood (which can flex) and simple locking systems – locks much less robust than those used on doors.
For all these reasons, windows remain one of the most common points of unauthorized, criminal entry into a home.
RESIDENTIAL BALLISTIC WINDOW DESIGNS
Extremely rare due to ballistic window’s weight, we offer the broadest range of replica and historical window styles – made possible due to specialized engineering and the finest components spanning the globe.
Fixed Replica Window
We often create bulletproof windows that match historical designs and blend into the home’s surrounding exterior, using mullions, muntins, tinting, and unique millwork.
Picture window
A flat, non-opening window is the most cost-effective option for bullet-resistant residential protection. Our bulletproof windows offer crystal clear visibility.
Operable windows
Due to our residential specialization, we are one of the only companies globally to offer fully opening bulletproof windows, including casement, tilt & turn, and even a modified single hung option.
ADDITIONAL DESIGN Options
Wood Frame Finish
Frosting
Thermal Insulation
Tinting
Mullions & Muntins
Commercial vs Residential Ballistic Windows
Installing bulletproof glass for home windows is different from installing glass for commercial uses.
Many commercial locations install ballistic glass, from gas stations to banks. The French government is even installing bullet-stopping glass as asecurity measure at the Eiffel Tower.
Architects and builders design commercial locations to serve various functions: from transacting money to containing those awaiting trial.
In contrast, builders design a home as a relaxing, beautiful place for a family to live in and enjoy.
Custom bulletproof home windows must therefore incorporate beauty and elegance as much as they incorporate security. Bulky and cumbersome window systems will not do.
Of primary importance is the ability to see clearly out of the bulletproof window. The system used for the frames is also essential. The most straightforward constructed window frames – and therefore those used mostly in commercial or governmental applications – are made of industrial-style aluminum or steel. This style matches poorly with most home architecture.
Finally, homeowners require different functionality and locking than commercial locations. A shop may be satisfied with fixed storefront windows; however, a homeowner typically wants operable windows to provide airflow.
Fortified Estate’s high security and bulletproof windows are fully custom. We design them to match even the most opulent residences. Sophisticated engineering allows us to create some of the only operable bulletproof windows.
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INSTALLING OUR BULLETPROOF WINDOWS IN A HOME
3D modeling
Our custom bulletproof windows are 3D modeled in CAD software to provide clients a complete view of the window system before fabrication. A viewable model provides for detailed design matching and easy wall preparation for installation. We included multiple revisions to achieve the client’s vision.
Factory assembly
Our residential bulletproof window systems are assembled at the factory by team members with years of expertise in ballistic systems. That level of experience leads to rigorous testing and – very importantly – precision required for ultimately optimal installation.
local installation
We pre-assemble all bullet resistant window systems and incorporate convenient features into the frame (such as built-in steel shims) to allow local contractors easy installation. Experience installing standard windows is enough to understand how to install our high-security systems.
Additional Installation Details
Our bulletproof
windows are more robust, thicker, and heavier than typicalshatter-resistant glass. However, the basic installation principles remain the same.
You don’t need to be a large company to incorporate ballistic windows into your house. While the framing requirements differ somewhat, one’s home rarely needs significant augmentation to install ballistic windows.
Our bulletproof windows can conveniently install into a new or an existing residence.
The glass’s thickness – usually comprised of multiple, fused layers – ranges depending on whether the homeowner wants protection from axes, handguns, or assault rifles. The frame systems are all similar, although the overall unit can vary in weight by 20-50%.
Our bullet resistant windows are made-to-measure, so it is essential to get accurate rough opening measurements before production. We list the planned sizes on detailed shop drawings for the client or contractor to sign off on before officially releasing for manufacture.
Once bullet resistant window manufacture is completed, the custom windows ship for arrival to the residence or job site. Most of our windows ship fully assembled. Generally, we instruct the contractor to remove the glass for installation temporarily. By lessening the weight during this step, the installation of the frame affords more effortless precision.
Installing the frame plumb, level, and square is very important, especially for our operable, multi-locking windows. Our window frames have specialized steel shims built in them that offer easier installation and greater security.
For more detailed installation information, please reach out to a team member today.
COMPLEMENTARY SECURITY PRODUCTS
Clients often protect all vulnerabilities in a specified perimeter – from a single panic room to an entire house.
PANIC ROOM CONSTRUCTION
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RESIDENTIAL SECURITY DOORS
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BALLISTIC WALLS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can My Bulletproof Window Open?
Yes – offering operable bulletproof windows is one of our unique specialties!
This rare feature in the industry requires specialized engineering and careful manufacturing and therefore is of higher cost and complexity than our fixed windows. However, an operable window – such as a ballistic casement window, awning or single hung window – is popular with our residential clients.
Will Your Ballistic Glass Provide Good Visibility?
Yes – every high security product we provide is designed to look like it was never there. Most of our ballistic glass products are manufactured purely with glass to attain crystal clear visibility.
When polycarbonate layers are also required in the glazing, all materials are carefully calibrated to the same refractive index, resulting in the same clear effect.
Additionally, we offer tinting and frosting of the window to the client’s specifications.
How Much Does A Bulletproof Window Cost?
The cost of a bulletproof window ranges from $150 to $800 per square foot depending on what bullets are to be stopped, whether the window is opening, how intricate the design is, and the size of the window.
For example, a 36” x 60” bulletproof window that is UL Level 1 ballistic (9mm rounds) and is fixed would cost around $2,200 while the same size window in UL Level 8 ballistics (Military rifles) that is also casement operable may cost over $10,000.
Who Will Install the Window Into My Home?
We’ve worked with clients in over 40 US states, US Territories, and several Canadian provinces.Final installation is always done by a local, qualified contractor near the client’s property.
If you need, Fortified Estate will suggest a contractor for our client to work with for installation from one of our past projects. In most cases though, the installation will simply be handled by the client’s existing contractor or home builder.
Our high security windows are fully assembled and optimized in our factory and they are specially designed to easily install into a home. For this reason, most professionals skilled in installing regular windows are plenty capable of installing our high security ones. We ship these for delivery directly to the client’s property.
How Will My Ballistic Window Look?
Our windows are custom designed to blend in with the client’s existing or new property. This discreet aspect and their practical usability are what we specialize in.
Of course, the additional weight of ballistic glass and requirements for frame security necessitate some limitations, such as the frame’s thinness. However, we excel at replicating even historically protected designs and use creative engineering to balance security and design requirements.
Before anything goes into product detailed shop drawings are created by our engineer that displays all aspects of the planned window, allowing you to make sure the design is exactly how you want it.
FAQs
How much do residential bulletproof windows cost? ›
The cost of a bulletproof window ranges from $150 to $800 per square foot depending on what bullets are to be stopped, whether the window is opening, how intricate the design is, and the size of the window.
Can I have bullet proof windows for my house? ›Retrofitting made easy. A building with triple-glazed thermo-glass windows, for example, can be easily fitted with ballistic glazing. Since insulated window panes are generally 36 to 50 mm thick and weigh between 30 and 60 kg/m², the existing frames are fully suitable for SILATEC bullet-resistant glass.
How much does Ballisticrete cost? ›Starts as low as $12.00 per square foot depending on application and level of protection.
How many bullets does it take to break a bullet proof window? ›So, keep shooting, since multiple bullets impacting in the same location may be enough to break through a thin sheet of bulletproof glass. If you're shooting a mid-power handgun like a 9 mm, you may need to fire 3-5 rounds to break through thin bulletproof glass.
Are bulletproof windows breakable? ›Breaking Acrylic Bulletproof glass
Acrylic-made glass can be broken by hitting them for 5 minutes with a sledgehammer. Plus, a single rifle bullet is enough to break this glass.
Can Bullet Proof Glass Crack? Yes, although the glazing that is used on bullet resistant glass is tested to stop bullets from penetrating, the material can still be vulnerable to cracking if it isn't properly maintained.
Can bullets go through glass windows? ›The biggest factor in taking a shot through glass is the angle of obliquity, or basically, how perpendicular the bullet is to the glass. Shots that can be taken at an angle of obliquity less than 15 degrees are preferred. At any angle greater than 15 degrees the bullet will generally start to yaw and be deflected.
Are White House windows bulletproof? ›It's well known that the windows of the building are made up of the strongest bulletproof glass in the world. In 2011, wannabe assassin Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez fired seven rounds from an automatic machine gun into the White House. Amazingly none of the heavy-duty rounds could make so much as a dent on the glass.
Can a bullet go through concrete? ›Bullets easily puncture most walls, doors, and floors. However, brick, concrete, and cinder blocks effectively stop most common calibers.
How long does ballistic glass last? ›With proper maintenance, bulletproof glass has a life span of up to twenty years.
Will a brick house stop a bullet? ›
Will a brick wall stop a bullet? Depends on how thick the wall and how much bullet. A single brick thick, all rimfire rounds and most low power pistol. A double thickness brick wall Magnum pistol rounds and rifles above 30/06 will penetrate with the right bullet shape.
Can you drive a car through bulletproof glass? ›Yes, the installation of bulletproof glass in private cars is entirely legal, and anyone can install bulletproof glass for protection in their vehicle (we recommend professionals who can properly seal and install the Armormax® materials).
Can bullets bounce off bullet proof glass? ›In fact, no bulletproof glass can truly protect against projectile missiles. They only reduce the momentum by absorbing some of the energy from bullets – unfortunately the bullets don't bounce off the cars like you see in the movies.
Can you drill through bulletproof glass? ›Acrylic Panels
Monolithic acrylic is the most common type of bulletproof “glass” on the market. Ranging in thicknesses from 1 ¼” to 1 ⅜”, acrylic is easy to drill, cut, route and slot, making it a malleable material for both flat and curved windows.
Glass-clad polycarbonate is the strongest type of ballistic glass, and is made from various layers of glass, polycarbonate, and PVB, or Poly Vinyl Butyral material.
What cuts through bullet proof glass? ›Diamond A2Z Blades Cuts Steel, Concrete & Bullet Proof Glass - Belts And Boxes.
Why do police cars not have bullet proof glass? ›It's expensive and most police departments have limited budgets. Uparmoring adds some weight to the vehicle. Bulletproof windows that still have power window functionality and go up and down are even more expensive and police need to be able to lower their windows.
What is the highest rated bullet proof glass? ›Enhancing your security systems – What is the highest level bulletproof glass? As identified by UL 752 standards, the highest level of bulletproof glass historically available has been Level 8, which is made to withstand five rounds from a 7.62mm rifle allowing for no penetration of the bullet and no glass spall.
How thick does glass have to be to be bulletproof? ›Bulletproof glass ranges from 0.25 inches to 3.5 inches and as the thickness increases, so does the weight. This is critically important to consider when designing and building structures. Bulletproof glass ranges in levels of protection from UL 1 to 10.
Can spark plugs break bullet proof glass? ›Throwing a spark plug shard might not immediately work on a windshield or bulletproof glass. Ordinary car glass is either annealed or tempered glass. Both materials easily give way to the ceramic of the spark plug insulator. In contrast, many windshields have a laminate layer that can withstand greater impact.
Will a bullet shatter a house window? ›
One can often see (hopefully only in the movies) that a bullet shot through a pane of window glass leaves a hole in it, but overall the glass is left largely intact. However, a low-speed projectile, e.g., a stone thrown into a window would probably shatter the glass completely.
Will impact windows stop a bullet? ›Hurricane windows are treated with a laminate that prevents the glass from breaking but does not stop a bullet from passing through them. These windows are designed to protect against flying debris caused by hurricane winds. So, to answer your question, no, hurricane or impact windows aren't bulletproof.
Does Buckingham Palace have bulletproof windows? ›The Sun said bulletproof glass 2 inches thick was being fitted into many of the palace`s windows and steel-plated doors were being installed.
Are bullet proof windows heavy? ›Weight of Bulletproof Glass
Because the glass is so thick, the weight is increased dramatically. Regular windshield glass weighs around 25 pounds. A rank B4 windshield (generally around 20+mm thick) weighs between 150 – 250 pounds depending on the design, while a rank B7 windshield comes in at around 500 pounds.
While most burglars gain entry through doors, the second most common area susceptible to break-ins is first-floor windows. Second-floor windows are more difficult to reach and far less likely to be the source of a criminal's attack. Fortunately, you have choices on how to prevent break-ins through your windows.
Do burglars go through windows or doors? ›According to her research, an overwhelming majority of burglars enter homes through the doors and windows. Thirty-four percent use the front door, while 22 percent get in through the back door. Twenty-three percent use first-floor windows. And oftentimes, those doors and windows aren't even locked.
What is the cheapest bullet proof material? ›Ballistic Fiberglass
It is the most cost-effective and convenient option for bulletproofing walls.
Handgun rounds (9mm and . 45 ACP) all penetrated at least six walls of sheetrock and, in the case of 10mm, over 10 walls.
Can a bathtub stop a bullet? ›Maybe. A slow (low velocity) lead bullet would probably be stopped by some iron bathtubs. A ceramic bathtub might be as bullet-resistant as a dinner plate. It might not do a bad job at catching fragments from a grenade, but it might generate some more from the blast.
What is the difference between bulletproof and bullet-resistant? ›Broadly speaking they are all describing the same thing, but technically speaking, bulletproof, armoured, ballistic are only correct as a collective term, whilst bullet resistant with a qualifying level of protection is the correct way to describe it.
How many layers does bullet proof glass have? ›
One-way bulletproof glass has two layers. The outside layer—on the threat side—is made of brittle glass and the inside layer is a flexible polycarbonate. A bullet that strikes the brittle external layer first causes the glass to break inward toward the polycarbonate layer.
What is the difference between bullet proof glass and safety glass? ›While bullet-resistant glass protects against bullets, tempered safety glass is even more sensitive to sharp objects, such as the tip of a bullet.
Will ammo go off in a house fire? ›In a structure fire, the heat produced during the burn activates and causes the bullets to explode; the larger the caliber of the bullet, the more explosive potential.
Can bullets go through house walls? ›All of your defensive ammo will go through a few walls. No matter what bullet you choose, you simply can't indiscriminately start firing through walls in your house. Even if your load shows poor penetration in the test results below, it will still go through at least two walls.
How long does ammo last in house? ›What's the shelf life of ammo? Modern ammo is made to last over a decade (and possibly up to twenty years), provided you stick to proper storage practices. The usable shelf life of ammo is relative and based on several considerations.
Can bulletproof glass stop an AR 15? ›GLASS SPECIFICATIONS
Defeats threats of both rapid gunfire from both handguns and automatic weapons, including the AR-15 and AK-47 rifles.
Bulletproof glass can prevent stones from smashing through the glass, but the glass will still be damaged. The protection concept of bulletproof glass is to provide a certain response and self-rescue time.
How much does bulletproof glass cost? ›The price can range from $3,000 to $20,000. The price of the car window will depend on the size of the car, the style of the window, the material of the window, and the level of insurance coverage you have.
What material can bullets not go through? ›They may be complex, such as Kevlar, UHMWPE, Lexan, or carbon fiber composite materials, or basic and simple, such as steel or titanium. Bullet resistant materials are often used in law enforcement and military applications to protect personnel from death or serious injury.
What happens to a bullet when it hits bullet proof glass? ›Bullet-resistant glass is between 7 millimeters and 75 millimeters in thickness. A bullet fired at a sheet of bullet-resistant glass will pierce the outside layer of the glass, but the layered polycarbonate-glass material is able to absorb the bullet's energy and stop it before it exits the final layer.
Can bulletproof glass be scratched? ›
SCRATCH REMOVAL (for uncoated bullet proof glass): Most minor scratches can be removed by hand polishing. The polish should be applied with damp pads of soft cotton flannel and rubbed parallel to the scratch in a straight back and forth motion. Excessive rubbing at one point should be avoided.
Can a 50 cal penetrate bullet proof glass? ›The latest lightweight armoring and bulletproof glass can offer a level of protection that can make sure your vehicle remains unimpeded by bullets even from a 50 caliber round.
Can you break bullet proof glass with a diamond? ›So although diamonds might be able to break the first few layers of glass if enough speed/force is applied, not sure if it'd put a hole in it. On a separate note, did you know the hardness of different things can be found by scratching them off one another?
How much does unbreakable windows cost? ›HomeAdvisor states that the average cost of installing hurricane-proof windows on an entire home ranges from $2,449 and $13,395, or $7,922 on average. That comes to about $55 per square foot of window. Each window, depending on size and customization, ranges between $90 and $400.
How thick does bulletproof glass need to be? ›Bulletproof glass ranges from 0.25 inches to 3.5 inches and as the thickness increases, so does the weight. This is critically important to consider when designing and building structures. Bulletproof glass ranges in levels of protection from UL 1 to 10.
What are the strongest windows for home? ›A polycarbonate window is much more difficult to break through than a standard glass window. In fact, according to some estimates a polycarbonate window is over 200 times more resistant to impact! Compared to standard glass windows, they offer superior protection against burglaries and weather-related disasters.
What is the strongest glass for homes? ›If you're interested in unbreakable glass that truly lives up to its name, polycarbonate panels are the type you want. Polycarbonate panels are significantly more difficult to break than both standard glass windows and laminated glass mentioned above.
What is the strongest glass for windows home? ›- Toughened (tempered) glass: This kind of glass is recommended for safety purposes. It's manufactured by use of controlled thermal or chemical treatment processes. ...
- Laminated Glass: This kind of glass tends to hold together when it's shuttered and stays in the frame. ...
- Plate Glass:
Ballistic framing is as equally important as ballistic glass and should be considered during the design phase. With proper maintenance, bulletproof glass has a life span of up to twenty years.