Bullet resistant glass gets a lot of attention. But transparent doors and windows are not the only parts of a building that may be vulnerable to potential security threats. Fiberglass for ballistic threats can add an enhanced level of security.
Luckily, Insulgard Security Products offers a line of BULLETBLOCK fiberglass for security threats. These opaque panels provide the same levels of ballistic protection that businesses, government agencies, and building designers have come to expect from reinforced glass. But it provides this protection in the walls and frames around those protective doors and windows.
Here’s a guide to BULLETBLOCK fiberglass for ballistic threats, along with its potential applications and benefits.
About BULLETBLOCK Fiberglass for Ballistic Threats
Insulgard’s BULLETBLOCK fiberglass products are actually made using multiple layers of woven fiberglass combined with resin and formed under heat and pressure into a solid sheet. The more layers of fiberglass the thicker the sheet and the higher the level of ballistic protection. UL752 Level 1 fiberglass which defeats 3 shots of a 9mm handgun is ¼” thick whereas UL752 Level 8 fiberglass which defeats 5 shots of a 7.62mm rifle is almost 1 ½” thick.
Here’s how this material works to provide ballistic protection: As the bullet impacts the BULLETBLOCK fiberglass panel the layers of fiberglass will start to delaminate. As the fiberglass delaminates the energy of the bullet is absorbed and the bullet is actually captured in the sheet preventing any penetration of the projectile. This is actually another benefit of the BULLETBLOCK fiberglass. By capturing the bullet it eliminates the possibility of ricochet unlike steel that is sometimes used for ballistic protection in walls or under counters.
The BULLETBLOCK FG Series is available in UL752 levels 1 through 8 providing protection from an array of ballistic threats. So building owners and designers can choose the specific materials that protect against the most relevant threats they’re likely to face, from small handguns to high powered rifles. BULLETBLOCK fiberglass is available in standard 3’ x 8’ or 4’ x 8’ sheets but also available in custom sizes if the project warrants it.
Applications of Fiberglass for Ballistic Threats
Fiberglass for ballistic threats offers many of the same protective benefits as bullet resistant glass, doors, and windows. But it does so using opaque material that can fit seamlessly into a variety of building projects.
Fiberglass for ballistic threats can be a relevant form of protection for an array of buildings and facilities, including banks, government buildings, courthouses and even convenience stores. Basically, any location that could face any sort of ballistic threat may benefit from this material. It’s a perfect addition to buildings that already utilize bullet resistant doors, windows, and framing systems, since it fills in the gaps by adding extra bullet resistant surfaces around these potential entry points.
Inside the buildings or structures mentioned above, these fiberglass panels offer an opaque surface that can be installed as a lining underneath walls, ceilings, doors, or even custom millwork. Basically, any surface that could use some extra protection and where clear visibility is not essential can be lined with BULLETBLOCK fiberglass for ballistic threats.
Benefits of Fiberglass for Ballistic Threats
By utilizing BULLETBLOCK fiberglass anchored to studs beneath the drywall panels, standard construction walls and ceilings can be reinforced to provide protection from ballistic attack. It is important to note that fiberglass, like all other materials, cannot provide absolute protection from ballistics and therefore is not “bulletproof”. Every material will eventually break down when struck with enough force over enough time. However, these panels are tested to UL level 1-8 standards to protect against multiple shots from various firearms. So they provide absolute protection against the specific types of ballistics each level is rated for. BULLETBLOCK fiberglass will stop the round it is designed and tested to protect against.
Also, fiberglass panels, when combined with bullet resistant windows, doors and glazing for other entry points, can slow down assailants significantly. This gives employees and other visitors at these facilities a better chance of getting to safety and provides more time for first responders to make it to the scene.
Additionally, when buildings are outfitted with fiberglass for ballistic threats and other bullet resistant materials, it can deter people from targeting these facilities in the first place. Many of those who commit armed robbery or similar acts look for easy targets where they have a high chance of completing their objective and getting away before law enforcement arrives. Putting protective systems in place dramatically lowers their chances of success. So they may be likely to choose a different target or rethink their plans altogether.
And finally, having these protective systems in place can simply help employees and others who spend significant time in a building feel safer. While you may not be able to completely guarantee that a dangerous event won’t occur, you can help them feel much more confident that they’ll be safe if one does. That can free up more of their attention to focus on work, and improve happiness and morale around the office.
If you’re ready to add BULLETBLOCK fiberglass for ballistic threats to your building project, Insulgard has the quality materials and value added services to meet your needs. We carry fiberglass panels in stock and custom sizes are available. And panels can be customized to suit the visual needs of your applications as well including painted or plastic laminate finishes. In addition, our BULLETBLOCK line includes an array of bullet resistant materials, like windows, doors, glazing, and framing systems. And we offer other types of protective systems for buildings as well, including STORMDEFEND windows and doors for extreme weather protection and SAFECHANGE transaction windows and secure enclosures. Our knowledgeable team is available to help clients through every step of the process, from material selection to finding qualified installers. Reach out today to learn more about fiberglass for ballistic threats and our other security solutions.
FAQs
Can fiberglass stop a bullet? ›
When at the appropriate thickness, fiberglass can easily deflect bullets by absorbing the energy through its layers. When placed between steel plates, this ultra-lightweight material effectively distorts the rounds and delaminates to capture the bullets within the structure.
What is ballistic fiberglass? ›Also known as Opaque Armor, Bullet-Resistant Fiberglass is a layered, reinforced structural polyester laminate (fiberglass) that offers unique bulletproof characteristics.
What material can stop a bullet? ›Bullet-resistant materials (also called ballistic materials or, equivalently, anti-ballistic materials) are usually rigid, but may be supple. They may be complex, such as Kevlar, UHMWPE, Lexan, or carbon fiber composite materials, or basic and simple, such as steel or titanium.
How thick does fiberglass need to be to be bulletproof? ›The more layers of fiberglass the thicker the sheet and the higher the level of ballistic protection. UL752 Level 1 fiberglass which defeats 3 shots of a 9mm handgun is ¼” thick whereas UL752 Level 8 fiberglass which defeats 5 shots of a 7.62mm rifle is almost 1 ½” thick.
How much fiberglass is needed to stop a bullet? ›223 bullet resistant wall, Total Security Solutions vice president Jim Richards uses at least 1.125 inches of bullet resistant fiberglass–often in the form of a stack of three sheets of three-eighth inch fiberglass.
How much does Ballisticrete cost? ›Starts as low as $12.00 per square foot depending on application and level of protection.
How much is ballistic fiberglass? ›How much does ballistic fiberglass cost? A 4' x 8' bullet resistant fiberglass sheet starts as low as $320 and can range as high as $1,600, or $10 – $50 per square foot.
Which fiber can be used for ballistic protection? ›High-performance fibers like aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are extensively used for ballistic protection vests.
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.
What caliber will bullet proof glass stop? ›Bullet Resistant Glass would withstand up to a . 50 Caliber round from a high powered rifle. A . 50 Caliber round is most closely associated with military usage, and is not typically or commonly in widespread usage amongst most civilian products.
Can AK-47 break bulletproof glass? ›
A projectile fired from a rifle, such as the AK-47 or the Nato rifle G3, has a lower speed of up to thousand meters per second. This means: Glass breaks faster than the speed of the projectile. Therefore, the breaks in the glass are ahead of the projectile.
What is the cheapest bullet proof material? ›Ballistic Fiberglass
It is the most cost-effective and convenient option for bulletproofing walls.
Despite graphene being remarkably thin, it's strong enough to protect from a bullet, according to a statement describing the new research. Scientists found that by arranging two layers of graphene together, it becomes durable enough to handle impact at room temperature.
Can 2 layers of graphene stop a bullet? ›The researchers discovered that two layers of graphene stacked on top of one another can temporarily become as hard as diamond — and just as impenetrable — when struck by, say, a bullet.
Can the body break down fiberglass? ›While fiberglass can impact health, its effects pale in comparison with those related to asbestos. Due to the size of some fibers, they are not able to penetrate deeper into the lungs like asbestos. More importantly, the body can biodegrade them once inhaled.
Is fiberglass stronger than Kevlar? ›Because Kevlar® is much higher in stiffness and tensile strength than fiberglass, the builder can use fewer layers of cloth and in turn use much less resin reducing weight by approximately 15-20%. Kevlar® is much more expensive than fiberglass and much more difficult to repair.
Can fiberglass be as strong as metal? ›We understand that, if you're not used to fiberglass vehicle bodies, you might have one very reasonable question: how strong is fiberglass? The answer is that, pound–for–pound, fiberglass is stronger than steel or aluminum.
How many layers of fiberglass is enough? ›Two layers is the absolute minimum, three is better... The more prep time between the layers the stronger the finished product will be.
How much ammo is enough for self defense? ›A good rule of thumb is to consider a 500-round stash your starting point for your handgun. That might seem high but it does go fast. Of those 500 rounds at least 150 should be defensive, not target rounds. If you can afford to stash mostly defensive ammo, do it.
What material can stop a 50 cal bullet? ›50 caliber rounds as well as conventional steel armor, even though it weighs less than half as much. Researchers have demonstrated that vehicle armor using composite metal foam (CMF) can stop ball and armor-piercing . 50 caliber rounds as well as conventional steel armor, even though it weighs less than half as much.
How long does ballistic glass last? ›
With proper maintenance, bulletproof glass has a life span of up to twenty years.
How much Kevlar does it take to stop a 9mm? ›4) It was assessed that for a 9 mm Parabellum ammunition, which are most commonly used around the world, 21 layers of 200 GSM Kevlar is required as a minimum to stop the projectile.
How many layers of drywall will stop a bullet? ›Handgun rounds (9mm and . 45 ACP) all penetrated at least six walls of sheetrock and, in the case of 10mm, over 10 walls.
How strong is fiberglass compared to steel? ›A: POUND FOR POUND, FIBERGLASS IS JUST AS STRONG AS ITS COUNTERPART IN STEEL.
Is fiberglass easily breakable? ›Fiberglass is a very strong and durable material that will last for many years. They can withstand extreme weather conditions without cracking, chipping, or breaking.
Can ballistic glass be broken? ›Bulletproof glass (known more accurately as ballistic glass) is designed to absorb the force of a bullet rather than breaking apart. If you're determined to break through the glass, you can do so by shooting the glass multiple times in the same location or by shooting the glass with a high-powered rifle.
Which fibre material is extensively used in ballistic applications and why? ›Kevlar is often used for military ballistic and body armor applications. It has a natural yellow color and is available as dry fabric and prepreg material. Bundles of aramid fibers are not sized by the number of fibers like carbon or fiberglass but by weight.
Where can I buy ballistic fibre? ›Fort Defiance - easily the best place to get Ballistic Fiber by collecting Military Ammo Bags. It's located to the South West in the Cranberry Bog area. Looting this area will net 10 bags, which works out at 20 Ballistic Fiber.
What is the most resilient fiber? ›With so many natural fibres known for its tensile strength, silk is the toughest natural fibre found in our nature. One of the natural fibres known to man is its woven fabrics from the silkworm's or caterpillar's cocoon. Other animals, like spiders, also produce this fibre.
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.
Can spark plugs break bullet proof glass? ›
There is no such thing as bulletproof glass. More to your question, yes, any piece of a spark plug including the ceramic insulator can breach impact resistant glass. In fact, just about anything can breach the stuff depending on your patience and your precision in hitting it in exactly the same place.
Can a bullet penetrate a car windshield? ›All the bullets that penetrated the windshield impacted lower than the aiming point, which contradicts what has frequently been said about bullets and glass: that bullets shot into a windshield angle up after they penetrate the glass.
Can a sniper shoot through bullet proof glass? ›Mostly used in the military as sniper rifles, no consumer-grade bullet-resistant system will stop a . 50-cal rifle bullet, which requires Level 10 bulletproof glass (usually three or more inches of polycarbonate plastic, which equates to almost half a foot of tempered glass).
Can you make bullet proof glass at home? ›Though there is no way to create 100% bulletproof home windows, we hope that after reading this article you've gained a better understanding of the ways you can use certain materials like acrylic and polycarbonate to reinforce your home's windows and improve its overall security.
Why do police cars not have bullet proof glass? ›Why do police cars not have bulletproof windows? 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.
How many bullets can a bulletproof car take? ›For instance, if you were to get level 1 protection, it would be able to protect you from a minimum of 3 shots from a 9 mm handgun. That's regardless of the material you choose. On the other hand, level 2 protection means that the glass is able to withstand at least three . 357 Magnum shots.
How thick is bulletproof glass for cars? ›Bulletproof glass varies in thickness from 3⁄4 to 31⁄2 inches (19 to 89 mm).
Can bulletproof glass stop 50 BMG? ›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.
What is the most flexible bulletproof material? ›Gold Flex is a non-woven fabric manufactured by Honeywell from Kevlar, and is often used in ballistic vests and body armor. Gold Flex is lighter than woven Kevlar, Twaron and other Ballistic material.
What is the most lightweight bulletproof material? ›THE WORLD'S LIGHTEST, THINNEST ARMOR.
Engineered with the world's best polymer chemistry, and processed under 25 million pounds of force, Hardwire soft armor outperforms at the lightest weight. It's 30% lighter and 50% thinner than anything else on the market.
Is there bullet proof plastic? ›
Bullet resistant polycarbonate is available in a variety of grades and strengths. While no material is truly “bulletproof”, it is a great option for added safety and protection. Bullet resistant polycarbonate meets all security requirements with regard to protection against forced entry and ballistic impact.
What new material can stop bullets? ›University of Wisconsin–Madison engineers have created a nanofiber material that outperforms its widely used counterparts — including steel plates and Kevlar fabric — in protecting against high-speed projectile impacts. Basically, it's better than bulletproof.
Will a cast iron skillet stop a bullet? ›Unfortunately, even a 9mm pistol can easily blast a hole through a cast-iron skillet. However, two skillets can stop pistol rounds, so do with that what you will. A cast iron tub might do the job if it were positioned so you could hide behind it, especially if you could fill it with water.
Can magnets stop a bullet? ›Typically, no. Most bullets aren't ferromagnetic – they aren't attracted to magnets. Bullets are usually made of lead, maybe with a copper jacket around them, neither of which sticks to a magnet. These magnets made a bullet tumble on Mythbusters, but didn't change where it hit the target.
What is the best metal to stop bullets? ›Ultra-High Hardness (UHH) armor steel is the best performing steel alloy for protection against armor piercing (AP) bullets. Thanks to a 578 to 655 HBW hardness, UHH steel panels are able to break AP projectiles' core and provide efficient protection with reduced weight compared to High Hard (500HB) material.
What is the weakness of graphene? ›The main disadvantage of graphene as a catalyst is its susceptibility to oxidative environments. In order to grow graphene, toxic chemicals are being used at high temperatures. Due to this it exhibits some toxic qualities.
Can graphene be cut with a knife? ›Easily. The thickness matters! Steel knives and scissors can easily cut through a 1-atom-thick layer of anything. If you chop through some graphite pencil lead with a razor blade you'll surely cut through lots of layers of, in effect, graphene.
Is fiberglass as strong as Kevlar? ›Because Kevlar® is much higher in stiffness and tensile strength than fiberglass, the builder can use fewer layers of cloth and in turn use much less resin reducing weight by approximately 15-20%. Kevlar® is much more expensive than fiberglass and much more difficult to repair.
Is fiberglass stronger than metal? ›However, as with aluminum, industrial fiberglass outstrips steel in terms of strength-to-weight ratios, representing a weight decrease of as much as 75%. It is also stronger than steel in the lengthwise direction, providing enhanced reinforcement for load-bearing applications.
What disadvantages does fiberglass have? ›- Fiberglass insulation is not that much effective when there is a significant difference between the outside temperature & inside temperature because it keeps the heat inside and becomes less effective.
- If it becomes wet, it loses its insulation qualities, making it ineffective.
How easy is it to break fiberglass? ›
Fiberglass is a very strong and durable material that will last for many years. They can withstand extreme weather conditions without cracking, chipping, or breaking.
What is stronger than fiberglass? ›Strength. Though either material is substantially stronger than steel, industrial carbon fiber is more than 20 percent stronger than the best fiberglass. Carbon fiber boasts a strength to weight ratio roughly twice that of fiberglass.