Would bullet proof glass help deter burglars? How does it compare to normal glass?

Question

We consider buying an apartment, which has previously been used as a shop. Our only concern is that it has large windows (2,5 meters x 2,5 meters), which would function like an invitation to burglars. I am thinking that we could buy bullet-proof glass to make it much more difficult for burglars, though, I have never heard about anyone doing this, and I have not been able to find any shops selling such glass. Therefore, I was wondering whether bullet-proof glass of this size would really help against burglars, and what we would be talking about with regards to price compared to ordinary glass (are we talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars per window or just a few thousands)?

EDIT: I am not so worried about economic loss, this is more an issue of whether I would actually get out of bed if I heard strange noises in the apartment at night.

Answer 1

There is a product called Window Security Film which is a thin (a couple mm) film that adheres to the window and makes it exceptionally difficult for someone to break. Many lock smiths/security companies can install it. Here's a video of it in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYdVK3BqPfk

One of the biggest "problems" with it however is that because it's invisible, people will still try to break the glass. For this reason, often it is installed along with window bars since this provides a visual deterent, but they are pretty ugly for residential installs.

Answer 2

Another angle - if it is the size of windows you are worried about, have you thought about altering the frontage to have smaller windows? It would then look less like a shop, and it would be easier to get laminated glass for the windows.

Answer 3

Put in a simple alarm system with glass break sensors. Dedicate it to the windows if necessary and leave it on all the time. If anyone ever tries to break a window the alarm will sound. You would not even need to have it monitored if all you want is peace of mind while sleeping.

Answer 4

I'm pretty sure bullet proof glass is not a viable option. A quick Google search came up with a 40" wide window for over $3k. I couldn't find anything nearly the size you mentioned, and I'm guessing the cost for increasing scale is not linear - you're talking at least tens of thousands of dollars here. My guess is that the glass would end up costing just about as much as the apartment, if not more. Plus, bullet proof glass isn't completely shatter-proof. An attempt to break it could leave it cracked, and there goes the most expensive thing in your apartment.

Plus you've got to consider if the window is even your most vulnerable point of entry. Do the doors have steel frames? Are the deadbolts bump proof? If you're that worried about break-ins, my advice would be a good renter's insurance policy and a burglar alarm system.

An alternative to bullet-proof could be shatter-resistant. Lexan can be purchased in 4'x8' sheets for $167 at most home improvement stores. You'd probably have to have panels that large (2.5m x 2.5m) custom made though. Be warned that Lexan is not scratch-resistant though, so you may have unbroken but scratched up windows.

Answer 5

If it's a high crime area, the typical solution is window bars on the first floor.

If it's not a high crime area, I'd maybe not panic too much. Most burglaries are through the front or back door or an open window. Smashing large picture windows isn't typically the first choice of a burglar.

Answer 6

One cheap and easy solution is to simply purchase alarm system stickers/signage from eBay.

A potential burglar won't necessarily know that there's no system installed.

Answer 7

The type of glass by itself isn't a deterrent as most burglars don't look first, or they don't know what they are looking at. Signage is a greater deterrent.

The window film as already suggested is most likely the simplest and cheapest solution.

Bullet resistant glass will deter burglars once they throw a brick or take a few swings at the glass and realize that it is still there. This can still break the glass, which will be a very costly replacement. Laminated glass will do a much better job as it will have the same effect. Laminated glass is two pieces of glass bonded together with a plastic. This is how bullet resistant glass is made as well, but with many more layers, thicker glass, and thicker plastic.

The idea of a security film is very similar to why laminated glass is a suitable security glass.

Answer 8

How about getting some electric hurricane shutters? Or get some nice ironwork to function as burglar bars. If you wanted something cheap and fast, get some 2 by 4's, cut them up in a design, screw them together with wood screws, putty them up, route the edges, sand them, a little paint and you have an instant burglar bar.

Answer 9

We have a very old question here with a bunch of wrong answers with a lot of votes.

Bulletproof windows do not meet any fire safety standards that I know of. They are all restricted by International first safety codes. Installing them or the film would in essence be against code and could cause the homeowner to be liable for a range of issues during a fire.

What makes matters worse is that someone armed would not know if the window was bulletproof so it provides zero deterrent. The easiest thing to do would be to put up metal bars but for a large window and to meet code - this will 100% need to be code because people will see it - it could cost you a TON.

The obvious answer is to frame in part of the first few feet at least and put in new windows. Windows that start higher up off the ground are a very good deterrent. Also whether you own a security system or not putting stickers up is a deterrent as is installing cameras and a motion sensing light. (Getting a working security system is probably recommendable, but again that is not a deterrent it is for after they have broken in)

Answer 10

How about a custom rolling glass door, like this one in this Our Little Warehome video? It looks good and seems to be a safe alternative.

Answer 11

The best approach is to have multi-layer security.

Paint metal bars to match your siding or paint them white. Put them on the interior so it looks more like a window grid. Once a burglar sees it they most likely won't even try breaking the windows. Put security stickers on the windows, and on top of that use shock sensors.

You really don't have to splurge on bullet proof glass; just use regular glass with the bullet resistant film. If you live in a high crime area consider moving.

Most thieves don't want the attention of shooting off a gun but some will. So even if they do use a gun they will set the alarm off and have the bars to get through.