“Bulletproof” or “Ballistic Window Film” for Schools? FAQ’s

Enhancing School Security: 

Considering “Ballistic Window Film”? Here’s what you need to know. 

In today’s educational environment, ensuring the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff is paramount. Glass doors, windows, and storefronts are often the most vulnerable points of entry in school buildings. The increasing prevalence of active shooter incidents and forced-entry crimes necessitates robust security measures. 

Challenges Faced by Educational Institutions

Schools face unique security challenges, including the need to maintain an open and welcoming environment while protecting against potential threats. Incidents such as forced entry not only compromise safety but also disrupt the educational process, leading to psychological impacts on students and staff, as well as financial burdens associated with repairs and increased security measures. Traditional glazing systems in older school buildings were not engineered to withstand today’s threat levels, leaving these institutions vulnerable. Retrofit security glazing systems can effectively prevent damage before it occurs, reducing potential losses and maintaining the continuity of educational activities.

Helping Decision Makers Cut Through the Noise 

ASTM F3561-22 Standard

To address the need for standardized testing of fenestration systems under active shooter scenarios, ASTM International developed the ASTM F3561-22 standard. This test method sets forth the requirements and procedures to evaluate the forced-entry resistance of building components, such as windows and doors, after a simulated active shooter attack. The standard involves weakening the system with repetitive shots followed by mechanically driven impacts to simulate forced entry. This ensures that fenestration systems can withstand attempts to create an opening large enough to permit unauthorized entry, even after being compromised by ballistic assaults.

The IWFA and NGA weigh in on window film and “bulletproofing” 

The International Window Film Association (IWFA) has explicitly stated that it is unaware of any window films possessing ballistic properties. They caution against using safety or security films as primary components in bullet-resistant glazing systems. While such films can serve as “spall shields”—reducing the dispersion of glass fragments on the interior side when used alongside tested bullet-resistant glazing—they should not be relied upon to stop bullets. 

International Window Film Association & National Glass Association 

Similarly, the National Glass Association (NGA) emphasizes that bullet-resistant glazing is specifically engineered to resist penetration from various firearm ammunitions. This type of glazing typically comprises multiple layers of glass and plastic materials, such as polycarbonate or acrylic, designed to deform and capture projectiles. The NGA underscores that while certain laminated glazing systems may offer some level of burglary or forced entry resistance, they are not inherently bullet-resistant without specific testing and certification to meet ballistic threat levels. 

In summary, both the IWFA and NGA advise that window films should not be considered bulletproof or relied upon for ballistic resistance. For applications requiring protection against firearms, it is essential to use glazing systems that have been specifically designed, tested, and certified to meet established ballistic standards.

Integrating Retrofit Security Glazing Systems and Adhering to Updated Standards

Incorporating security glazing systems in schools offers a proactive approach to enhancing safety. These polycarbonate “overglaze” secondary window systems can be installed over existing glass doors and windows, providing an additional layer of protection without the need for complete replacement. By adhering to the ASTM F3561-22 standard, schools can ensure that their fenestration systems are tested and rated for forced-entry resistance after simulated active shooter attacks. This not only deters potential intruders but also provides peace of mind to students, parents, and staff. Furthermore, aligning with the forthcoming ASIS School Security Standard will help schools establish comprehensive security programs addressing physical security, behavioral threat assessment, and emergency operations planning.

As educational institutions continue to face evolving security threats, it is imperative to adopt measures that enhance the safety of school environments. Security glazing systems, when implemented in accordance with updated standards like ASTM F3561-22 and the forthcoming ASIS School Security Standard, offer an effective solution to protect against forced entry and ballistic threats. By integrating these systems and adhering to established guidelines, schools can create a secure atmosphere conducive to learning and growth.

ASTM F3561 Test Report Findings – Overglaze Retrofit Systems 

Recent testing conducted by Impact Security, LLC, evaluated security glazing systems using the ASTM F3561-22 and ASTM F588 standards. The tests measured the forced-entry resistance of fenestration systems after simulated active shooter attacks. Impact Security’s security glazing systems, which utilize heavy-gauge, architectural-grade polycarbonate and extruded framing, are designed to resist robust forced entry and ballistic attacks. These systems protect against vandalism and other forms of destruction without altering the physical appearance of school facilities, providing the aesthetic benefits of glass with enhanced security. 

DefenseLite Pro   system achieved the highest ASTM F3561 level possible – Level 8. 

Key findings included:

1. Ballistics Resistance:

 All tested specimens were subjected to 10 ballistic impacts using 5.56 mm NATO rounds.

o While all specimens were penetrated, no openings were created large enough for unauthorized entry, demonstrating the glazing’s resistance to forced entry after ballistic impacts.

2. Forced Entry Resistance:

 Specimens passed all eight levels of forced-entry testing per ASTM F3561, including impacts with an increasing drop height of up to 4 feet.

 Decorative trim fell off in some cases, but the glazing system remained intact, preventing entry.

3. Compliance with ASTM F588:

All tested glazing systems achieved a Type D, Grade 40 rating, indicating strong resistance to forced entry using tools such as screwdrivers and pry bars.

ASIS International School Security Standard

Recognizing the critical need for comprehensive security guidelines in educational settings, ASIS International is developing the first comprehensive School Security Standard, set to launch in 2025. This standard aims to unify and elevate school security practices by providing a clear, consensus-based framework. It covers several important areas, including:

1. Security Program Development: Establishing guidelines for creating and managing robust security programs tailored to schools.

2. Security Risk Assessments: Providing methodologies to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.

3. Emergency Response and Operations Plans: Creating, testing, and refining emergency protocols.

4. Physical Security Measures: Enhancing security in buildings and grounds, including glazing systems, fencing, and access control.

5. Training and Awareness: Educating staff and students on safety protocols, situational awareness, and threat response.

The ASIS School Security Standard emphasizes flexibility, enabling schools to customize their security measures based on size, location, and resources.

International Building Codes (IBC) and Security Glazing

The International Building Code (IBC) sets comprehensive regulations for the design, construction, and maintenance of safe buildings, including requirements for security glazing in vulnerable areas like schools.

1. Safety and Impact Resistance: Glazing in hazardous locations (e.g., doors, sidelites, and windows near doorways) must meet impact resistance standards such as ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201.

2. Fire-Rated Glazing: Systems in fire-rated areas must comply with fire-protection requirements without compromising security.

3. Forced Entry Protection: While not explicitly mandated, IBC encourages compliance with ASTM standards in high-security areas.

4. Code Compliance and Testing: Glazing systems must demonstrate resistance to physical attacks, aligning with broader safety principles.

Security Window Films 

Security window films alone cannot provide ballistic resistance. However, when combined with certain types of glass, they can improve overall safety and performance in specific situations, though they do not render the glass bulletproof.

Here’s an explanation of their capabilities:

1. Role of Security Window Films:

• Security window films are designed to enhance the strength of glass by holding fragments together if the glass is broken.
• They reduce the risk of injury from shattered glass and can delay forced entry by increasing the time required to penetrate a window.
• These films can serve as “spall shields,” reducing the dispersion of glass      fragments on the interior side of a window when struck by a projectile,    especially in conjunction with other protective materials.

2. Ballistic Resistance Limitations:

• Ballistic resistance is determined by the entire glazing system, including the      glass, film, and any lamination or supporting materials.
• Window films do not have the structural integrity to stop or significantly slow bullets. Bullet-resistant glass, on the other hand, is composed of multiple layers of glass and polycarbonate or other plastics designed to absorb and      disperse the energy of a bullet.

3. Enhanced Systems:

• When applied to certain types of reinforced or laminated glass, security films can augment the performance of the system, but only in a limited way.
• Even with the strongest films and reinforced glass, the system must be explicitly designed, engineered, and certified to meet ballistic resistance      standards.

4. Testing and Certification:

• True ballistic-resistant glazing systems are tested against standardized      ballistic threat levels, such as those defined by organizations like UL      (Underwriters Laboratories) or NIJ (National Institute of Justice).
• Without such testing and certification, no combination of glass and film should be considered ballistic-resistant.
• ASTM F3561: The RiotLite RL 27 Security Window Film System from Impact Security was tested to achieve Level 3 performance when installed on single pane, 1/4″ tempered glass. The system was anchored with a structural caulk to commercial grade aluminum framing. (Full test reports available upon request) 

While security window films improve safety and can delay forced entry, they do not provide true ballistic resistance. For protection against firearms, you need certified bullet-resistant glazing systems that integrate specific layers of materials tested to meet ballistic standards. Always consult with professionals for security needs that involve ballistic threats.

What the DHS Says 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledges that security window films, often referred to as shatter-resistant window film (SRWF), can be part of a broader security strategy for schools. Here’s a summary of the DHS’s stance:

1. Purpose of Security Window Films:

• Shatter Mitigation: Security films are designed to prevent glass shards from becoming hazardous projectiles during incidents such as blasts or forced entry.
• Delay Entry: These films can hold broken glass in place, potentially delaying unauthorized access to a building. This delay provides critical time for occupants to respond or for law enforcement to intervene.

2. Key Capabilities:

• Security films enhance the durability of windows against forced entry and explosions but do not make windows bulletproof.
• They are most effective when applied to glass as part of an integrated system, which might include reinforced frames or laminated glass.

3. DHS Recommendations:

• Holistic Security Planning: Security window films should not be the sole security measure but part of a comprehensive approach that includes reinforced doors, access control, and emergency response plans.
• Risk Assessment: Schools are encouraged to conduct a vulnerability assessment to determine if security films would address their specific threats effectively.
• Professional Installation: Films must be installed correctly by certified professionals to ensure they function as intended.

4. Limitations:

• Security window films do not provide ballistic resistance or stop bullets.
• Their primary function is to mitigate injuries from flying glass and slow down forced entry.

DHS Guidance for Schools:

• DHS provides resources like the K-12 School Security Guide and Building Vulnerability Assessments to help schools decide whether to implement security window films and how to do so effectively.
• The emphasis is on layered security rather than reliance on any single measure, including films.

For schools considering these films, DHS advises consulting with security professionals to ensure compatibility with the broader safety plan and to meet the unique needs of the institution.

The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission was established by Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy following the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, where 20 children and 6 educators lost their lives. The Commission’s mandate was to review current policies and make recommendations to enhance public safety, focusing on school safety, mental health, and gun violence prevention. 

Federal Bureau of Investigation

In its Final Report released on March 6, 2015, the Commission emphasized the importance of strengthening school infrastructure to improve safety. Among its recommendations, the report advised schools to replace non-reinforced glass windows with more resilient materials, including:

• Tempered glass
• Wire-reinforced glass
• Laminated glass
• Bulletproof glass
• Blast-resistant safety films

These measures aim to delay or prevent unauthorized entry through windows and doors, thereby enhancing the security of school facilities. 

Federal Bureau of Investigation

It’s important to note that while security window films can reinforce existing glass and slow down forced entry attempts, they do not render windows bulletproof. Therefore, the Commission recommended their use as part of a comprehensive approach to school safety, in conjunction with other security measures. 

window replacement? 

 How About the Cost? 

The cost of enhancing window security depends significantly on the chosen solution. Below is a comparison of costs across different options, including reglazing with security films, replacing glass with bullet-resistant (BR) glass, overglaze solutions with BR properties, and full BR window replacement:

1. Reglazing with Security Window Films

• Cost Estimate: $12–$40 per square foot (film + installation).
• Performance:
  • Adds shatter resistance and delays forced entry.
  • Does not provide ballistic resistance or stop bullets.
  • Ideal for cost-effective safety enhancement where bulletproofing is unnecessary.
• Use Case: Schools, offices, or buildings needing low-cost upgrades.

2. Replacing Glass with Bullet-Resistant (BR) Glass

• Cost Estimate: $45–$400+ per square foot (depending on ballistic rating, size, and type of glass).
  • Level 1 (Handgun resistance): $45–$100/sq ft.
  • Level 3 (Rifle resistance): $100–$250/sq ft.
  • Higher ballistic ratings: $300–$400+/sq ft.
• Performance:
  • Provides certified ballistic resistance according to UL 752 standards.
  • Requires professional installation and may need reinforced framing.
• Use Case: High-security facilities such as banks, government buildings, or schools with extreme security concerns.

3. Overglaze Solutions with BR Properties

• Cost Estimate: $95–$450 per square foot. (up to UL Level 7)
  • Often includes ballistic-resistant acrylic or polycarbonate layers applied over existing glass.
• Performance:
  • Adds ballistic resistance without replacing existing windows.
  • Works as an intermediate solution between security film and full BR replacement.
  • Requires edge reinforcement for proper function.
• Use Case: Buildings needing improved ballistic resistance but aiming to minimize costs and construction disruption.

4. Full BR Window Replacement

• Cost Estimate: $125–$2,000+per square foot.
  • Includes BR-rated glass, framing, and sometimes retrofitting to ensure structural integrity.
  • Price varies depending on the ballistic rating, window size, and frame type.
• Performance:
  • Offers the highest level of protection against both bullets and forced entry.
  • Frames are designed to withstand high impacts, ensuring the glass performs as intended.
• Use Case: Critical infrastructure such as military facilities, law enforcement buildings, and embassies.

Comparison of Costs and Benefits

Use Case

Security Film

$12–$55

No

Moderate

High

Cost-effective   safety enhancement.

BR Glass Replacement

$125–$400+

Yes (certified)

High

Moderate

High-security   facilities.

Overglaze   Solutions

$95–$450

Yes (limited)

High

Moderate to High

Mid-tier security   upgrades.

Full BR   Replacement

$125–$2,000+

Yes (certified)

High

Low

Maximum   protection.

Key Considerations

1. Budget: Security films are the most cost-effective but lack ballistic resistance.
2. Level of Threat: For environments facing firearm threats, overglaze or full BR window replacement is necessary.
3. Installation Complexity: Films and overglaze solutions are easier to implement on existing windows, while full BR systems require extensive retrofitting.
4. Longevity: BR glass and overglaze solutions typically outlast security films.

By combining your security needs and budget, you can select the solution that offers the right balance of protection and cost. 

Impact Security can play a significant role in helping school administrators enhance campus safety through tailored solutions and support services. Here’s how they can assist:

1. Comprehensive Safety Assessments

• On-Site Evaluations: Impact Security can conduct detailed assessments of a school’s current vulnerabilities, including windows, doors, and entry points.
• Customized Recommendations: Provide recommendations tailored to the school’s specific security needs, threat levels, and budget constraints.

2. Multiple Product Solution Levels

• Security Window Films: RIOTLITE brand 
  • Offer shatter-resistant films to reduce injuries from broken glass and delay forced entry.
  • Provide options for anti-blast or anti-graffiti coatings, where applicable.
• Overglaze Systems: Install polycarbonate shields or ballistic-rated overlays that add an extra layer of protection to existing windows. DefenseLite Brand
• Bullet-Resistant Glass: Recommend and install certified BR glass or PC shields solutions for high-risk areas. BulletShield brand
• Comprehensive Packages: Combine products for layered security, addressing both forced entry and ballistic resistance.

3. Samples and Demonstrations

• Product Samples: Provide hands-on samples for school administrators to evaluate material quality and performance.
• Live Demonstrations: Showcase how products withstand forced entry attempts or ballistic threats, illustrating their effectiveness.
• Consultations: Educate stakeholders on the benefits, limitations, and ideal applications of each product.

4. Grant Support

• Grant Research Assistance: Help identify relevant grants and funding opportunities for school security improvements (e.g., DHS grants, state funding, or FEMA resources).
• Proposal Support: Assist in drafting compelling grant applications, including cost justifications, detailed project plans, and compliance documentation.
• Vendor Partnerships: Collaborate with local and national partners to leverage financial incentives or shared funding models.

5. Turnkey Solutions

• End-to-End Services: From assessment to installation, Impact Security can manage the entire process.
• Certified Installation: Ensure proper installation of security solutions by trained professionals to maximize effectiveness.
• Post-Installation Support: Provide maintenance plans, warranty services, and updates as security needs evolve.

How School Administrators Benefit

1. Improved Safety: Proactive measures protect students and staff from threats like break-ins, vandalism, and gun violence.
2. Cost Efficiency: Layered solutions (like films + overglaze) can reduce the need for full replacements, saving money.
3. Confidence in Products: Samples and demonstrations build trust in the solutions offered.
4. Access to Funding: Grant support simplifies the process of securing funds for large-scale security projects.

By combining security expertise, diverse product offerings, and grant support, Impact Security can empower school administrators to make informed decisions that enhance safety and security while staying within budget.

 bullet proof window film ballistic window film bullet resistant window film