This guide can help you figure out your needs and options for bullet-resistant windows and doors.
The two most common ballistic standards are put forth by UL and NIJ.
For this reason, most ballistic barrier providers focus on applying the UL standard, of which Levels 1 to 8 cover the ammunition types that would most likely be encountered.
A variety of options exist: fabric, glass, plastic, metal, or fiberglass. Looking at the application holistically can help determine the best choice.
Ballistic materials will often show three different tiers of product verification, each with a different confidence level for you to have trust in:
Compliant: self-tested, analyzed, or evaluated by the manufacturer to meet a standard. This is a very low- confidence level and should be avoided.
Certified: an independent test facility with proper authority to certify to a given standard is used to verify product performance
UL Security Listed: Underwriters Lab (a certified lab with renowned expertise) conducts the test. This is the highest confidence level product.
Unless the product and the installation have BOTH been certified, it is extremely rare for an existing window frame or door jamb to support ballistic impact. Structural reinforcement of these elements is normally required for door and window installations.
Plastics (thick or thin film) can be laminated to glass; however, the combination may stop the threat from passing through, but the entire window may break free.
A window film, pane of bullet-resistant glass or certified ballistic door must be supported by a wall, frame, and jamb that are also engineered to withstand a ballistic event.
Adding a ballistic window shade or door cover requires no reinforcement due to the nature of the material - it catches the bullet rather than simply withstanding it.