How to Calculate Bulletproof Glass Cost?
Learn about the benefits of using bulletproof glass. Get information on the different factors that can impact bulletproof glass costs, and get the price estimates of installation.
01/10/2020
Compared to standard glass, bulletproof glass has superior strength. It can withstand bullets, earthquakes, storms, and smashes from angry mobs. Some bulletproof glass can also deflect bombs. It is known to increase safety and is considered the ideal glass materials for windows, doors, and even glass walls, and cars.
Just as it possesses unique qualities from the regular glass, this attracts a price difference. Bulletproof glass can be costly. However, more factors determine the cost of this glass.
Factors that impact bulletproof glass cost
The cost of bulletproof glass will vary depending on the material, size, and level of protection.
1. Material of bulletproof glass
There are different materials used in making bulletproof glass. Traditional laminated glass, insulated ballistic glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, and glass-clad polycarbonate. The different materials offer different levels of security. That is, ranging from Level 1 to Level 8.
Insulated ballistic glass offers Level 1 security, acrylic provides Level 1 and 2, and polycarbonate can go up to Level 3. Glass-clad polycarbonate, on the other hand, can be layered to offer up to Level 8 security. The higher the level of protection the material can provide, the more costly it is.
2. Size of the sheets
Bulletproof glass costs will directly be impacted by size. Note that the bigger the size, the more the materials used, and the higher the resulting cost.
Difference among different levels of bulletproof glass
There are basically five materials that have so far been used to make bulletproof glass. They are:
1. Traditional laminated glass:
Outdated type of bulletproof glass and is most cheap in cost
This was the first-ever material to be used for bulletproof glass. It is made of layers of glass and resin. However, due to limitations such as heavy, brittle, and challenges in cutting, it is no longer being used in bulletproof applications. This option is cheaper than the rest.
2. Insulated ballistic glass:
An economic option and offers level 1 protection
This is a new and cost-effective bulletproof glass material that has mostly been used in non-traditional targets such as retail stores, community centers, and churches. They measure a maximum of 1.125 inches in thickness, which makes them suitable for level 1 protection. It can stop forced entry, be bullet-resistant, and also energy efficient.
3. Acrylic:
Most commonly used offering level 1 & 2 resistance
This is the most common bulletproof glass, and it offers level 1 and 2 resistance. Note that a Level 1 system can stop jacketed 9mm bullets. A level 2 system, on the other hand, can stop three shots from a .357 magnum. The good thing about acrylic is that it can be improved to offer Level 3 security by sandwiching it with polycarbonate. Acrylic is more costly than the insulated ballistic glass. It allows adequate light transmission, which makes it ideal even for public buildings, financial institutions, and government facilities.
4. Polycarbonate:
It can offer level 1 to level 3 resistance
Polycarbonate can offer Level 1 all the way to Level 3 security. Polycarbonate can be layered with acrylic or used alone in a security system. The level of protection that this material offers is highly dependent on the thickness of its laminated layers. For instance, for Level 1 protection, a 0.75 inches thick polycarbonate sheet is needed. One inch will offer Level 2 security, whereas 1.25 inches will provide Level 3 protection. The material is excellent for exterior windows in police stations, utilities, and banks.
5. Glass -clad polycarbonate:
Expensive option and offers upto level 8 resistance
This is an improved alternative, compared to polycarbonate. It is more expensive, but the protection is superior. Note that approximately one inch of a glass-clad unit can stop three rounds of a .44 Magnum. This material can be layered to form different levels of thickness, which can go up to Level 8 security.
This material is ideal for high-security premises, high-traffic areas, and areas with extreme weather conditions. It can protect against hurricanes, blasts, and shots from AK-47.
The installation cost of the professional [DIY installation should not be done]
Bulletproof glass is only as effective as how well the installation has been done. As much as you may be tempted to do a DIY installation for this security sheet, it is not the best idea. It is best if you let a professional handle your bulletproof glass.
The average cost of bulletproof glass per square foot will range between $25 to $100, which varies with the level of security needed. The price will also vary greatly, depending on the size of the bulletproof glass you need. While some companies send their professionals to do the installation at an extra fee, you may have to source for one independently in other cases. A complex security system like that of a bank can cost up to $20,000. This, however, does not include labor costs. The cost of a professional will be a certain percentage of the total cost. It will vary depending on whether you are using a professional from the bulletproof glass manufacturing company. This is usually a better option since they are insured, and you will be compensated for any damage that may occur in the installation process.