There’s nothing business owners love more than a secure building.
Except actually getting one.
The sad reality is that most commercial buildings are sitting ducks for criminal activity. Entry points made from standard glass are practically begging to be targeted. That’s where modern security plastic materials come in…
Upgrading business windows and doors with security materials can:
- Eliminate smash-and-grab crimes before they happen
- Protect staff and customers from flying glass injury
- Save money on repairs and astronomical insurance claims
Best of all…
Your building doesn’t need to look like a bunker or lose visibility to gain these benefits.
Here’s what’s covered below…
What You’ll Learn
- Why Security Plastic Materials are Useful for Business
- Understand the Risks Businesses Face Today
- Discover the Top Security Plastic Materials
- Learn How to Choose the Best Option for Your Building
Why Security Plastic Materials are Useful for Business
Ordinary glass windows are weak.
Most storefronts have some form of tempered glass — strong, but only designed to “break safely.” Format from a hammer or brick, and you’ll find your standard storefront glass fails instantly.
This leaves a big problem.
When it comes to shoring up your building’s weakest links, upgrading to custom windows made from security plastic materials is one of the easiest and most affordable steps any business can take. Security materials like polycarbonate and acrylic are engineered to resist repeated abuse without losing transparency, so staff and customers don’t have to trade comfort for security.
Let’s look at why…
Commercial break-ins are everywhere these days.
According to FBI crime statistics, there were 42,508 burglaries in Office Buildings in 2023 alone. Fancy that number going straight through your bank account? Break-ins cause more than just theft. Repairing shattered storefronts requires boarding up the building, glazing replacement, and lost revenue while repairs take place.
Any of these costs add up fast, but there are certain industries that seem to bear the brunt of smash-and-grab crimes. Restaurants, convenience stores, and big box retailers are all attractive targets due to their typically large glass storefronts.
Understand the Risks Businesses Face Today
Crime isn’t the only risk to plan for.
Believe it or not, there are a lot more hazards threatening a business than smash-and-grab theft. Window security solutions made from acrylic, polycarbonate, and laminated materials are an ideal countermeasure against:
- Retail theft. Theft at point-of-sale locations and display cases
- Vandalism. Purposeful damage to windows, doors, & signage
- Civil disturbances. Rioting that can happen in any city, anytime
- Extreme weather. Winds, debris, hail, & hurricanes
- Active shooter events. Ballistic attacks on schools, banks, pharmacies
Got a little overwhelmed there?
Property crimes accounted for over $280 billion in losses during 2023. Businesses that take their security seriously can protect themselves against more than just theft. Material upgrades are an investment that can pay for itself time and time again.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Discover the Top Security Plastic Materials
There are three major security plastic materials business owners are turning to these days. They aren’t all created equally, so take a moment to learn about each option.
Polycarbonate
Known widely by the brand name Lexan, polycarbonate is one of the strongest plastic materials on the market today.
It offers security professionals up to 250x more impact resistance when compared to standard glass. Polycarbonate is a favorite material for a reason — it doesn’t shatter. Hit a polycarbonate window with a hammer and you’ll see that the material literally bends. An intruder can swing away for minutes, and a quality polycarbonate panel will take the abuse.
What’s more, polycarbonate can be glued to the interior of existing windows and doors. In many cases, it’s the quickest and most cost-effective security upgrade businesses can make. Security benefits don’t stop there, though. Polycarbonate windows also offer:
- Blockage of UV rays that fade inventory and interior decorations
- Lightweight material that is easy to install on existing frames
- High transparency with very little visual distortion
Acrylic
When it comes to bullet and piercing weapon protection, acrylic is the top choice for budget-conscious business owners.
UL752 tested to Level 3, acrylic offers proven bullet resistance for store owners who need to take their security a step further. It’s also much more than that, though. Much like polycarbonate, acrylic won’t shatter into razor sharp edges when struck. Instead, it crumbles into large chunks of plastic.
Acrylic is often referred to as “Shatterproof Glass.” High impact acrylic can be vulnerable to scratching and may yellow over time if untreated. Compare it to polycarbonate, and acrylic starts to become a far more appealing option.
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate
Did somebody say extreme conditions?
Businesses that need windows and doors that can’t be breached — even by military grade equipment — rely on glass-clad polycarbonate.
It’s the strongest option on this list. Glass-clad polycarbonate is made by sandwiching a polycarbonate plastic sheet between two sheets of glass. The result? A composite material with up to 300x the impact resistance of regular glass. Security glass this tough can stand up to active shooter situations, gas explosions, and attack from pry bars and ax handles.
Glass-clad polycarbonate makes up the strongest security material option available due to the high-level protection it provides.
Learn How to Choose the Best Option for Your Building
Visit a local bank or pharmacy and take a guess which windows they upgraded.
Every type of business has different security needs based on what they do every day. However, it can be broken down into some easy-to-understand guidelines.
- Tend to keep the front door locked? Polycarbonate retrofit windows are the right starting point.
- High cash in-store? Acrylic security windows may be all that’s needed.
- Running a prison or government building? Glass-clad polycarbonate is the material of choice.
Remember…
Every point of entry has to be considered separately. Doors, storefront windows, glass-wall interiors, and display cases are all vulnerable to different levels of abuse. By working with a trusted supplier, businesses can ensure the right product is matched to the right application — and that it will perform exactly as expected.
Conclusion
Security plastics have come a long way, and they can make a real difference.
Updating a commercial building with security plastic materials has never been easier. Here’s a review of next steps:
- Identify vulnerable entry points around the building
- Choose the right material to combat the specific risk
- Partner with a trusted supplier to specify and install correctly
- Upgrade and revise the security plan as the business grows
Small businesses lose hundreds of dollars to break-ins every day. Don’t become part of that statistic. Invest in security now, and save on repairs and liability later.
It’s worth it.
