Security glass: types and differences, applications and legal requirements

Types of security glass: features and differences

Not all types of window glass are the same. Whether in residential or commercial settings, choosing the right glass for window frames is not just about resistance: function, breakage behavior and construction technology also play a key role. As a result, safety glass for doors and windows can be classified according to two main criteria.

Security glass classifications by purpose:

• Shatterproof glass (or anti-break glass): refers to a type of glass designed to resist impacts or break-in attempts. Ideal for ground-floor homes, shops and isolated houses, it slows down intrusions and increases response time in case of burglary;
• Safety glass: designed to protect people in case of breakage and required by law in many applications, including residential ones. It either breaks into small, non-sharp fragments, or stays together thanks to an internal layer;
• Burglar-resistant glass: a reinforced laminated glass tested to withstand repeated blows with blunt objects (such as hammers, crowbars or axes). It is classified according to the UNI EN 356 standard, with resistance levels from P1A to P8B;
• Armored glass: an advanced version composed of multiple layers of plastic film and glass, bonded glass integrated into the window or door frame. It offers high protection against burglary and vandalism in sensitive, public or commercial contexts;
• Bulletproof glass: also known as ballistic glass, it is designed to withstand firearm impacts. Made of several layers of glass and inner plastic material, it maintains structural integrity even after being hit.

Security glass classifications by construction type:

• Tempered glass (also called reinforced glass): this type of glass undergoes a specific thermal process that increases its mechanical strength. If broken, it shatters into harmless fragments (it is considered a safety glass, but not shatterproof);
• Laminated glass (also called bonded glass or multi-layered glass): made of two or more sheets of glass bonded with PVB (polyvinyl butyral) film. If broken, the shards stick to the internal layer (the basic requirement for all shatterproof glass).

Regulations and standards for safety and security glazing

When it comes to safety glass, there are specific European standards that regulate its selection, installation and performance depending on the intended application. The goal is to protect people, reduce the risk of injuries and secure interior spaces.

• UNI EN 12600: this standard defines the classification of safety glass based on impact resistance and breakage behavior. The tests simulate a soft body impact and classify the glass using codes such as 1B1, 2B2, 1C2 and 1C3, which describe how the glass responds under specific impact conditions.
• UNI EN 356: this standard covers the classification of burglar-resistant glass. Classes range from P1A to P5A (resistance to heavy object impacts) and from P6B to P8B (resistance to manual tool attacks using hammers, axes or crowbars).
• UNI EN 1063: this standard defines the classification of bulletproof glass (also referred to as ballistic glass). Classes range from BR1 to BR7 (protection against handguns and rifles) and SG1 to SG2 (protection against rifles firing solid projectiles) specifying the weapon type, ammunition and test distance.

In residential buildings, laws mainly focus on injury prevention:

• In Italy, all glazed units installed in areas at risk of impact (as defined by UNI 7697:2021) must be equipped with safety glass, either tempered or laminated;
• In the case of large glazings, French doors or isolated areas, it is strongly recommended to use burglar-resistant glass with a P2A classification or higher.

In commercial or public settings (such as shops, schools, offices, banks):

• Current regulations on safety glass require higher protection levels, often recommending armored or multi-layer glass with reinforced interlayers, depending on the risk;
• For sensitive environments or locations containing valuables, P4A or P5A glazing may be required, along with bulletproof glass BR/SG certified for ballistic protection.

Which window and door frames can use security glass?

Safety glass is no longer reserved for high-security buildings. Today it is increasingly used in private settings as well, thanks to its ability to be integrated into various types of door and window frames without compromising on aesthetics, comfort or natural light.

Windows with burglarproof glass

Ideal for ground-floor homes, isolated houses or buildings exposed to burglary risk, these windows provide an effective barrier against intrusions while preserving thermal and acoustic insulation. Burglar-resistant glazings can be installed in fixed, tilt-and-turn or hopper windows, with full customization of uPVC and uPVC/aluminium frames.

Entrance doors with high-security glass

Many modern front doors include glazed inserts to increase the amount of natural light. In these cases, the glass must be both burglar-proof and bullet-proof, structurally bonded to the sash to prevent any removal attempts. DQG entrance doors are available with security glass certified up to P5A standard, integrated into RC3 level anti-burglar systems.

French doors, balcony doors and sliding doors

For those who prefer wide glass surfaces opening onto a garden or terrace, laminated shatterproof glass is a strategic solution that combines design with security. DQG’s French doors, balcony doors, and sliding doors (also available with low thresholds) can be fitted with high-performance laminated safety glass, while maintaining excellent energy efficiency.

Comparing safety glazings: when to choose which type

Here is a comparison of the main types of security glass, based on key characteristics: thickness, applications, relevant international standards and average cost per square meter.

_{Note: prices are indicative and may vary significantly depending on the glass unit composition, the size of the door or window frame and the chosen profile.}

Security without compromise: DQG windows and doors

Whether it’s a detached home, a ground-floor apartment, a public building or a commercial facility, DQG designs and manufactures window and door frames in uPVC and uPVC/aluminium, combining security, durability, quality and design.

All DQG products can be equipped with safety glazings certified up to P5A classification, for maximum resistance against break-ins. The most advanced configurations include:

• Bonded glass structurally fixed to the sash;
• Reinforced hardware anchored to the frame;
• Lockable handles and drill-resistant plates;
• Option of RC3 certification, in compliance with DIN EN 1627.

With a wide range of windows and bottom-hinged windows, French doors, balcony doors, sliding glass doors and front entrance doors, DQG meets every design requirement from private homes to large-scale architectural projects.

Every product is Made in Italy and fully customizable with a variety of finishes and accessories: a perfect balance between elegance and protection, with no compromises.