Safe exits &
Secure Entrances
with
Fire + Security-Rated Glass
Enhance building security and safe egress
with multifunctional, fire-rated glazing.
Understanding
Security-Rated Glass:
Bullet-Resistant vs. Forced-Entry
Bullet-Resistant
Glass
Also known as ballistic glass, this type of glazing is designed to withstand ballistic attacks.
- Ratings: Evaluated across 8 levels under UL-752 testing standards.
- Resistance Levels: Levels correspond to various shot patterns, number of rounds, and calibers. Note that the levels do not necessarily progress linearly.
Forced-Entry
Resistant Glass
This security-rated glass is engineered to deter and delay physical attacks for a specific amount of time.
- Purpose: Acts as a transparent time barrier, allowing occupants to alert first responders and take necessary actions during emergencies.
- Ratings: Determined using various testing criteria. Building professionals should consult experts to ensure compliance with the required standards for their project’s jurisdiction.
Choosing the
Right Solution
Neither bullet-resistant nor forced-entry glass is inherently better for every project. Each serves unique security needs.
Security professionals can assist specifiers and project owners in determining the most effective security-rated glass by conducting a comprehensive risk assessment.
What systems support fire- and life-safety goals?
Certain applications require glazing assemblies that address multiple life safety threats simultaneously. However, designing fire- and security-rated glass systems is more complex than simply combining fire-rated and security-rated components.
Discover how to ensure one form of protection isn’t compromised by the other and explore solutions that provide comprehensive safety without sacrificing performance.
The Challenges
- Many security-rated glazing components are plastic-based, making them highly flammable and prone to burning quickly and intensely.
- When exposed to flames, these components can exceed temperature-rise limits and maximum temperatures outlined in fire test standards.
- Adding security-rated glazing to fire-rated door and window systems can compromise or even negate the assembly’s fire rating.
The solution
- A systems-based approach ensures that multifunctional assemblies are tested to meet both fire and security rating standards.
- This certification guarantees the entire system will perform as intended when installed, providing reliable protection on all fronts.
- Multifunctional fire-rated doors and windows can withstand physical attacks while maintaining fire protection and safe egress routes.
- By choosing systems that undergo rigorous, dual-standard testing, you can achieve enhanced security without compromising fire and life safety.
The Basics: FIRE-RATED,
SECURITY-RATED GLASS AND FRAMING

No matter what type of building a project is, there will almost always be questions around fire- and life-safety code requirements. But specifiers do not have to find the answers on their own. Learn crucial information about building codes, test standards and how to incorporate fire-rated glazing into your next project.
Read MoreBeyond The Basics:
Fire + Security-Rated Glazing
Welcoming Students - not fire and intruders
Learn how fire-rated doors combined with fire +security-rated glass helps improve safety and security from fire and forced entry.
Get the StoryCreating safer spaces: a deep dive into bullet-resistant glass
Forced entry- and bullet-resistant glass have seen increased use in multiple occupancy types.
Read MoreOpening the conversation to code-compliant school security
Creating safer schools involves collaboration among key stakeholders.
See the ArticleProducts
And Solutions
When enhanced security is a project goal, fire- and security-rated glass can contribute to code-compliant designs. Because multifunctional, fire-rated glazing from TGP offers large lites within narrow-profile frames, it does not compromise aesthetics for safety and security. Compare a variety of multifunctional glazing options to meet code requirements and security goals for your next project.
Fire + Security-Rated Design Resources

Video
What does the future hold for the glass industry?
What does the future hold for the glass industry?
TGP’s General Manager, Devin Bowman, looks to the future to address the question, “How do I provide security to people in buildings that may be subject to intentional damage?”
>>

Article
Balancing Life Safety and Security
Balancing Life Safety and Security
Publication: US Glass
>>

Article
Achieving Code-Compliant School Security with Fire-Rated and Forced-Entry Resistant Glass
Achieving Code-Compliant School Security with Fire-Rated and Forced-Entry Resistant Glass
Publication: Campus Safety
>>

Article
How the Glass Industry Aims to Improve Protection Against School Shootings
How the Glass Industry Aims to Improve Protection Against School Shootings
Publication: US Glass
>>

Article
A Finger on the Pulse
A Finger on the Pulse
Publication: US Glass
>>
Article
A Transparent Look at Safer School Design
A Transparent Look at Safer School Design
Publication: Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce
>>

Article
spaces4learning Product of the Year
spaces4learning Product of the Year
Publication: spaces4learning
>>

Article
Enhanced School Security Solutions
Enhanced School Security Solutions
Publication: Glass Magazine
>>

Article
Blazing Trends: The Surging Demand For Fire-Rated Glass
Blazing Trends: The Surging Demand For Fire-Rated Glass
Publication: Glass Magazine
>>

Expert Insights
Part of a System: How Fire-Resistant Glazing Plays a Part in Life-Safety Design
Part of a System: How Fire-Resistant Glazing Plays a Part in Life-Safety Design
Life-safety design pertains to a building’s ability to protect its occupants from fire and other life-threatening emergencies. Many materials can contribute to life-safety designs, but some may limit ...
>>

Article
Navigating Safer School Design
Navigating Safer School Design
Publication: Door Security + Safety
>>

Expert Insights
Creating Safer Spaces: A Deep Dive into Bullet-Resistant Glass
Creating Safer Spaces: A Deep Dive into Bullet-Resistant Glass
In recent years, forced entry- and bullet-resistant glass have seen increased use in multiple occupancy types, from schools, banks, currency exchanges, police stations, embassies, military installatio...
>>

Article
Opening the Conversation to Code-Compliant School Security
Opening the Conversation to Code-Compliant School Security
Publication: Security Management
>>

Article
Fire protection devices offer complex solutions
Fire protection devices offer complex solutions
Publication: Healthcare Facilities Management
>>

Article
Designing Entry Vestibules for Schools
Designing Entry Vestibules for Schools
Publication: Door Security + Safety
>>

Article
Secured School Entry Vestibules: Reducing Weak Points and Increasing Sightlines
Secured School Entry Vestibules: Reducing Weak Points and Increasing Sightlines
Publication: Campus Safety
>>

Article
Invisible Protection: Hardening Entrances with Multifunctional, Fire-Rated Glass
Invisible Protection: Hardening Entrances with Multifunctional, Fire-Rated Glass
Publication: Glass Magazine
>>

Expert Insights
The Art and Science of Designing Safer Schools
The Art and Science of Designing Safer Schools
The building industry is at a critical point. As more school districts incorporate voluntary security measures, everyone involved in school planning has pushed to innovate architectural systems and de...
>>

Article
Designing Safer Schools: Considerations for Increasing School Security
Designing Safer Schools: Considerations for Increasing School Security
Publication: Campus Security and Life Safety
>>

Article
Safe and Secure at Candy Lane
Safe and Secure at Candy Lane
Publication: Door Security + Safety
>>

Article
Safe Havens Within
Safe Havens Within
Publication: Door Security + Safety
>>

Article
Invisible Shield
Invisible Shield
Publication: US Glass
>>

Article
Fire Protection and Safety: Industry Discusses Opportunities and Challenges
Fire Protection and Safety: Industry Discusses Opportunities and Challenges
Publication: USGlass
>>

Case Study
Candy Lane Elementary
Candy Lane Elementary
Oregon City, OR
>>

Article
Safe & Secure With Fire-Rated Glazing
Safe & Secure With Fire-Rated Glazing
Publication: Facility Management
>>

Expert Insights
Commentary: System Solutions–Meeting the Need for School Safety and Security
Commentary: System Solutions–Meeting the Need for School Safety and Security
As incidents over the last decade have shown, safety and security are more than just buzzwords in schools and universities. Many educational environments are increasing safety protocols and adopting v...
>>

Expert Insights
Interview: Insights with Top Safety and Security Glazing Professional
Interview: Insights with Top Safety and Security Glazing Professional
Making sure schools are safe from disastrous fires is vital when it comes to the building of educational facilities. Along with the importance of fire-safety in schools, the rise of school shootings i...
>>
Protecting what matters
Take our AIA-registered course to better understand fire-rated glazing basics and earn I LU/HSW Hour.
Take CourseSpecifire®
Not sure which project is right for your fire + security-rated project? We’ll help you decide with this interactive tool.
Explore ProductsProject Look Book
The Look Book features stunning photography and useful information showcasing notable projects.
Explore Look Book