Question 1

What does "non-ricochet type" actually mean for a bullet resistant window frame?

Accepted Answer

It means the frame is engineered to capture and retain a projectile that strikes it - not deflect it. In a standard frame, a bullet that hits the edge of the window at an angle can ricochet into the room, creating a secondary injury risk. Our hollow metal and stainless steel frames are designed to prevent that. The armor inside the frame absorbs and holds the projectile so it does not bounce laterally into the protected space. This is a system-level safety feature that applies to the frame itself, not just the glazing - and it is built into every window we manufacture.

Question 2

Does the frame need to be rated to the same level as the glazing?

Accepted Answer

Yes - and this is one of the most important things to understand before you specify or purchase a bullet resistant window system. A rated glazing installed in an unrated or under-rated frame creates a breach point at the most vulnerable part of the opening: the edges. If the glass is rated to UL 752 Level 3 but the frame is not, the system is not Level 3. The projectile does not have to go through the glass to defeat the window - it can go through the frame. We engineer the frame and glazing together so the armor in the frame meets the same protection level as the glazing. There is no weak link in the assembly.

Question 3

What is the difference between "bulletproof" and "bullet resistant," and does it matter?

Accepted Answer

It matters more than most buyers realize. No architectural product - glass, frame, or otherwise - is truly bulletproof. Every rating is calibrated to a specific threat: a specific caliber, a specific number of shots, a specific distance. UL 752 Level 1 protects against a 9mm full metal jacket handgun round. Level 3 protects against a .44 Magnum. Level 8 protects against high-powered rifle rounds. "Bullet resistant" is the accurate term because it describes what the product actually does - it resists a defined threat. Beyond that defined threat, no guarantee exists. This is not a weakness in the product. It is how the industry honestly communicates the nature of ballistic protection.

Question 4

Is a stainless steel bullet resistant window legal to purchase and install in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no federal laws in the United States restricting the purchase or installation of bullet resistant glass or window systems for commercial, institutional, or residential properties. Stainless steel bulletproof windows and hollow metal bullet resistant windows are completely legal to buy and install across all 50 states. Some jurisdictions have specific building code requirements for ballistic glazing in certain facility types - federal buildings must comply with the GSA P100 Facilities Standard, for example - but those are requirements to meet a minimum standard, not restrictions on purchase. If your project involves a federal facility, a government building, or a jurisdiction with specific ballistic glazing codes, we can help you identify and document the right protection level and testing credentials for your application.

Question 5

Can ballistic film on existing windows replace a rated bullet resistant window system?

Accepted Answer

No. Ballistic film applied to existing glass is not bullet resistant in the UL 752 sense. It is not independently tested or listed for ballistic protection under the standard that governs architectural security glazing in the United States. Film can provide some measure of shatter resistance - it may help hold broken glass together after an impact - but it does not stop a projectile, and it does not constitute a compliant ballistic system. If your facility requires documented UL 752 protection, or if you are specifying for a project that will be inspected or insured based on a ballistic rating, film is not a substitute. A rated glazing material installed in a rated frame is the only way to achieve a certified protection level.

Question 6

What glazing types are compatible with hollow metal and stainless steel bullet resistant frames?

Accepted Answer

Our hollow metal and stainless steel frames are compatible with four primary glazing types: Glass/Polycarbonate Composite, Glass-clad Polycarbonate, Multi-ply Polycarbonate, and Acrylic Polycarbonate Composite. Each has different characteristics in terms of optical clarity, scratch resistance, weight, and cost. Glass-clad polycarbonate, for example, offers a hard exterior glass surface that resists scratching and weathering while the polycarbonate interior layer absorbs ballistic energy. Multi-ply polycarbonate is lighter and can be easier to work with in certain frame configurations. The right glazing type depends on your protection level, your environment, and your budget. We will walk you through the options and recommend what makes sense for your specific application.

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