Bullet-Resistant Glass
Bird-Friendly
Thompson Innovative Glass manufactures several Bullet-Resistant (also sometimes called Bullet Proof) options under its Defender® line.
- UL Levels
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Bird-Friendly Bullet-Resistant Insulating Glass (IGU)
This IGU features a bird-friendly coating on the #1 surface to provide a powerful combination of safety, sustainability, and performance. This all-glass configuration—with no polycarbonate materials—offers superior ballistic protection through laminated glass layers, while also delivering excellent optical clarity and long-term durability. The insulating glass design enhances thermal performance and reduces sound transmission, contributing to energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Adding a bird-friendly coating to the #1 surface helps prevent bird collisions by making the glass visible to birds while remaining subtle to the human eye. This makes it an ideal solution for projects that require both security and environmental responsibility, such as schools, transit facilities, government buildings, and commercial architecture.
Make-Up Features
Glass
The glass layers provide structural integrity and rigidity of the unit. Glass causes the bullet to flatten upon impact and consequently reduces its velocity and disperses the kinetic energy over a broader area. The glass properties (thickness, annealed, heat-treated etc.) and number of layers varies by product. Available glass options vary by offering and include tints, reflective, bird-friendly, low-e, and low iron.
Polycarbonate
Thompson uses both high optical grade polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to bond multiple layers of glass and/or polycarbonate. The interlayers act as the “glue” that hold the various layers together. TPU is known for its adhesion, flexibility and ability to absorb impact energy, making it appropriate for use in bullet-resistant glass constructions.
Adhesive Interlayers
A bird-friendly coating on the #1 surface refers to a specially designed visual marker or pattern applied to the outermost surface of the glass—the side exposed to the environment. This coating is typically made with UV-reflective or ceramic-frit materials that are highly visible to birds but remain subtle or nearly invisible to humans. By breaking up the reflectivity and transparency that often confuse birds, this treatment significantly reduces the risk of bird collisions. Placing the pattern on the #1 surface ensures maximum effectiveness, as it's the first surface birds encounter during flight.
Ballistic Protection
The below chart refers to how much ballistic protection the Thompson Innovative Glass product provides, based on standardized testing. In the U.S., bullet-resistant glass is rated by UL 752 the standard for bullet-resistant materials set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
It defines testing methods and performance criteria for bullet-resistant glass, doors, panels, and other protective materials. and classified into a range of levels.
9mm Pistol 
9mm Full Metal Copper
.357 Magnum Pistol 
.357 Magnum Jacketed Lead Soft Point 
.44 Magnum Lead Semi-Wadcutter 
.30 Caliber Rifle 
.30 Caliber Lead Core Soft Point 
7.62 Rifle 
7.62mm Full Metal Copper Jacket Military Ball 
.357 Magnum Pistol 
.44 Magnum Lead Semi-Wadcutter 
7.62mm Full Metal Copper Jacket Military Ball Get Expert Guidance on Defender Glass
Check with the Thompson Innovative Glass team for more details and options from our Defender line to find the right one for you and your application.
Options
Tints
Available tints include a variety of grays, bronzes, blues, and greens. Contact Thompson Innovative Glass for more specific details and samples.
Reflective
Thompson Innovative Glass carries reflective glass with varying performance & reflectance. Contact us for more specific details and samples.
Bird-Friendly
Thompson Innovative Glass offers a full range of bird-friendly glass options.
Low-E
We have Low-emissivity glass with varying performance. We can find the right one for you. Contact us for more specific details and samples.
Low Iron
Thompson Innovative Glass offers “low iron” glass, which has reduced iron content for a lighter blue edge and higher light transmission. Contact us for more specific details and samples.
Applications-Security and Protection
Bullet-resistant and forced entry glass are critical components in protecting people and property across a wide range of high-risk environments. These specialized glazing solutions are trusted wherever enhanced security and peace of mind are essential, from public institutions to private facilities. Common applications include:
Corporate Offices
Modern offices benefit from glass that provides energy efficiency and acoustic comfort—along with optional forced-entry and ballistic resistance for high-security needs.
Schools
Security glazing enhances school safety by resisting forced entry and delaying intruders, providing critical response time without compromising light, visibility, or design.
Museums
Museums depend on specialty glass to protect exhibits and patrons from damage, while maintaining clarity, light control, and architectural beauty.
Retail Storefronts
These retail spaces utilize protective glass to deter crime and protect staff, particularly during overnight hours or high-traffic periods.
Places of Worship
Houses of worship often require protective glazing that balances aesthetics with security, helping safeguard congregants while maintaining natural light and architectural beauty.
Luxury Homes
High-end residences benefit from protective glass that offers discreet security, UV protection, and design flexibility for custom architectural features.
Maximum Size
Maximum size for Bird-Friendly
72″ x 130″
Your Guide to Bullet-Resistant Glass Options
Discover all bird-friendly glass options in our brochure.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bullet-Resistant Glass
What is bullet-resistant glass?
Bullet-resistant glass, also known as ballistic glass, is a type of reinforced glass designed to resist penetration from bullets. It typically consists of multiple layers of glass and polycarbonate materials, laminated together to absorb and disperse the impact of projectiles.
How does bullet-resistant glass work?
When a bullet strikes the glass, the outer layer absorbs the impact, while the inner layers dissipate the energy and prevent penetration. The polycarbonate layers add flexibility and strength, ensuring the glass remains intact even after repeated hits.
Is bullet-resistant glass completely bulletproof?
No material is entirely bulletproof. Bullet-resistant glass is designed to slow or stop specific calibers of bullets based on its rating. Over time or with repeated impacts, even high-rated glass may fail.
What are the levels of bullet-resistance?
Bullet-resistant glass is rated according to standards such as the UL 752 in the U.S. or EN 1063 in Europe. These levels indicate the glass's ability to withstand specific types of firearms and ammunition.
Where is bullet-resistant glass typically used?
- Banks and financial institutions
- Government buildings
- Schools and universities
- Retail stores (especially jewelry or high-value merchandise)
- Private vehicles and armored transport
- Security booths and checkpoints
Can bullet-resistant glass be installed in existing structures?
Yes, retrofitting is possible. Bullet-resistant glass can be customized and installed in existing frames, though structural modifications may be required for proper support.
Does bullet-resistant glass look different from standard glass?
Modern bullet-resistant glass is designed to look clear and similar to standard glass. Some thicker or higher-rated options may have a slight tint due to the layers of materials.
How thick is bullet-resistant glass?
Thickness depends on the level of protection, ranging from 0.25 inches (Level 1) to over 2 inches (Level 8). Higher levels of protection generally require thicker glass.
Can bullet-resistant glass be combined with other features?
Yes, bullet-resistant glass can include additional properties like:
- Energy efficiency with low-E coatings.
- Fire resistance for enhanced safety.
- Privacy options like tinting or one-way visibility.
And now via Thompson Innovative Glass- we offer Bird Friendly properties with Bullet Resistant Glass.
How much does bulletproof glass cost?
Bullet-resistant glass typically costs 100% to 400% more than standard commercial glazing.
Pricing varies based on:
- Threat level (UL 752 Level 1–8)
- Glass type (all-glass, laminated, or glass-clad polycarbonate)
- Size, thickness, and installation needs
While more expensive, it provides vital protection in schools, government buildings, banks, and other high-risk environments.
What is bulletproof glass made from?
Bullet-resistant glass is made from multiple layers of glass and plastic (polycarbonate or PVB interlayers). These layers absorb and slow down bullets, dispersing the energy and preventing penetration.
How is bulletproof glass made?
At our state-of-the-art facility in Jenison, MI, bullet-resistant glass is fabricated by:
- Tempering or heat-strengthening the outer glass for durability.
- Layering sheets of glass and plastic.
- Laminating them under heat and pressure in an autoclave.
- Precision bonding for optical clarity and resistance.
The result is a strong, transparent barrier that can stop bullets while still functioning as a window.
How thick is bulletproof glass?
The thickness varies by protection level:
- Level 1 (handguns): ~1-1/8" thick
- Level 3 (high-powered handguns): ~1-1/4" thick
- Level 8 (rifles): can exceed 2"+
We offer several options depending on the security need, including all-glass and hybrid glass-polycarbonate constructions.