Replacing Home Windows With Unbreakable Glass

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A small rock thrown from under a lawnmower, a tree branch torn off in a storm, or a baseball hit from the neighbor kids playing all can seem to hone in directly on a home window. Glass shatters easily, which also makes it a favorite way for burglars to access a home. Replacing standard glass with other options that do not shatter as readily can give you more peace of mind about the safety of your home.

Reasons for Replacement

«Unbreakable» glass is not really unbreakable, and it comes in two different types — one actually made from glass and the other a clear plastic. Both are available in standard window casings and may be installed in homes. Homeowners primarily interested in security may prefer to only have the windows replaced in more vulnerable areas, such as the first-floor level. Protection against storm damage requires the special glass windows to be installed along the side of the home where the winds typically blow.

Glass Sandwich

Protective glass made from actual glass has a clear plastic film sandwiched between two glass sheets. The film is tough, tear resistant, and stretches like rubber when stressed. A blow to it causes the glass on either side to shatter, but the film stays whole. This prevents rain or other water from entering during a storm. The technique goes back to the 1930s when celluloid was used in the sandwich. This type of glass meets the required building codes in hurricane zones. and is recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for public buildings in earthquake zones.

Plastic Windows

Polycarbonate windows are strong and lightweight. Their light transmission ability is superior to standard window glass. The sheets are cut into any size for windows, and are indistinguishable from a standard window. A double-paned polycarbonate window is effective at insulating a home. The force required to break a polycarbonate window depends upon the thickness and construction of the pane, but it is substantially greater than a normal glass window.

Working with the Contractor

After you have decided the type of protective glass in the new windows for your home it’s time to find a contractor. While many window installers offer this option, some feature it as a primary business. A contractor who specializes in these windows may be able to give you better advice. As with all contractors, seek written estimates from several companies, and always check their references and Better Business Bureau standing.

Welcome to Hammerglass AB!

Problems with broken glass, vandalism, break-ins? Hammerglass ® is a nano technology coated polycarbonate sheet, 300 times stronger than glass and virtually unbreakable. The surface treatment renders Hammerglass ® resistant to most chemicals. Detergents can be used to clean up graffiti, marker tags or other soiling, without the Hammerglass panels being damaged. The surface treatment also provides 99.96% UV protection, which means that the material will not cloud, discolour or undergo any other change in optical quality over time. Hammerglass ® does not contribute to the spreading of flames in the event of fire.

Infrastructure

HAMMERGLASS INFRASTRUCTURE>> comprises permanent unbreakable glazing solutions for the modern built environment. Both the low weight and the hard surface of Hammerglass makes it a popular choice not only for new projects but also for glass replacement. The estimated service life is more than 40 years.

Property

HAMMERGLASS PROPERTY>> offers a complete range of solutions for new build, re-glazing and add-on glazing with unbreakable glass panels. Hammerglass provides suitable protection in all environments where there is a risk of glass breakage, burglary or vandalism: Shops, shopping centres, public areas, local government property, schools, sports facilities, police stations, offices and industrial premises – and also in private houses and apartments.

Automotive

HAMMERGLASS AUTOMOTIVE>> offers a comprehensive range of unbreakable screens for all types of construction machinery, with the focus on a safer driver environment. Our solutions help to provide enhanced personal protection and a reduced risk of unscheduled stoppages which would entail unnecessary downtime costs. Hammerglass replacement screens are available for the most commonly occurring machines.

Making windows unbreakable.

I am going to be storing some expensive equipment in my detached garage and would like to install something over the windows (on the inside) to make them less likely to be broken into, without actually replacing the glass windows. I was thinking about getting a large sheet of plexiglass and somehow attaching it to the inside of the door. Any suggestions on what to use and how to go about installing it?

Edited to respond: Thank you all for the suggestions and ideas! I didn’t even think about using plywood. but that would probably work for what I need since there is light in there and I don’t want people to be able to see in, anyway. I’m not really concerned about real criminals who, I know, will get in no matter what. my concern was more the neighborhood kids who might want to do a smash and grab type of thing. And, yes, I am going to get the garage wired for an alarm system.

6 Answers

==== your added details are the best move to secure the out-garage — you might hot wire the door knob — and please remember to shut that off before you enter the garage unless you have kids and then that won’t work .

Unbreakable Window Glass

You can’t stop the windows from being broken. Plexiglas is easily smashed. Door can be kicked in.

You would have to replace door with steel door, using long screws to mount it.

Get a burglar alarm, so you can hear it in the house. Something with a loud ringer that will alert the neighbors.

Get chains and locks to secure your equipment to the garage structure and to other equuipment,, that will prevent snatch and grab. This is probably the best thing you can do.

Lexan is plastic used for bulletproof windows. Very expensive. Also, you will have to bolt into window frame with very long lag bolts,with an angle iron frame around it, or they will just push it in.

If you have neighbors you can trust, tell them to call police if they see vehicles there. If you[‘re not sure about your neighbors, don’t tell them anything.

Try to move the equipment at night, so no one will see you. Keep a low profile, and don’t tell anyone what you are doing.

Also, get insurance coverage for equipment value, if possible.

Finally, you could rent a storage locker, and get insurance. That’s the easiest.

How do you break unbreakable Glass?

I know I might seem stupid asking this, but I’ve tryed looking this up in a web search, but I can’t seem to find any answers.

I know its called «Unbreakale Glass» but it must break somehow.

Like the unbreakable comb, I broke on of those once.

And that bendy ruler. Those aren’t suppose to break, but I broke one of those too.

So is there any way to break unbreakable glass?

6 Answers

I think what it means by ‘unbreakable glass’ is that its virtually unbreakable. If you apply enough force to it, it will break.

*put it in a plastic bag (so theres not a huge mess) and then jump on it, throw it around, run it over with a car.

It will break eventually

I don’t think any solid object can be unbreakable. I’m guessing the definition is based on how the product is used. I saw something online about an unbreakable wine glass, and it said that the glasses were banged into a table and didn’t break. So I’m guessing they are unbreakable in normal use, where the glass won’t break from the typical accidents that can occur with a wine glass. I don’t think it would be unreasonable if the glass broke if you dropped a 1000 pound steel weight on it, or shot it with a gun, but these things don’t normally happen to wine glasses. If the glass was used for some other purpose, like a window, car windshield, protective glass at a bank, etc., the standards would probably be different based on what unfortunate situations you can expect to occur.

Sometimes unbreakable class is a bad thing. In college we used to break a lot of empty beer bottles for fun by throwing them against the floor. Once I tried this in our end hall lounge, and unfortunately the bottle didn’t break, bounced up, and went right through the window making a small hole in it. Luckily no one told on me, but that was the last time I did anything like that.

Is There Such a Thing as Unbreakable Glass?

A question we often receive at Glass Doctor® is, “Is there such a thing as unbreakable glass?” The answer is, “Yes!” Sort of.

We’re here to tell you that glass isn’t really unbreakable, but there are two popular window materials that are marketed as “unbreakable” that help keep your home and family safe from broken shards and break-ins.

If you currently have a broken glass door or shattered glass window affecting the safety of your home, don’t wait. Call 833-974-0209 for immediate assistance from your local Glass Doctor, or schedule an appointment online.

What Is Unbreakable Glass?

There are two types of windows marketed as «unbreakable» glass:

1. Laminated windows: A type of window manufactured with a thin piece of optically transparent plastic sandwiched between two thin sheets of normal glass.
2. Polycarbonate windows: A type of purely plastic “glass” window made of fused panels of thick, sturdy and flexible polycarbonate.

Both types of “unbreakable glass” are strong and much more durable and lightweight than normal glass windows. Additionally, both laminate and polycarbonate windows do a great job of insulating a home.

How Does “Unbreakable” Glass Keep My Home Safe?

Polycarbonate Unbreakable Glass

A polycarbonate window is much more difficult to break through than a standard glass window. In fact, according to some estimates a polycarbonate window is over 200 times more resistant to impact! Compared to standard glass windows, they offer superior protection against burglaries and weather-related disasters.

Laminated Unbreakable Glass

A laminated glass window works much the same as a polycarbonate window. When laminated glass is struck hard enough, the outer glass layers will crack and, in some instances, shatter, but the plastic polycarbonate film that is affixed in-between the panes will remain intact. This helps to keep your home safe, secure and insulated from the elements until a repair can be made.

“Unbreakable” glass products will not necessarily stop a burglar from entering a home or business, but they will help prevent entry.

Upgrade Your Existing Windows with Layers of Unbreakable Glass Polycarbonate!

Looking to increase the security of your existing windows? You can!

Several manufacturers now make polycarbonate products that can be adhered to existing glass windows. These sheets reinforce your existing standard windows and provide additional shatter-resistance.

Should I Have Unbreakable Glass Products Installed in My Home or Business?

The good news for home and business owners is that unbreakable glass windows – laminated glass and polycarbonate plastic products – increase the security of a residence or business and increase energy efficiency.

Unbreakable glass products are ideal for consumers looking to:

• Increase security
• Protect against injury from broken or shattered glass
• Increase energy efficiency
• Improve sound deadening

Both types of unbreakable glass are also ideal for homes and businesses in storm-prone regions.

Coastal homeowners subject to hurricane seasons and residents of the Midwest and south who experience tornadoes are fantastic candidates for unbreakable glass windows.

Glass Doctor professionally installs new unbreakable glass as well as upgrades to your existing windows.

Choose Glass Doctor to Replace or Upgrade Your Panes
Ready for unbreakable glass? Keep your home or business safe with unbreakable glass from Glass Doctor. Schedule an appointment or call the Glass Doctor team at 833-974-0209. Looking for more information about the best glass solution for you? Contact the Glass Doctor location nearest you for a free, in-home consultation.

Looking to further increase the security of your home? Consider installing exterior sensor lights. Learn about the benefits of outdoor sensor lights from our friends at Mr. Electric®. Like Glass Doctor, Mr. Electric is a trusted member of the Neighborly® community of home services brands.