What Is Security Glass?
A clear guide to what security glass is, how it is tested, and how to specify the right performance level for your site.
Security glass is a high-performance glazing solution engineered to resist forced entry, deliberate attack and heavy impact.
Unlike standard annealed or toughened glass, security glazing is designed to stay intact when struck, reducing the likelihood of an immediate opening being created.
This can buy crucial time, deter intruders and protect people, assets and property.
Tecdur Secure Glass is a range of enhanced security glass engineered to withstand severe levels of manual attack.
As experienced security glass manufacturers in the UK, Tecdur designs and manufactures laminated secure glazing to recognised standards, helping you specify the correct level of protection for the risk profile of your building.
How Does Security Glass Work?
Most security glass is a laminated system, meaning multiple layers of glass are bonded together with specialist interlayers.
These interlayers hold fragments in place if the glass is damaged and help absorb and disperse the energy from impact.
In practical terms, even if the glass cracks, it continues to act as a physical barrier.
The key difference between security glass and standard glass is what happens after impact.
Standard glass may shatter and create an opening quickly. Security glass is designed to remain in the frame, resisting repeated blows long enough to deter attack or allow a response.
Why Use Security Glass?
Security glazing is often the first line of defence for locations that require protection against theft, intrusion, escape or self-harm.
It is used to protect high value goods and property, support secure containment in controlled settings, and strengthen vulnerable access points such as doors, windows, screens and counters.
A properly specified system does more than just resist attack. It can also support modern design requirements by integrating additional performance characteristics such as acoustic reduction, privacy, fire resistance or even ballistic protection where required.
Security Glass Testing and Certification
When specifying security glass, certification matters. Standards ensure the performance is measured consistently and allows designers, contractors and end users to compare solutions based on proven resistance levels.
Tecdur Secure Glass has been rigorously tested and certified to EN 356 and LPS 1270.
EN 356 (Anti-Bandit Glass)
EN 356 classifies glass based on resistance to attack. Lower levels (P1A to P5A) are tested using steel ball drops.
Higher levels (P6B to P8B) require the glass to withstand multiple strikes from an axe before an aperture can be created.
- P1A to P5A: steel ball drop testing (anti-bandit glass)
- P6B to P8B: repeated axe strikes to form an opening
LPS 1270 (Loss Prevention Certification Board)
LPS 1270 was created following consultation with Police and insurers to simulate a more realistic manual attack using a series of tools over defined time periods.
Ratings range from SR1 to SR6, helping specifiers align the glazing resistance with the level of threat.
Secure Glass can be:
Enhance Security
Impact Resistant
Bullet Resistant
Blast Resistant
Fire Resistant
Acoustic
Common Applications for Security Glass
Security glass is specified across a wide range of sectors where protection is essential. Tecdur Secure Glass is commonly used in:
- High value retail and commercial premises
- VIP and executive protection
- Prisons and police custody suites
- Mental health establishments
- High security facilities
- Security doors and specialist glazing systems
Can Security Glass Provide Additional Performance?
Yes. Many projects require more than manual attack resistance. Tecdur Secure Glass can be enhanced to support additional performance requirements, helping you meet modern design goals without compromising protection.
- Ballistic resistance (EN 1063)
- Fire resistance (Exova, CertiFire)
- Blast resistance
- Acoustic performance
- Switchable privacy glass technology
Why Choose Tecdur?
With over 15 years of industry experience and extensive in-house manufacturing capability, Tecdur is recognised for performance and technical know-how.
As dedicated security glass manufacturers in the UK, we help you specify the appropriate security glazing to EN 356 or LPS 1270 and deliver consistently high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
Request Project Support
The best way to specify security glass is to match certification level and performance enhancements to the real risks of the site.
Tecdur can advise on EN 356 and LPS 1270 ratings, glazing build-ups and practical specification details to help you achieve the right balance of protection, aesthetics and budget.