Understand the difference between impact resistant glass and security glass, including how each works, where they are used and when certified glazing is required.
Impact resistant glass and security glass are closely related, but they are not always the same thing.
Impact resistant glass is designed to withstand force from impact, while security glass is a broader category of protective glazing designed to resist threats such as forced entry, manual attack, ballistic impact, blast or fire.
In many projects, impact resistant glass forms part of a security glass specification.
However, not every impact resistant glass product will provide the same level of security performance, which is why tested standards and correct specification are important.
As experienced security glass manufacturers in the UK, Tecdur designs and manufactures Tecdur Secure Glass —
a high-performance laminated glass range engineered to withstand severe levels of manual attack and certified to recognised standards including EN 356 and LPS 1270.
What Is Impact Resistant Glass?
Impact resistant glass is glazing designed to resist damage when struck.
It is typically manufactured using a laminated construction, where layers of glass are bonded together with specialist interlayers.
When impact resistant glass is hit, the glass may crack, but the interlayers help hold the broken fragments together.
This helps the panel remain in place and continue acting as a barrier rather than immediately falling away.
Impact resistant glass may be used to protect against:
- Thrown objects
- Accidental impact
- Vandalism
- Opportunistic breakage
- Some forms of attempted forced entry
What Is Security Glass?
Security glass is a wider term used to describe glazing designed to protect people, property and assets from specific threats.
It can include impact resistant glass, but it may also provide additional certified performance depending on the project requirements.
Security glass can include:
- EN 356 anti-bandit glass
- LPS 1270 security glazing
- Forced entry resistant glass
- Ballistic resistant glass to EN 1063
- Blast resistant glass
- Fire resistant security glass
- Acoustic or privacy-enhanced security glazing
The Main Difference Between Impact Resistant Glass and Security Glass
The main difference is scope.
Impact resistant glass focuses on resistance to impact, while security glass is designed around a wider threat profile and may be tested against more demanding attack methods.
- Impact resistant glass helps resist damage from impact and can keep glazing intact after breakage.
- Security glass may include impact resistance plus protection against forced entry, manual attack, ballistic threats, blast or fire.
- Impact resistant glass may be suitable for vandal resistance and exposed glazing areas.
- Security glass is typically specified where the glass forms part of a wider protective system.
Where EN 356 Fits In
EN 356 is one of the key standards used to classify impact and manual attack resistance in security glazing.
Ratings from P1A to P5A are tested using steel ball drops, while ratings from P6B to P8B are tested using repeated axe strikes.
- P1A to P5A – impact resistance and anti-vandal performance
- P6B to P8B – higher-level resistance against sustained manual attack
This means EN 356 rated glass can sit between both categories.
It is impact resistant because it is tested against impact, but it can also be classed as security glass when specified to protect against manual attack or forced entry.
When Is Impact Resistant Glass Enough?
Impact resistant glass may be suitable when the main concern is accidental impact, vandalism, exposed glazing or lower-risk damage.
It can be a strong choice for public-facing areas where standard glass does not provide enough protection.
Examples include schools, public buildings, commercial entrances, internal screens, shopfronts and reception areas where the risk is primarily impact or opportunistic damage.
When Is Security Glass Needed?
Security glass is usually needed when the glazing must resist a more serious or specific threat.
This may include forced entry, sustained manual attack, ballistic risk, blast risk, secure containment or protection of high-value assets.
Security glass is often specified for high value retail, secure doors, custodial environments, mental health facilities, VIP protection, police custody suites and high security facilities.
Why the Full Glazing System Matters
Whether specifying impact resistant glass or security glass, the glass must be considered as part of a complete system.
The frame, fixings, glass size and installation method all influence the final performance.
A high-performance glass panel will only deliver its intended protection when installed into a suitable glazing system.
This is why project-specific advice is important when selecting the correct specification.
Secure Glass can be:
Enhanced Security
Impact Resistant
Bullet Resistant
Blast Resistant
Fire Resistant
Acoustic
Why Choose Tecdur?
With over 15 years of industry experience and extensive in-house manufacturing capability, Tecdur provides certified, high-performance security glazing designed to protect people and property.
Our team works closely with architects, contractors and specifiers to ensure the correct impact resistant glass or wider security glass system is selected for each project.
Whether your project requires impact resistance, EN 356 rated glazing, LPS 1270 security glass, ballistic resistance or a multi-performance protective glass system, Tecdur can help specify the right tested solution.