Explore the different types of impact resistant glass available, including laminated safety glass, EN 356 rated glass and enhanced security glazing systems.
Impact resistant glass is available in a range of types depending on the level of protection required.
Some products are designed for general safety and accidental impact, while others are tested to recognised security standards for vandal resistance, forced entry resistance or sustained manual attack.
The right type of impact resistant glass depends on the building, threat level, glazing location, frame system and any additional performance requirements.
For higher-risk projects, it is important to specify glass based on certified performance rather than thickness alone.
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.
Laminated Impact Resistant Glass
Laminated glass is one of the most common forms of impact resistant glass.
It is made by bonding two or more layers of glass together with specialist interlayers.
When the glass is struck, it may crack, but the interlayer helps hold the broken glass fragments together.
This reduces the risk of the glass falling away immediately and helps the panel continue acting as a barrier.
Laminated impact resistant glass may be used for general safety, vandal resistance, exposed glazing areas and lower-risk security applications.
EN 356 Rated Impact Resistant Glass
EN 356 rated glass is tested for resistance to manual attack.
This standard is commonly used for anti-bandit glass, anti-vandal glass and security glazing applications.
EN 356 classifications range from P1A to P8B, with different test methods used depending on the required level of resistance.
- P1A to P5A – impact resistance tested by steel ball drop
- P6B to P8B – higher manual attack resistance tested by repeated axe strikes
Anti-Vandal Glass
Anti-vandal glass is designed to resist damage from thrown objects, repeated impact and deliberate attempts to break glazing.
It is often used in public-facing or exposed areas where standard glass may be vulnerable.
This type of impact resistant glass is commonly specified for shopfronts, schools, public buildings, commercial entrances and transport environments.
Depending on the required performance, anti-vandal glass may be specified to EN 356 P1A to P5A ratings.
Anti-Bandit Glass
Anti-bandit glass is impact resistant security glazing designed to delay forced entry and protect people, property or high-value assets.
It is usually laminated and may be tested to EN 356 classifications.
Anti-bandit glass is commonly used in retail premises, commercial buildings, secure entrances, reception areas and locations where glazing forms part of the first line of defence.
Forced Entry Resistant Glass
Forced entry resistant glass provides a higher level of protection against deliberate manual attack.
This may include EN 356 P6B to P8B ratings or LPS 1270 tested glazing, depending on the project requirements.
It is typically used where the glass must resist sustained attack rather than only occasional impact or vandalism.
- High value retail environments
- Security doors and glazed screens
- Custodial and secure institutional settings
- Mental health establishments
- High security facilities
- Buildings protecting valuable assets or sensitive areas
Multi-Performance Impact Resistant Glass
Some projects require impact resistant glass to deliver more than one type of protection.
Tecdur Secure Glass can be enhanced with additional performance features where required.
- Enhanced security performance
- Ballistic resistance to EN 1063
- Blast resistance
- Fire resistance
- Acoustic reduction
- Switchable privacy glass technology
How to Choose the Right Type of Impact Resistant Glass
The right type of impact resistant glass should be selected according to the real risk level of the building.
For lower-risk environments, laminated impact resistant glass may be suitable.
For higher-risk sites, certified EN 356 or LPS 1270 security glazing may be required.
It is also important to consider the full glazing system.
The glass, frame, fixings and installation method all need to work together to achieve the intended level of protection.
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 type of impact resistant glass is selected for each project.
Whether you require laminated impact resistant glass, EN 356 rated anti-bandit glass, LPS 1270 performance or a multi-performance protective glazing system, Tecdur can help specify the right tested solution.