Where Is EN 356 Glass Typically Used?

Discover where EN 356 glass is commonly specified and why certified security glazing is used to protect people, property and high-value assets.

EN 356 glass is typically used in buildings where glazing needs to provide resistance against impact, vandalism, forced entry or manual attack.
As a certified security glazing standard, EN 356 gives architects, contractors and security consultants a clear way to specify glass based on tested performance.

EN 356 rated glass is commonly associated with anti-bandit glass, anti-vandal glass and laminated security glass.
It is often specified where windows, doors, screens or glazed partitions form part of the building’s first line of defence.

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.

Retail and Commercial Buildings

One of the most common applications for EN 356 glass is in retail and commercial buildings.
Shopfronts, entrance glazing and display windows are often vulnerable to vandalism and smash-and-grab attempts.

EN 356 rated glazing helps delay access by resisting impact and preventing the glass from immediately shattering into an open void.
This makes it particularly useful for high-value retail environments, jewellery stores, showrooms and commercial premises.

Security Doors and Glazed Screens

EN 356 glass is frequently used in security doors, internal screens and glazed partitions.
These systems allow visibility and natural light while still providing a certified level of resistance against impact or attack.

For security doors and screens, the performance of the full system is important.
The glass, frame, fixings and installation method all need to be appropriate for the required EN 356 rating.

Custodial and Secure Institutional Environments

EN 356 glass is also specified in prisons, police custody suites and secure institutional environments, where glazing may need to resist sustained damage or manual attack.

In these settings, security glass can help protect staff, occupants and property while maintaining visibility between controlled spaces.
Higher EN 356 classifications may be required where the risk of deliberate attack is greater.

Mental Health and Healthcare Facilities

In mental health and healthcare environments, security glazing may be required to support safety, containment and impact resistance.
EN 356 glass can help reduce the risk of breakage while maintaining a clear, secure barrier.

The correct specification can help protect vulnerable occupants, staff and visitors while supporting the operational requirements of the facility.

High Security Facilities

EN 356 glass is often used in higher-risk environments where glazing must provide a tested level of resistance to manual attack.
These may include:

• Government buildings
• Financial institutions
• Data centres and secure facilities
• Research and laboratory environments
• Critical infrastructure sites
• Buildings protecting high-value assets

Choosing the Right EN 356 Rating for the Application

Different applications require different EN 356 ratings.
Lower classifications such as P1A to P5A are generally used for impact resistance and vandal protection, while higher classifications such as P6B to P8B are used where sustained manual attack is a credible risk.

• P1A to P5A – commonly used for impact resistance, vandal protection and exposed glazing areas
• P6B to P8B – used for higher-security applications requiring axe attack resistance

The correct rating should be selected based on the building’s risk profile, the value of assets being protected and any insurance or regulatory requirements.

Secure Glass can be:

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 EN 356 glass rating is selected for each project.

Whether your project involves retail security, custodial environments, healthcare settings or high-security facilities, Tecdur can help specify the right tested glass system.