What are the main differences between Laminated Glass and DefenseLite?

1. Laminated glass will shatter upon severe impact, while DefenseLite will not break or shatter.
Laminated glass is designed to hold together when broken, but it will still crack, spiderweb, and ultimately fail under aggressive impact. Once compromised, the window loses its structural integrity and must be replaced. DefenseLite, however, is engineered to flex rather than fracture. Its polycarbonate shield absorbs and disperses impact energy, preventing shattering altogether. This makes DefenseLite far more reliable during forced-entry attempts. Check out our YouTube channel for great demonstration videos comparing the two.

2. Laminated glass will need to be replaced after an attack… not DefenseLite.
After a forced-entry attempt, laminated glass becomes unusable and requires full replacement, which can be expensive and time-consuming. DefenseLite remains intact even after repeated blows, and if a shield is ever damaged, only the polycarbonate layer can be replaced—leaving the original glazing untouched.

3. Laminated and tempered glass are heavy and not suitable for many glazing frames… DefenseLite is invisible, light, and mounts easily using a custom aluminum extrusion. Because laminated and tempered units are significantly heavier, many existing frames cannot support them. DefenseLite avoids this issue entirely. It is lightweight, virtually invisible when installed, and designed to create a stand-off from the primary glass for superior protection.

4. Laminated glass lead times can vary from five days to two weeks or more… not DefenseLite.
Replacement laminated glass often requires tempering and custom fabrication, leading to long delays. Since DefenseLite is a retrofit system, there are no long lead times or project interruptions.

5. DefenseLite can be installed faster than security windows, roll-down grills, and gates.
The installation process is streamlined and does not require structural modifications or heavy equipment, making it a far more efficient upgrade.

6. DefenseLite addresses smash-and-grab attacks, the most common forced-entry method.
Smash-and-grab intruders target weak glass areas. DefenseLite’s flexible, impact-resistant design prevents penetration and forces criminals to abandon the attempt.

7. DefenseLite uses proprietary high-optic UV-coated polycarbonate shields, multi-layer thin films, anchors, and structural adhesives, making it ideal for retrofit installations. These engineered materials ensure long-term durability, superior clarity, and high-performance security that far surpasses laminated glass.

Learn more about DefenseLite products.