Retrofit Polycarbonate Security Glazing System

DefenseLite is the ‘flexible’ and ‘vented’ overglaze security solution. A patented technology, DefenseLite is a ‘clear security shield’ that installs over existing window and door glazing creating a layer of protection designed to ‘keep the bad guys out’. DefenseLite shields are 250 times stronger than glass, nearly invisible once installed and a long-term forced-entry solution that works. Utilizing proprietary high-optic UV coated polycarbonate shields, patented vented extrusions, multi-layer thin films and tough structural adhesives and flexible security tipped anchors, DefenseLite is an engineered system that combines the best of materials science with an easy to retrofit installed solution.

Better quality components and superior mechanical and thermal engineering separates DefenseLite from less expensive competitor systems. DefenseLite is a patented ‘flexible’ and ‘vented’ overglaze system that provides for unmatched resilience under robust attack.  Our patent pending venting system protects customers from longer-term condensation and moisture related issues inherent in hermetically sealed, non-vented, field installed overglaze systems.  

In field conditions, it is not advisable to hermetically seal the air space between over-glazing and the prime window. Why? It won’t work.The only time ‘sealed airspaces’ work is in factory sealed, dehydrated insulating glass units. These ‘sealed IG units’ are built in controlled, factory conditions. To address this properly, DefenseLite overglaze systems utilize our patent pending ‘engineered ventilation’ behind the field installed overglaze.

This passive design is ’tuned’ for the local climate conditions and usage. The DefenseLite ‘engineered venting’ system basically dries out the air behind the overglaze on an ongoing, dynamic basis leading to a low likelihood of longer-term condensation or moisture issues. Less expensive, non-vented overglaze systems will experience moisture and condensation issues once the desiccant entombed in the framing system becomes saturated leading to an expensive fix for the building owner down the road.

Each DefenseLite system is engineered for the local climate and usage so that the airspace behind the overglaze is ventilated to the adjacent space that is predicted to be drier at the most critical times of the year. Then, a precisely calibrated array of passive vents, based upon the premise of Boyle’s Law, are deployed to make the magic happen, keeping your overglaze system condensation free for the long-term.

No. Field installed overglaze systems create a new airspace that requires airflow to mitigate condensation buildup in the newly created void. Without proper airflow, moisture will build up and create problems for the customer in many climate zones over time. ‘Desiccant only’ moisture control systems will eventually fail to control the condensation once the desiccant is exhausted and overwhelmed leading to foggy, unattractive windows and doors that will be very expensive to fix down the road.

Each component in a DefenseLite system is designed to ‘flex’ under significant force from robust attack. As the DefenseLite system ‘flexes’ while absorbing impact, energy is dissipated evenly throughout the overglaze providing for increased performance over competitor’s less expensive, rigid and fixed designs. DefenseLite overglazing is like a Zen Master. It doesn’t attempt to ward off intruders like a brick wall. Instead, it flexes and absorbs the impact, dissipating the forces harmlessly out to the edges of the panel. Without breaking, tearing or detachment.  Bad guys get frustrated with our flexible resistance and soon move on to a more vulnerable victim.

‘Pillowing’, or ‘bowing’ prevalent in some plastic glazing creates unsightly distortion and ‘fun house’ mirror effects. Pillowing occurs when thermal (solar heat) buildup creates a condition where the plastic glazing expands, or ‘pillows out’ due to increased barometric air pressure and thermal expansion. The patent pending “Moore” venting system engineered into DefenseLite allows for dynamic airflow from the newly created airspace to an open space alleviating the increased air pressure caused by solar heat gain. The DefenseLite overglaze is flexible and super strong. Like all polycarbonate, the sheet tends to grow when it gets warmer.  When plastic over-glaze “pillows” within a fixed rigid frame, it is because it is trying to grow – but it can’t – so it bulges out instead. DefenseLite’s engineered ventilation keeps the panel ‘cooler’ so it grows less, eliminates the pressure and allows the panel to float at all edges. Result: No unsightly bulge!

Impact Security has a special relationship and a unique specification for its polycarbonate sheets used to make the DefenseLite shields.  Manufactured in the US by the leading manufacturer of plastic substates in the world, Plaskolite, DefenseLite’s proprietary polycarbonate specification guarantees our customers enjoy the most optically clear, black spec- free, low-distortion, UV capped sheets available anywhere in the world.

DefenseLite polycarbonate sheets are “UV capped” and warranted against yellowing for a minimum of 7 years. Many DefenseLite systems incorporate a secondary layer of UV protection with the application of a thin film laminate primarily designed for sacrificial surface protection.

DefenseLite offers the largest single sheet high optic UV coated polycarbonate in the world.  Made to our exacting and unique Plaskolite specification for optical clarity and durability, our single sheets can be as large as 156” x 96” and perfect for oversized windows found in urban retail centers and showrooms across the US.

DefenseLite is installed over your existing window and door glazing by certified dealer/installers. Mounted and anchored onto the exterior or interior of your existing glazing, DefenseLite affixes to your window or door frames creating an airspace between the primary glass and the DefenseLite clear shield. A weather sealed and vented system that mitigates any ‘pillowing’ or condensation buildup, DefenseLite is custom made for every opening and designed to blend into the existing framing for a clean, finished look.  DefenseLite is nearly invisible upon a completed installation, has no moving parts or long-term serviceable items.

DefenseLite can reduce street noise by up to 40% and improve energy efficiency of existing glass by over 50%. DefenseLite will defeat most attacks while protecting the primary glass from breaking. DefenseLite incorporates a proprietary sacrificial film coating on its surface that defeats graffiti tagging while protecting the shield from damage.

DefenseLite is available for installation anywhere in the US and can be purchased by calling 1-888-689-5502. Our process includes helping you define your threat level and the appropriate DefenseLite solution that does the job while fitting your budget. We provide free onsite assessments and demonstrations of the performance of DefenseLite when needed. Go here to locate a certified dealer.

DefenseLite warranties range from a minimum of 2 years up to 15 years depending on the system installed. Custom warranties and service agreements are available.

Professionally installed DefenseLite and​ BulletShield costs depend on existing glazing conditions, performance requirements, system design and overall project scope.

DefenseLite is a unique, robust forced entry solution. Clear and unobtrusive in appearance like security window films, DefenseLite performs better that roll down grills and gates if attacked by a criminal. DefenseLite does not break under attack like expensive laminated glass and can be easily replaced if ever damaged after severe attack.

Yes, DefenseLite has a program designed specifically for NSSF members. Like you, we aim to keep stolen firearms off the streets and have discounted our installed systems for NSSF members to protect as many retail stores as possible.

Yes. Many businesses are under relentless assault from smash and grab criminals. DefenseLite has special pricing, warranty programs and service agreements for effected industry groups. Our aim is to promote the adoption of our proven solutions within the building security and  LP/AP communities  while stopping violent crime against property.

Security glass is a generalized term that refers to a number of glazing products that are reinforced to delay or prevent intrusion, or ballistic attack. Generally, when someone says “security glass”, they most likely are referring to a strengthened glass like tempered, laminated glass or a glass alternative such as polycarbonate security panels. However, security glass is not the same as safety glass, which is glass that is made to break safely without dangerous shards as standard glass does.

While the main purpose security glass serves is preventing forced entry, theft, and vandalism, it is also designed to hold up in bomb blasts and severe weather incidents. In these cases, security glass won’t break into jagged pieces like regular glass would, keeping those nearby safe.

The purpose of security glass is to delay or prevent forced entry, so it is very difficult to break. However, no security glass solution is completely infallible. Just like there really is no “bulletproof” glass, only bullet-resistant, there is no “shatterproof” glass either. However, laminated and tempered (or toughened) glass is more difficult to break and are designed with safety in mind–safety, not security.

All security glass solutions can be broken if numerous, repeated attempts are made, particularly with firearms. However, most criminals are opportunists looking for easy entry and once they are slowed by a security glass solution, they will typically leave the scene. Furthermore, it is possible to break bulletproof glass with a higher caliber bullet if the UL rating of the glazing is too low.

There are a number of security glass solutions in the market, but to answer this question we will focus on two of the main glass security products: laminated glass and polycarbonate security shields.

Laminated Glass
This security glass solution is created by bonding together two layers of glass sheets with a plastic interlayer. This plastic film between the layers holds the glass together when it is struck with objects like sledgehammers, preventing criminals from gaining entry. Upon impact, the glass will break, but will not vacate the opening–unlike tempered glass that will fragment and leave the opening completely vulnerable to intruders.

Security Shields
Security shields like DefenseLite are made of polycarbonate which is an architectural plastic that is 250 times stronger than glass. These security shields are a retrofit solution that is applied over the existing glass to prevent intrusion. Polycarbonate is much stronger than laminated glass and can hold up to much more aggressive attacks, also making it shatter-resistant.

This is a difficult question to answer since there are quite a few security window glass solutions available with varying levels of defense and the overall price is really dependent on your square footage.

However, replacing your existing glass with a product like laminated glass is going to be one of the most expensive solutions versus a retrofit installation. Professionally installed DefenseLite retrofit security glazing systems install for $45 to $90 per square foot depending on system design and overall project scope.

If you’re looking for a quicker and more budget-friendly solution than full glass replacements or security shield installations, security window films might be a good choice for you.

DefenseLite, which is made up of polycarbonate panels installed over existing glass, is designed to ‘flex’ under force. As the system ‘flexes’ while absorbing impact, energy is dissipated evenly throughout the overglaze providing for increased performance over competitors’ less expensive, rigid, and fixed designs.

DefenseLite flexes and absorbs the impact, dissipating the forces harmlessly out to the edges of the panel without breaking, tearing, or detaching. In most cases, the primary standard window doesn’t break and the criminal flees the scene.

The strongest glass for windows, it turns out, isn’t glass at all! It’s polycarbonate. While polycarbonate security shields are often referred to as “security glass” or “safety glass”, they’re actually made up of a very thick plastic which, unlike glass, flexes under impact to deflect energy away.

The most unbreakable “glass” is DefenseLite polycarbonate shields. While these panels aren’t glass, they do carry many of the same properties with a number of added benefits. They are clear, so they don’t alter your view out of your windows, but they are 250 times stronger than glass. They also provide additional UV protection, noise reduction, and temperature stability.

Better quality components and superior mechanical and thermal engineering separates DefenseLite from less expensive competitor systems. DefenseLite is a patented ‘flexible’ and ‘vented’ overglaze system that provides for unmatched resilience under robust attack.