Glass for your home

Glass and architecture

Glass is a key element of modern architecture. Whether standard flatglass, double- or triple-pane thermoglass or security glass, the windows and glass doors you choose give your home or building its unique signature. From burglar-resistant doors and windows to alarm technology, the range of security products to safeguard your home is almost endless. Choosing the right combination of security measures should begin with a thorough assessment of your home’s weak points, for example, glass entry points for intruders. Modern burglar-resistant glass can help in closing the security gaps.

Safety glass comes in many variants, each with its own advantages. For effective protection against forced-entry attempts, laminated polycarbonate glass offers many benefits. It comprises multiple layers with varying properties, bonded together by transparent adhesive film. This advanced combination of polycarbonate and tempered glass is called “glass-clad polycarbonate glazing.” It is available in different classes of protection, ranging from burglar-resistant to bulletproof – when attacked with heavy objects and tools or military-grade weapons.

This type of security glass guards you and your home safely without interfering with the beauty of your home, as it is completely transparent. Gone are the days when armored glass needed to be bulky and greenish. Today’s laminated polycarbonate glass lets in natural light and allows a clear and undistorted view of the outdoors. And because it is also lighter than traditional security glass, it is easier and less costly to install, including retrofitting in existing frames.

Glass lets in light and protects your home

It is advisable to consult with your local police and other security experts to determine which windows and glass doors are at risk. Forced-entry points that are accessible from ground level deserve special attention.

In addition to the glass panes themselves, frames are often weak points. A special mechanism termed “mushroom head lock” can close this security gap by preventing intruders from prying windows open with a crowbar or similar tool. The technology should be installed by specialized service providers. Similarly, burglar-proof glazing should be fitted by glazers with experience in this type of glass installation to ensure the panes are securely anchored.

You can also have your glass equipped with an alarm system, which is invisible. It does not interfere with the beauty of your windows, yet provides additional security in the form of an early warning in the event of a break-in attempt or a loud alarm that alerts neighbors and discourages potential intruders.

This type of security glazing guards – with or without the alarm function – while allowing natural light in and an undistorted view through the panes. It also effectively blocks the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which can damage carpets, furniture and artworks.

Surveillance systems and Smart Home solutions round off the security combination by providing real-time alerts of burglary attempts via your Smartphone – anytime, anywhere. You can even direct these alerts to your security service provider. Professionally installed security technology may also entitle you to better insurance conditions.

Glass that fits your lifestyle

Regardless of the security level you choose, one thing is certain: home security shouldn’t interfere with your lifestyle. Whether safety glass or full-fledged bulletproof certified against high-powered attacks, the systems should be unobtrusive and aesthetically appealing. That adds up to complete peace of mind without turning your home into a fortress.