High-Performance Glass - Security Top Tips

When homeowners look to optimise their home security many often overlook the high-performance glass option. Think again. Choosing toughened glass can genuinely prevent casual break-ins and become the stuff of nightmares for burglar’s and a reassurance for you as a homeowner. Read on to learn more.

Enhancing Home Security with High-Performance Glass Options

Photo by Noah Wilke

Wanna make your home a burglar’s worst nightmare?

Sure, most of you think a good alarm will deter intruders. But did you know…

34% of burglars enter homes through the front door. And what part of the front door is often the weakest link?

THE GLASS

The Problem

Standard window glass is a major security flaw in most homes. It breaks easily, makes a mess, but most importantly – it gives criminals easy access into your home.

Why not use glass that is so hard and strong that a burglar would need powerful tools and a lot of time to get through it?

That’s where high-performance glass and glazing services come in. When you hire a skilled professional like a Melbourne artisan glazier, you’re not just upgrading your windows – you’re creating a home defense system that actually works.

What You’ll Learn

Why standard glass is a joke when it comes to security
High-performance glass types that actually work
Smart glass security features
Professional installation that matters

Why Standard Glass Fails You

Let’s be blunt about this…

Regular window glass is a joke when it comes to keeping burglars out. A quick hit with a rock, hammer or strong elbow is all it takes to shatter the glass.

The problem is even worse than you think:

Standard glass is made to break and fall out of the frame in huge, jagged pieces. This instantly creates an opening for burglars to reach in and unlock your door or window.

Did you know…

37.5% of burglars didn’t even force entry into the homes they burgled in 2023? These criminals just walked in through unlocked doors or windows.
How can you possibly feel safe when 3 in 10 criminals don’t even need to break glass or damage your door to get in?

Think about it. If burglars can stroll right in without breaking glass, what’s stopping them from trying to break your glass and walk in?

Standard glass also doesn’t protect against weather, accidents, UV rays, or noise from outside.

Stop settling for standard glass. It’s time for an upgrade to high-performance glass.

High-Performance Glass Types That Actually Work

Not all glass is created equal. Some can actually stop a burglar in their tracks.

Let’s look at the best types:

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is the ultimate security high-performance glass.

Laminated glass is made up of two or more sheets of glass with a tough plastic layer in between. When someone smashes the glass, it will crack and break but the shattered pieces will stick to the plastic layer.

The result:

Burglars can’t easily break through laminated glass. Even if they smash the glass, they still can’t reach through. They’d have to keep hitting the same spot over and over again to try to break through. This would take a long time and make a lot of noise.

Smart burglars know this. They’ll just move on to an easier target.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is up to 4 times stronger than regular glass and so counts as high-performance. The way it’s made causes that increased strength.

Tempered glass is heated to super high temperatures then cooled very rapidly. This makes the glass way harder to break initially.

The benefits:

Tempered glass is much harder to break through. Even if a burglar does break it, it crumbles into small, dull pieces that won’t cut people. Tempered glass is great for areas where safety is a priority.

But there’s a downside:

If tempered glass breaks, there’s nothing left of the glass barrier. It’s gone. No thick plastic layer like with laminated glass.

Security Glass

This is an advanced version of laminated glass, and so counts as extremely high-performance glass.

Top quality security glass is 100 times stiffer and 5 times stronger than standard glass. The highest quality security glass even stops bullets.

You can stop right there. Most of you don’t need bulletproof windows. There are options that offer mid-range security that are all you’ll need to stop burglars, flying debris and extreme weather.

Smart Glass Security Features

living room with large tv and home furniture easily visible through large windows — Most of us love large windows and glass doors for the light. But they are more secure if we use high-performance glass

Photo by Curtis Adams

You can also take things to the next level with smart glass:

Privacy Glass

Privacy glass goes from clear to opaque at the flip of a switch, and so also counts as high-performance glass.

This is useful for security because burglars scope out homes before they strike. They want to know what valuables you have inside and learn your daily routines.

Privacy glass can block their view instantly. No more worrying about people outside seeing your big TV, gaming computer, expensive electronics and other tempting gadgets or targets.

Tinted & Coated Glass

Tinted and coated glass looks great but also offers UV protection, better heat control, glare reduction and one-way visibility. You can see out but others can’t see in.

These high-performance glass options are pretty neat, right?

Professional Installation That Matters

Here’s a big mistake most people make:

They buy the high-performance glass and think that’s all it takes. But if the glass is not installed correctly, you’ve basically just wasted your money.

Quality glass and glazing services are not just about the glass itself. The installation process is just as important.

Frame Reinforcement

It is always worth remembering that the high-performance glass is only as strong as what’s holding it in place. If you install security glass in a cheap weak frame, burglars will just smash the frame instead.

Professional installers will upgrade to stronger frame materials, use heavy-duty screws that go deep into the wall studs, add reinforcement plates in strategic areas and seal everything properly to avoid water damage.

Don’t underestimate the power of a solid frame.

Proper Hardware

Here’s the elephant in the room:

Locks. Even the toughest security glass is useless if your door or window hardware is junk.

Professional installers will often suggest multi-point locking systems, deadbolts for glass doors, security bars for sliding glass doors and reinforced strike plates.

Glass That Lives Up To The Hype

Look, here’s the truth upfront.

High-performance glass is expensive. Really expensive.

But let’s ask you this:

What’s the cost of a burglary? On average burglaries cost homeowners thousands of dollars in stolen goods and property damage. Plus, you get the emotional stress and the hassle of dealing with insurance and repairs.

Quality glass and glazing services are an investment that will pay for itself. You get better security that works and actually deters criminals, lower energy bills due to better insulation, higher home value that buyers will pay more for, and peace of mind knowing your family is safe.

Oh, and most insurance companies give you a discount for security improvements. Call your insurance company and see if your glass upgrades qualify for a discount.

Glass Mistakes To Avoid

Don’t make these mistakes:

Mixing glass types willy-nilly. Different areas of your home have different needs. Don’t put the same security glass in your bathroom as your front door.

Relying on amateur installers. This is not a DIY project. One mistake and you’ve compromised your entire security system.

Going with the cheapest glass available. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Quality glass and glazing services cost more up front but they last longer and work better.

Putting Off Upgrades

Upgrade today. Don’t wait for a break-in to discover your glass isn’t protecting you.

Contact a quality glass and glazing services company and start planning upgrades.

Bringing It All Together

High-performance glass and glazing services isn’t just about stopping burglars anymore. It’s about creating a safer, more comfortable, energy efficient home that you and your family can actually enjoy.

Laminated glass for security, tempered glass for safety or smart glass for convenience are all great options. The key is to work with experienced professionals who know both the products and the installation process.

Your glass and glazing services are only as good as the people installing them. Take the time to find qualified experts who can recommend the right solutions for your needs and budget.

Upgrade your windows to high-performance glass today and sleep better knowing your home is safe.