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How Security Windows Are Made

As recently as the 19th century, glass windows were a luxury only allowed for the rich and famous. Antique glass windows in the 16th century were made by a unique process called the “crown glass” method. This involved blowing a bead of molten glass mixture until it formed a hollow globe. This globe was flattened while the glass was still hot, and spun until it became a large disc. These discs were then cut to fit into a window. In many cases, the glass was cut into diamond pieces, which were then fitted into a metal frame. The crown glass method resulted in the glass being of uneven thickness, since the glass in certain areas of the disc didn’t spread evenly as it cooled. This is the main reason why antique windows may feel rough or uneven when touched.

Today, glass windows are manufactured on a large scale, using a complicated process involving many ingredients, stabilizers and additives. For security windows, added features help to make these windows more “burglar proof” than regular windows. Here is a quick guide to help you understand how security windows are made.

Step 1 – The Glass Mixture

There are many ingredients involved in creating security windows. Each of these ingredient is essential in order to ensure proper production of the window.

Silica – This is the foundation for the glass mixture. It provides the glass with its form, as well being a strong base ingredient that interacts well with other additives.
Sodium Carbonate – Since Silica has a melting point of over 2300 degrees Celsius, sodium carbonate is added to reduce the melting point to 1500 degrees Celsius. This makes the manufacturing process much easier.
Lime - The main problem with adding sodium carbonate to lower the melting point of the glass, is that it also makes the glass water-soluble. Adding lime allows the glass to have better stability, and also helps to make it not water-soluble.
Magnesium Oxide – This is a stabilizing agent, which is also the ingredient that allows glass to be clear in color.
Aluminum Oxide – This ingredient helps to maintain chemical durability of the glass, and also helps with oxidization.

Step 2 – Mixture Preparation

Once the glass mixture is formed, it is then melted and mixed. When the mixture is ready, it then undergoes a refining process. This involves removing all of the tiny bubbles that have formed in the mixture.

Step 3 – Glass Pane Construction

Modern security glass windows are made by a process called the “float glass” method. The molten glass mixture is slowly poured over a pool of molten tin. Since the glass mixture is lighter than the molten metal, it floats on top. However, since molten tin is highly reactive with oxygen, this process is carried out in a controlled atmosphere of hydrogen and nitrogen.

An example of the layers in some types of security glass. (Source)

Step 4 – Security Glass Features

A simple glass window does not include extra security features. However, for security windows, the panes of glass are layered and fused with a special laminate mixture. The ingredients in this laminate mixture are very specific, and often change depending on the company that manufactures the security windows. There may be one layer of laminate on the window, or several layers “sandwiched” in between thin panes of glass. This makes the window much more difficult to break, preventing the window from being broken by a potential burglar. Some security windows also use a middle layer of a substance (such as polycarbonate) that further prevents the glass from shattering. Security glass can also protect your windows from being shattered by flying storm debris, which is useful if you live in an area that is prone to strong storm systems.

Security Film

You can increase the security of an existing window with security film. Security window film is usually sold as a stand-alone product that can be installed on regular windows. While it may not provide as much protection as purchasing a polycarbonate-reinforced security window, it can still be an inexpensive measure to help protect your windows. Some types of security film have added benefits, such as screening out UV radiation, or reducing the amount of heat produced by sunlight, which can cut energy costs in the summer months. You can install security film on your windows on your own, or have them installed by a professional.

Videos demonstrating how effective security windows and security film can be in protecting against burglars:

Security Film Demonstration on Global TV (Video will start at 2:58 into it)