With reported burglary on the increase in the West Midlands, up by 10% in the last 12 months alone (Source: Birmingham Mail), few people are aware of the options available to them not only from the frame and installation, but also with glass options.
In our experience, it always used to be the case that burglars would attempt to break through Windows and Doors by jemmying the frame, or to try and force their way through locking systems. Our locking systems in our re-infoirced UPVC frames are virtually impregnable and it’s extremely rare for a burglar to gain access in this way.
Nowadays, some burglars have realised that locking systems are very good at keeping them out, so they have switched their efforts to breaking the glass instead. This method of break in, has gained popularity because although it is high-risk for the burglar (it’s obviously a noisy way for entry which can attract attention) it is by far the fastest way to gain access.
How can Shield Protection help?
“In controlled tests it took 18 times longer to gain access through a window with Shield Protection Glass against standard toughened safety glass”.
Test Results:
Standard A Rated sealed unit – 8 Seconds to gain full access using a hammer.
Toughened* A Rated sealed unit – 10 Seconds to gain full access using a hammer.
Shield Protection A rated sealed unit – 144 Seconds to gain full access using a hammer (and then Sledge Hammer).
Full videos of these are available to view on Finesse Windows YouTube Channel.
*It is crucial to understand that the industry standard terminology “toughened safety glass” does not mean that the glass is secure in any way. Toughened glass is not capable of preventing a smash attack by a burglar. The phrase “toughened safety glass” refers to the process that this particular type of glass has gone through in order to give it it’s safety features – i.e. a piece of “toughened glass” has been heat treated to change it’s properties and will shatter into thousands of small harmless pieces when broken.