Architects and building designers have begun to design or retrofit buildings to ensure their entrances are both welcoming and secure. Whilst there are many differing opinions on gun control, better protection for civilians is an idea accepted by all.

Government and commercial properties are calling for ballistic protection within their designs for security purposes. This article will outline some of the best materials to use for ballistic resistance.

The Ballistic Resistance of Steel

Steel has extremely good ballistic resistance, even at a few millimeters thick. Steel deforms under stress from a bullet’s energy and stops rounds from reaching civilians. However, whilst there is no doubt about the strength of steel, it is extremely heavy and Is prone to rust.

Ceramic Ballistic Resistance

Ceramic is extremely hard, far harder than the metal that is used to make bullets. Ceramics such as boron carbide, silicon carbide, titanium boride, and others are often used to protect against ballistics as they absorb much more energy than metal.

However, ceramics are also extremely heavy, labor-intensive to install, and they crack easily, meaning they are less likely to withstand multiple bullets

Wood for Bulletproofing

Some varieties of wood are naturally difficult to indent. These same types of wood can also be treated using a chemical process transforming the wood to become stronger than steel. This treated wood is extremely effective at stopping bullets, however, the chemicals can be harmful to human health if not handled carefully.

The weight of this wood is also extremely heavy and requires high levels of manual labor to install.

The Best Option for Ballistic Resistance is Fiberglass

Each of the previously mentioned materials has its positives and negatives, however, fiberglass is the most effective of all. The high level of ballistic resistance that fiberglass possesses is due to its laminate structure. Ballistic grade fiberglass is weaved and treated with a resin and formed into shape.

Fiberglass disperses the force of projectiles, capturing and retaining them by a process of delamination.

Whilst fiberglass is as strong as wood and metal, it is much lighter, meaning it requires much less manpower to move it into position and install it. Unlike wood and metal, fiberglass does not rot  rust, meaning it is far more long-lasting than other types of ballistic-resistant materials. Moreover, fiberglass does not shatter like ceramic does, meaning it can capture and stop multiple projectiles at a.

Find Out More About the Ballistic Resistance of Fiberglass

Strongwell manufactures high strength, lightweight fiberglass that weighs significantly less than other ballistic resistant materials. To find out more about the benefits of using fiberglass for ballistic resistance applications, get in touch with the team at Strongwell today.