Specialized industries need specialized security, and bulletproof door suppliers can provide you with the bullet proof doors that best meet your demands. Information about bullet resistant doors is widely available through reputable bulletproof door suppliers, but most people determine the right bullet resistant doors necessary based on the level of protection required.

Bullet resistant doors must meet certain levels of ballistic protection to be a bulletproof door. Ballistic protection level ratings depend on the size of the weapon and the number of rounds. For the ultimate protection, find bulletproof door distributors that provide bullet proof doors, anchors, frame and glazing, because it all works together to absorb the energy from the bullet. Determine the level of protection you need when you examine:

1. Bullet proof steel doors

2. Wood bullet resistant doors

3. Bullet resistant glazing

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Add extra levels of protection with a bullet proof steel door

Bullet proof steel doors provide the ultimate ballistic protection. The heavy-duty material makes it more difficult for bullets or other projectiles to penetrate the door, meaning your home or business remains secure.

I recommend: The bullet proof steel doors from Ambico look like standard hollow metal door, but it provides bullet resistant security because the door is steel and the frame is built to help absorb the energy of a bullet. Consider the protection levels available to determine what is right for you. United States Bullet Proofing details the protection levels for their bullet proof steel door. The “Details” section also lists configurations you may want on your bullet proof door and hardware you should consider.

Find ballistics protection using a bullet proof door made of wood

Wood bulletproof doors provide ballistics protection, but usually not at the same levels as a bullet proof steel door. However, these are great options for your business if you don't require top-notch security, but you still want a little extra protection.

I recommend: Armortex provides CAD drawings and specifications for bulletproof doors and frames to help you determine which level of protection is best for you. The bullet resistant door from Total Security Solutions protects against ballistics ranging from a 9 mm medium power through a .44 magnum superpower small arms handgun. Wood bullet resistant doors from Deansteel have a bullet resistant core and they undergo testing to ensure they meet the necessary protection standards.

Add bullet resistant glazing to your bullet proof door for added security

Bulletproof door distributors can add bullet resistant glazing to just about any door to add extra protection. Adding bullet resistant glazing to a bulletproof door helps add an even higher level of protection. You can also add bullet resistant glazing to a door with a glass insert to increase the level of ballistic protection in the glass.

I recommend: Protective Structures lists the different types of bullet resistant glazing and details the specific uses of each one. Download the GANA bulletin about ballistic test standards, certification programs and test reports when it comes to bullet resistant glazing.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you gather information about bullet resistant doors, you might also want to consider bullet resistant windows. Most bulletproof door suppliers provide both doors and windows, so you can get all of your products at once.

Bulletproof doors and associated products offer a proven protection solution for organizations concerned with personnel and customer safety. Bullet resistant materials have evolved into attractive, yet powerful deterrents to facility attacks and offer standards-based products that businesses can count on.

1. Know the standards for bullet resistant doors.

2. Verify top bulletproof door distributors have standards-based products.

3. Select bulletproof door suppliers that offer professional installation services.

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Obtain copies of U.S. and European bullet resistant door standards

Manufacturers, bulletproof door distributors and bulletproof door suppliers must be intimately familiar with the standards for bullet resistant equipment. Organizations concerned with customer and personnel safety have a wide variety of sources to choose from when selecting bulletproof doors. The best way for organizations to verify supplier compliance is to know the standards themselves.

I recommend: Purchase UL 752 bullet resistant material standards from Underwriters Laboratories. For organizations with facilities in Europe, visit Standards Direct to get a copy of BS EN 1522.

Target bulletproof door suppliers who meet the standards

Anyone can claim to make a bullet resistant door, but when lives are at stake you need assurance. Fortunately, you can easily verify UL and European standards compliance. Top bulletproof door distributors also have client lists, professional organization memberships and other important quality verification information available on request.

I recommend: Buy wood finish bullet resistant doors from Armortex, the original manufacturer of UL-listed Armortex bullet-resistant products. Request a quote for custom built bullet resistant doors from Krieger Specialty Products. Krieger doors are UL 752 certified at levels 1 through 8 and exceed the basic anti-terrorism standards for United States Central Command and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Purchase from bullet proof door providers who offer turn-key solutions

An effective bullet proof door system includes the door material, glazing, anchor and frame. All door and associated components will absorb a projectile's energy and a bullet resistant framing system is required for the installation to perform as needed during any attack.

I recommend: Although U.S. Bullet Proofing does not offer installation services, they do have experienced glazing contractors ready to install their bullet proof doors and other products. U.S. Bullet Proofing also offers important technical education and will conduct a blast analysis to ensure they meet GSA blast criteria for your facility needs. Pacific Bulletproof Co. designs, manufactures and installs tailor-made bullet proof doors and other protection technology across the United States.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact bullet proof door references specific to your business. Reviewing a bank's protection installation will not tell you how a prospective provider will conduct equipment installation at your fast food facility.
• •  Take advantage of bonus features; many bullet proof doors and associated material are rated for fire and pressure protection. Installation of bullet resistant technology could result in significant insurance savings.

Businesses that require bulletproof doors and other safety barriers depend on the absolute highest working of the products. Manufacturers test the doors to make sure they are up to the standards of protection needed. This level of barrier security is part of the information that comes with the door when it is purchased. However, the manufacturers' tests do not guarantee flawless performance of the product.

Proper installation is another factor in customer satisfaction and insured protection of bullet proof doors. It is essential to procure bullet resistant doors installation education and training. While there is no degree to obtain that teaches everything one needs to know about bullet resistant doors, information about bullet resistant doors and proper installation techniques is readily available. Some tools that will greatly assist in the proper installation of a bullet resistant door are:

1. Bulletproof door product specifications

2. CAD drawings of the specific bullet resistant door

3. Installation instructions from the door manufacturer

4. Door and protective barrier industry training

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Become knowledgeable about the types of bulletproof doors available and how to care for them

Knowing the product thoroughly is the best way for proper installation. Knowledge is power when it comes to selecting the appropriate product to best coincide with a situation. Bullet proof doors have several differing factors to take into consideration when deciding which one to use. Door material, thickness and ballistic levels are all choices that need to be made and affect the installation process of the door.

I recommend: National Bullet Proof provides UL Information for bullet proof doors for training on what door would be the best to use to meet customer needs. As part of the installation, it is important that proper maintenance techniques be addressed, as explained at Constant Content.

Make use of bullet proof door information from the manufacturer

As the designer and builder of the bullet proof door being installed, the manufacturer knows the product best and can provide the most accurate installation information. Often, such information comes with the door when it is purchased. Many times, this same information can be obtained via telephone or the Internet.

I recommend: Installations provides examples of product information that comes from the manufacturer. ShotGard has posted step-by-step installation instructions on their website. Viewing this, even if the installation is for a different manufacturer's product, will allow a person to become familiar with the work and information needed to complete the installation.

Use online tools for quick access to information on bullet resistant doors

Just about any information you need can be found on the Internet. Bullet proof doors information is no exception. Rather than hunting around for the misplaced manufacturer's instruction manual, a person can easily access the same information through an Internet search. Manufacturers' websites often provide the needed information, as do other industry-specific websites that supply information on many different manufacturers.

I recommend: Armortex has a online tool, sorted by product type, where a person can quickly select a product and receive necessary product information. 4specs lists links to manufacturers where product installation information can be found.

Keep at the forefront of the bullet proof door industry by joining industry associations

Manufacturers are constantly updating and changing out products. Regulations are all the time changing. It is difficult to keep up with all the separate pieces. One way to make sure you are at the front of industry information and remain one of the most knowledgeable about the latest installation information is to be a part of a security industry association.

I recommend: ASIS International lists seminars and conferences to attend as well as offering a certification for the security industry. The California Operator & Door Association is only one of the associations available to advocate for and inform the bullet proof door industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some doors come prehung from the bulletproof door distributors and bulletproof door suppliers. Such doors are very simple to install and largely reduce the chance of an installation error.