Unbreakable Glass – Myth or Reality?

‘Unbreakable glass’ is a staple of movies, ads, and pop culture. But does unbreakable glass actually exist? To the disappointment of the movie buffs, sadly, no. As a European leader in safety and solar films, Solar Screen brings over 40 years of experience in certified anti-shatter solutions to the table. Let’s separate science from fiction.

Unbreakable vs Shatterproof Glass – What’s the Difference?

Unbreakable glass only exists as an idea, as no glass is truly unbreakable. Advances in manufacturing have made glass more durable, but in the end, all glass can break. What does exist, though, is shatterproof glass. The difference between normal glass and shatterproof glass is that regular window glass will ‘shatter’ into shards, long, dangerous slivers, while shatterproof glass, such as tempered glass, breaks into safer “pebbles”.

In shatterproof glass, such as laminated glass, tempered glass, and polycarbonate layers, an interlayer of film bonds the glass to keep it largely intact, thus preventing dangerous splinters, which means there’s less dangerous debris to be concerned about. And by adhering to international safety standards like those set out by EN 12600 and ANSI Z97.1, break-resistant glass provides peace of mind about quality, safety, and security.

Thus, while high-resistance glass solutions can still break under extreme force, it is more about how the glass breaks rather than how it is unbreakable. It may shatter the myth, but it does not shatter the glass!

The Myth of “Unbreakable” – Separating Fiction from Reality

While the movie myth is busted, real life is not altogether void of the things that have made appearances on the silver screen. Real-world materials like bullet-resistant glass actually do exist. These have breaking points and are graded for resistance, and while no glass can offer absolute break prevention, resistance can be maximised.

Underwriters Laboratories standard UL 752, for instance, is the global standard for bulletproof glass, bringing the world fiction into reality. It has to be said even polycarbonate-based “transparent armour” will degrade, crack, or yield over time or with sustained impact.

How Window Films Improve Glass Resistance

The safety and security films made by Solar Screen are made to strengthen existing glass surfaces without changing how they look. These films basically turn regular glass into safety glass by making it work better so that it meets standards like the EN 12600 specification.

These multi-layer polyester films are designed to keep broken glass in place during impact. They improve safety and security by lowering the risk of injury and delaying forced entry.

Installed directly onto existing glass, Solar Screen’s glass protection film improves resistance to impact, blunt force, and attempted break-ins. And should the glass under the film break, the film holds the pieces in place.

Solar Screen offers a cost-effective alternative to full window replacement. Solar Screen’s solutions are trusted across a wide range of sectors — from retail and public buildings to schools and private homes, making Solar Screen an industry leader.

Dual Benefit: Solar & Ultraviolet Control

There’s more to Solar Screen’s safety film than impact resistance. UV radiation is a health and deterioration concern. Solar Screen’s safety film can block out up to 99% of harmful UV rays. This reduces the risk of skin damage and protects interior furnishings from fading. At the same time, it regulates solar heat gain to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency.

This dual-purpose approach means property owners don’t have to choose between safety and comfort — Solar Screen’s solutions deliver both in a single, discreet installation. .

Real-World Applications of Glass Film Solutions

Glass protection films aren’t just for high-security facilities — they’re used in everyday environments where people need protection without sacrificing light or visibility.

The large glass façades of commercial buildings are prime targets for protest action, vandalism, and attempted break-ins. The reinforcing quality of safety film significantly slows down forced entry, and should there be a breach, the hold-in-place capacity of break-resistant glass makes the environment much safer. As a bonus, the safety film also reduces glare and helps with temperature control.

Schools and daycare centres benefit from the peace of mind that comes with impact-resistant glass and shatterproof windows. Accidents involving balls, furniture, or even slammed doors can cause dangerous shattering. Safety films ensure broken glass doesn’t turn into flying shards, protecting children and staff from injury.

Retail stores, particularly those with street-facing windows, are frequent targets for smash-and-grab thefts. Security films help delay or deter intruders, making the attack noisier and more time-consuming — often enough to scare potential thieves off. Meanwhile, UV-blocking features help preserve merchandise and displays.

Government and military buildings use high-grade safety films for blast mitigation. While no film can prevent all damage, it can dramatically reduce the risk of glass-related injuries during explosions.

In private homes, safety films are ideal for bathrooms, sliding doors, and storm-exposed windows. It upgrades standard glass to meet safety codes without costly replacements while also enhancing thermal comfort and reducing fading of carpets and furniture.

What Are the Most Effective Glass Safety Solutions Today?

When it comes to improving glass safety, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but there are proven options depending on the level of risk, budget, and building type.

• Tempered glass is heat-treated to be up to five times stronger than standard glass. It breaks into blunt, pebble-like fragments, reducing injury risk. However, it still shatters completely under impact.
• Laminated glass consists of two glass sheets bonded with an interlayer (usually PVB). This interlayer holds the glass together even when broken, making it ideal for safety, noise reduction, and UV control.
• Polycarbonate or hybrid composites offer high-impact resistance and are often used in high-risk environments, such as banks or secure facilities. They’re highly effective but come at a higher cost and may have slightly reduced optical clarity.
• Safety and security window films offer a cost-effective retrofit solution.

Solar Screen provides expert assessments and certified film products across Europe to help ensure each installation meets real-world safety needs.

FAQ – Common Questions About Glass Resistance

• Does Solar Screen make my home glass unbreakable?
  No, but it can make existing glass much safer and more resistant to shattering.

• Will Solar Screen’s safety film stop a burglar?
  Not entirely, but it can slow them down significantly, giving you time to react or alert authorities. It’s also a great deterrent to opportunistic criminals.

• Is the safety film visible?
  No, clear safety films are practically invisible once installed professionally.

• Will it work on old glass?
  Yes. Most films are retrofit-friendly, but a professional assessment is advised.

• Is film better than laminated glass?
  Not better, but complementary. Safety film can enhance standard or tempered glass and improve safety without needing complete glass replacement.

Conclusion

While the idea of truly unbreakable glass remains fiction, real-world safety solutions have come a long way. Through tempered, laminated, or polycarbonate-based glazing — and especially with the addition of high-performance safety films — glass can be made significantly safer and more resistant to impact.

Solar Screen’s certified safety and security films offer a cost-effective way to upgrade existing glass to shatterproof windows, helping it meet rigorous safety standards such as EN 12600 Class 1B1.

From commercial buildings to homes, schools, and secure facilities, these anti-shatter solutions offer both physical protection and practical benefits like UV reduction and solar control. When safety, comfort, and peace of mind matter, Solar Screen stands ready with over 40 years of expertise and proven solutions you can trust.