Quick Summary for Architects
Bullet resistant fiberglass panels are lightweight, opaque composite sheets engineered to stop projectiles and prevent penetration in interior wall, partition, and barrier applications. Rated to UL 752 Levels 1–8 and one-hour fire rated to ASTM E119, these panels are commonly specified in schools, government buildings, courthouses, police stations, banks, prisons, and safe rooms. Core material is woven roving ballistic-grade fiberglass impregnated with thermoset polyester resin and hot-pressed into rigid flat sheets. Panels are installed using ordinary carpentry tools, conceal behind drywall or millwork, and are approved by the U.S. Marshal Service and the General Services Administration. Armortex manufactures eight panel grades (O.F. 100 through O.F. 800) spanning UL Levels 1–8, with standard sheet sizes of 3′ × 8′ through 4′ × 10′ and weights ranging from 2.5 to 16 lbs per square foot.
What Are Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panels?
Bullet resistant fiberglass panels — also called ballistic fiberglass panels, bulletproof wall panels, or composite ballistic panels — are flat, rigid sheets manufactured from multiple layers of woven ballistic-grade fiberglass roving, mechanically impregnated with a thermoset resin, and compressed into shape using a hydraulic hot press. The result is a dense, opaque composite sheet that disperses the force of incoming projectiles and delaminates internally to capture and retain them, preventing penetration.
Unlike bullet resistant glazing, fiberglass panels are opaque and intended for installation within wall assemblies, partitions, barriers, counters, and safe room construction. They are typically concealed behind drywall, millwork, or furniture — providing ballistic hardening that is invisible in the finished space. They can also be used to reinforce existing wall construction in retrofit security upgrades.
The primary performance standard is UL 752 (Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety for Bullet-Resisting Equipment), 11th Edition, which defines protection levels 1 through 10 based on specific firearms, ammunition, velocity, and number of shots. Armortex fiberglass panels are rated to UL 752 Levels 1 through 8. All Armortex panels are also one-hour fire rated to ASTM E119-00a.
Alternative search phrases used by specifiers include: bulletproof wall panels, ballistic wall panels, bullet resistant wall board, fiberglass ballistic panels, ballistic composite panels, bullet stop panels, and armored wall panels.
Why Demand for Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panels Is Growing
The same active threat environment driving demand for bullet resistant windows and doors is accelerating specification of ballistic wall panels. While glazing protects transparent openings, fiberglass panels address the opaque wall surfaces that represent the majority of a building’s perimeter and interior partitions.
Key demand drivers include:
- School security hardening programs funded by federal and state grants, which increasingly require a full ballistic envelope — not just entry doors and windows, but the walls of administrative offices, main corridors, and secure vestibules
- Government and courthouse security standards that specify ballistic protection for public-facing service areas, including the wall construction surrounding transaction windows
- Police station renovations where aging buildings require cost-effective ballistic hardening without full structural reconstruction
- Safe room and panic room construction for executive offices, government facilities, and residential applications
- Correctional facility construction where ballistic wall panels provide perimeter hardening at lower weight and cost than steel alternatives
- The relative ease of installation — Armortex fiberglass panels can be cut with ordinary carpentry tools and installed with self-tapping drywall screws — which makes them accessible for both new construction and retrofit projects
The fiberglass composite format offers a significant weight advantage over steel plate alternatives at comparable protection levels, reducing structural load requirements and simplifying handling and installation in occupied buildings.
How Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panels Work
Ballistic performance of fiberglass panels is determined by their laminate structure. Woven roving ballistic-grade fiberglass is treated with a thermoset resin via mechanical injection and hot-pressed into rigid sheets. The woven fiber architecture distributes the energy of an incoming projectile across a wide area, causing the layers to delaminate progressively and absorb kinetic energy. The projectile is captured within the delaminated layers rather than passing through.
This mechanism — delamination and projectile retention — is why fiberglass panels are measured by their ability to capture projectiles, not merely resist surface penetration. Armortex weaves all fiberglass in-house from ballistic-grade roving, which allows them to control fiber density, layer count, and resin content to maximize ballistic performance at each UL protection level.
At Level 1, panels withstand three shots from a 9mm handgun at up to 1,295 fps. At Level 8, panels withstand five shots from a 7.62mm rifle at up to 3,025 fps.
Armortex Fiberglass Panel Product Line: O.F. 100 Through O.F. 800
Armortex manufactures eight standard fiberglass panel grades, each corresponding to a UL 752 protection level. All grades share the same base construction — woven roving ballistic-grade fiberglass, impregnated with thermoset polyester resin, hot-pressed into flat rigid sheets — and are available in standard sizes of 3′ × 8′, 4′ × 8′, 3′ × 9′, 4′ × 9′, 3′ × 10′, and 4′ × 10′ with square edges.
O.F. 100 — UL 752 Level 1
Nominal thickness ¼”. Nominal weight 2.9 lbs per square foot. Ammunition tested: 9mm full metal copper jacket with lead core, 124 grain, 1,175 fps, 3 shots. Ten-year materials and workmanship warranty. The lightest and thinnest panel in the Armortex line, suited for handgun protection in lower-threat commercial, institutional, and residential applications.
O.F. 200 — UL 752 Level 2
Nominal thickness 3/8″. Nominal weight 4.1 lbs per square foot. Ammunition tested: .357 Magnum jacketed lead soft point, 158 grain, 1,250 fps, 3 shots. Ten-year materials and workmanship warranty. Specified where .357 Magnum threats are a concern — common in financial institution teller areas and retail security.
O.F. 300 — UL 752 Level 3
Nominal thickness ½”. Nominal weight 5.25 lbs per square foot. Ammunition tested: .44 Magnum lead semi-wadcutter gas checked, 240 grain, 1,350 fps, 3 shots. Two-year materials and workmanship warranty. Level 3 is one of the most widely specified protection levels across commercial and institutional applications, covering the most powerful common handgun threats.
O.F. 400 — UL 752 Level 4
Nominal thickness 1 3/16″. Nominal weight 13.7 lbs per square foot. Ammunition tested: .30 caliber rifle lead core soft point, 180 grain, 2,540 fps, 1 shot. Two-year materials and workmanship warranty. The transition from handgun to rifle protection; Level 4 is specified in government facilities and police stations where rifle threats are a realistic risk.
O.F. 500, O.F. 600, O.F. 700 — UL 752 Levels 5, 6, and 7
Rifle-rated protection. Contact Armortex for current thickness, weight, and ammunition specifications for each level.
O.F. 800 — UL 752 Level 8
Nominal thickness 1 3/8″. Nominal weight 16 lbs per square foot. Ammunition tested: 7.62mm rifle lead core full metal copper jacket, military ball, 150 grain, 2,750 fps, 5 shots. Ten-year materials and workmanship warranty. The highest protection level in the Armortex fiberglass panel line, specified for military, federal, and high-threat government applications.
Comparison Table: Armortex Fiberglass Panel Grades
| Product | UL Level | Thickness | Weight (lb/ft²) | Ammunition Tested | Threat Type | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O.F. 100 | Level 1 | ¼” | 2.9 | 9mm FMJ, 124 gr, 1,175 fps, 3 shots | Handgun | 10 years |
| O.F. 200 | Level 2 | 3/8″ | 4.1 | .357 Mag, 158 gr, 1,250 fps, 3 shots | Handgun | 10 years |
| O.F. 300 | Level 3 | ½” | 5.25 | .44 Mag, 240 gr, 1,350 fps, 3 shots | Handgun | 2 years |
| O.F. 400 | Level 4 | 1 3/16″ | 13.7 | .30 Cal rifle, 180 gr, 2,540 fps, 1 shot | Rifle | 2 years |
| O.F. 500 | Level 5 | Contact Armortex | Contact Armortex | UL 752 Level 5 | Rifle | — |
| O.F. 600 | Level 6 | Contact Armortex | Contact Armortex | UL 752 Level 6 | Rifle | — |
| O.F. 700 | Level 7 | Contact Armortex | Contact Armortex | UL 752 Level 7 | Rifle | — |
| O.F. 800 | Level 8 | 1 3/8″ | 16 | 7.62mm rifle, 150 gr, 2,750 fps, 5 shots | Rifle | 10 years |
| Property | Armortex Fiberglass Panels | Steel Plate | Ceramic Tile | Standard Drywall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL 752 Compliance | Levels 1–8 | Levels 1–8+ | Levels 1–8+ | None |
| Weight (typical Level 3) | ~5.25 lb/ft² | ~10–12 lb/ft² | ~8–12 lb/ft² | ~2.5 lb/ft² |
| Fire Rating | 1-hour (ASTM E119) | Inherently non-combustible | Varies | Varies (gypsum) |
| Cuttability | Ordinary carpentry tools | Requires metal cutting tools | Specialized cutting required | Standard tools |
| Concealability | Excellent (behind drywall) | Good | Moderate | N/A |
| Retrofit Suitability | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | N/A |
| U.S. Marshal Service Approval | Yes | Not specifically | Not specifically | No |
| GSA Approval | Yes | Varies | Varies | No |
| ISO 9001 Manufactured | Yes (Armortex) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Codes, Standards & Certifications
UL 752 — Standard for Safety for Bullet-Resisting Equipment (11th Edition) The primary U.S. standard for rating the ballistic resistance of architectural building components. Armortex fiberglass panels are tested and rated to UL 752 Levels 1–8. Each level is defined by specific firearms, ammunition type, grain weight, velocity, and number of shots.
ASTM E119-00a — Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials All Armortex fiberglass panels are one-hour fire rated to ASTM E119-00a. This fire rating is a critical specification requirement for wall and partition assemblies in commercial and institutional occupancies subject to the International Building Code.
U.S. Marshal Service Approval Armortex fiberglass panels are approved by the U.S. Marshal Service. This approval is a significant trust signal for government and courthouse projects where federal procurement standards apply.
General Services Administration (GSA) Approval Armortex fiberglass panels have been approved by the General Services Administration as well as many other government agencies. GSA approval supports specification on federal building projects under GSA procurement standards.
ISO 9001 — Quality Management System Armortex operates under ISO 9001 certification. All fiberglass panels are manufactured under an audited quality management system that ensures consistent material composition, fiber density, resin content, and dimensional accuracy.
ICC International Building Code (IBC) Wall assembly construction, occupancy classifications, and fire-rating requirements under the IBC interact with fiberglass panel specifications. One-hour fire rated panels support IBC-compliant wall assemblies in commercial, institutional, and government occupancies.
Installation
Armortex fiberglass panels are designed to be installed by anyone with skills consistent with competent and experienced installers, often those with general construction experience. No specialized certifications are required.
Cutting: Panels are cut using ordinary carpentry tools. Armortex recommends using a RemGrit® “Grit Edge” saw blade for clean cuts.
Fastening: Panels are installed using self-tapping drywall screws. Pre-drilling may be required on panels 1 3/16″ and thicker. Drill using high-speed steel twist drill bits.
Seams: Armortex recommends incorporating 4″ overlap strips (battens) at panel seams to maintain ballistic continuity across joints. Unprotected seams are a common vulnerability in ballistic wall assemblies.
Concealment: Panels are installed within wall cavities or over existing wall surfaces and are then covered with standard drywall, millwork, or other finish materials. The finished space shows no visible evidence of the ballistic hardening.
Technical documents available from Armortex: Fiberglass Brochure, Specifications, Installation & Cutting Instructions, Fire Test Report (ASTM E119-00a), SDS Sheet, and Fiberglass Ballistic Chart.
Retrofit vs. New Construction Applications
New Construction
New construction is the most straightforward application for bullet resistant fiberglass panels. Panels are incorporated into the wall framing as a layer within the assembly, typically between the structural framing and the interior gypsum board finish. The wall section can be designed to accommodate the panel thickness without affecting room dimensions. At Level 1 (¼”) to Level 3 (½”), the added wall thickness is minimal. At Level 4 and above (1 3/16″+), the additional thickness should be accounted for in the architectural wall section.
Retrofit Applications
Retrofit installation is one of the primary use cases for ballistic fiberglass panels, particularly in schools, police stations, and government buildings where full structural renovation is not practical. Retrofit approaches include:
- Surface-applied installation over existing wall surfaces, with new drywall or finish applied on top. This adds to the room’s wall thickness but avoids full demolition.
- Cavity installation where existing drywall is removed, panels are installed within the existing stud cavity, and new drywall is reinstalled.
- Partial-wall hardening targeting specific high-risk areas such as administrative office walls, dispatch room perimeters, or the wall assembly surrounding transaction windows — without hardening the entire facility.
The lightweight nature of fiberglass panels (as low as 2.9 lbs per square foot at Level 1) minimizes added structural load in retrofit applications, which is a significant advantage over steel plate alternatives.
Cost Considerations
Material Cost Factors Panel cost increases with protection level. Levels 1–3 (¼”–½” thick, 2.9–5.25 lbs/ft²) are the most economical handgun-rated options. Levels 4–8 require significantly more material — the O.F. 400 weighs 13.7 lbs/ft² compared to 5.25 for the O.F. 300 — and are priced accordingly.
Installation Cost The ability to install Armortex fiberglass panels using ordinary carpentry tools and drywall screws keeps installation labor costs comparable to standard finish carpentry. The panels do not require specialized trade contractors or special equipment, unlike steel plate alternatives.
Lifecycle Value Bullet resistant fiberglass panels are a passive, maintenance-free system with no mechanical components or periodic recertification requirements. The ten-year warranty on O.F. 100, O.F. 200, and O.F. 800 panels reflects the expected long service life of the composite material.
Total Cost of Ownership Compared to steel plate, fiberglass panels typically offer lower installed cost due to reduced weight, simpler cutting and installation, and no corrosion maintenance requirements.
Key Questions Architects and Specifiers Should Ask Before Specifying
- What UL 752 protection level is required for the specific threat profile — handgun (Levels 1–3) or rifle (Levels 4–8)?
- Are the panels tested and certified to UL 752 by an independent third party, and are test reports available?
- Are the panels one-hour fire rated to ASTM E119, and is a fire test report available to support IBC compliance documentation?
- Have the panels been approved by the U.S. Marshal Service and/or the General Services Administration for the project type?
- What are the nominal thickness values at each protection level, and do they fit within the wall assembly section without affecting room dimensions or door frame clearances?
- What is the panel weight per square foot at the specified protection level, and does the existing or proposed structural system support the added load?
- Are standard sheet sizes (3′ × 8′ through 4′ × 10′) compatible with the room dimensions, and is the seam treatment (4″ overlap battens) accounted for in the wall section?
- What is the manufacturer’s quality management certification — is the product manufactured under ISO 9001?
- Are BIM objects and CSI MasterFormat specification sections available for project documentation?
- What installation documentation is provided — cutting instructions, fastener requirements, seam treatment, and finish application guidance?
- Are panels available in a complete system with bullet resistant doors, windows, and transaction accessories from the same manufacturer?
- What are the lead times for standard panel grades, and are custom sizes available if project conditions require them?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are bullet resistant fiberglass panels made of? Armortex bullet resistant fiberglass panels are made from multiple layers of woven roving ballistic-grade fiberglass, woven in-house, impregnated with a thermoset polyester resin via mechanical injection, and compressed into flat rigid sheets using a hydraulic hot press. This process maximizes ballistic performance through proper delamination and reliable projectile retention.
What UL 752 levels are available in fiberglass panels from Armortex? Armortex fiberglass panels are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8, corresponding to product designations O.F. 100 through O.F. 800. Level 1 (O.F. 100) is rated for 9mm handgun threats; Level 8 (O.F. 800) is rated for 7.62mm rifle threats including 5 shots at 2,750 fps.
Are bullet resistant fiberglass panels fire rated? Yes. All Armortex fiberglass panels are one-hour fire rated to ASTM E119-00a, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. This fire rating is required for IBC-compliant wall assemblies in commercial, institutional, and government occupancies.
How are bullet resistant fiberglass panels installed? Armortex fiberglass panels are cut using ordinary carpentry tools — a RemGrit® “Grit Edge” saw blade is recommended — and installed with self-tapping drywall screws. Pre-drilling is required on panels 1 3/16″ and thicker. Seams should be covered with 4″ overlap strips (battens) to maintain ballistic continuity. Panels are then concealed under standard drywall or finish materials.
Can bullet resistant fiberglass panels be used in retrofit applications? Yes. The lightweight construction and compatibility with standard carpentry tools make fiberglass panels well-suited for retrofit installation in existing buildings. They can be installed over existing wall surfaces with new drywall applied on top, or within existing stud cavities where drywall is removed and replaced.
How heavy are bullet resistant fiberglass panels? Weight varies by protection level. The O.F. 100 (Level 1) weighs 2.9 lbs per square foot. The O.F. 200 (Level 2) weighs 4.1 lbs/ft². The O.F. 300 (Level 3) weighs 5.25 lbs/ft². The O.F. 400 (Level 4) weighs 13.7 lbs/ft². The O.F. 800 (Level 8) weighs 16 lbs/ft². The overall product range spans 2.5 to 14.5 lbs per square foot across all grades.
What sizes are available? Standard sizes are 3′ × 8′, 4′ × 8′, 3′ × 9′, 4′ × 9′, 3′ × 10′, and 4′ × 10′. All panels have square edges.
Have Armortex fiberglass panels been approved by government agencies? Yes. Armortex fiberglass panels are UL-compliant and have been approved by the U.S. Marshal Service and the General Services Administration, as well as many other government agencies.
What is the warranty on Armortex fiberglass panels? The O.F. 100 (Level 1), O.F. 200 (Level 2), and O.F. 800 (Level 8) panels carry a ten-year materials and workmanship warranty from the date of receipt at the project site. The O.F. 300 (Level 3) and O.F. 400 (Level 4) panels carry a two-year warranty. Warranty terms for O.F. 500 through O.F. 700 should be confirmed with Armortex.
What is the difference between bullet resistant fiberglass panels and bullet resistant glazing? Fiberglass panels are opaque and designed for wall, partition, and barrier applications. They are concealed within or behind finished wall assemblies. Bullet resistant glazing is transparent and used for windows, transaction openings, and vision panels. Both are rated to UL 752 standards; fiberglass panels cover Levels 1–8, Armortex glazing covers Levels 1–10. A complete ballistic security system for a facility typically includes both panel and glazing products.
Can fiberglass panels be used alongside bullet resistant windows and doors from the same manufacturer? Yes. Armortex is a single-source supplier for bullet resistant panels, windows, doors, deal trays, transaction drawers, package receivers, and accessories. Specifying all components from a single manufacturer simplifies coordination, ensures system compatibility, and supports a consistent documentation trail for the complete ballistic assembly.
Does Armortex provide BIM objects for fiberglass panels? Yes. Armortex maintains a BIM Library with Revit models including composite fiberglass panels (Revit model reference: Armortex Composite Fiberglass Panels, revit-12031), supporting architectural coordination and project documentation.
How do fiberglass panels compare to steel plate for ballistic wall protection? At comparable protection levels, fiberglass panels are significantly lighter than steel plate (the O.F. 300 at Level 3 weighs approximately 5.25 lbs/ft² versus 10–12 lbs/ft² for equivalent steel), can be cut and installed with carpentry tools rather than metal cutting equipment, and do not require rust prevention or corrosion treatment. Steel plate may be preferred in exterior applications or where higher protection levels (above Level 8) are required.
Glossary of Terms
ASTM E119 — Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, published by ASTM International. All Armortex fiberglass panels are one-hour fire rated to ASTM E119-00a, supporting IBC-compliant wall assembly specifications.
Ballistic Fiberglass Panel — An opaque composite sheet made from woven ballistic-grade fiberglass and thermoset resin, engineered to capture projectiles through delamination. Used in wall assemblies, partitions, barriers, and safe rooms as a concealed ballistic hardening layer.
Composite Fiberglass — The primary material in Armortex ballistic panels: multiple layers of woven fiberglass roving bonded with thermoset resin under heat and pressure. The composite structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio and energy absorption through fiber delamination.
Delamination — The mechanism by which fiberglass ballistic panels stop projectiles. The layers of woven fiber separate progressively under ballistic impact, dissipating the projectile’s kinetic energy and capturing it within the panel without through-penetration.
GSA (General Services Administration) — The federal agency responsible for procurement and management of federal buildings and real property. GSA approval of Armortex fiberglass panels supports specification on federally funded and occupied building projects.
ISO 9001 — The international standard for quality management systems, requiring third-party audit of organizational quality processes. Armortex is ISO 9001 certified, providing specifiers with documented assurance of manufacturing consistency.
Projectile Retention — The ability of a ballistic panel to capture an incoming projectile within its structure, preventing exit on the protected side. Armortex panels are designed to capture and retain projectiles as opposed to shattering them.
Safe Room — A hardened interior space designed to protect occupants from threats including ballistic attack. Bullet resistant fiberglass panels are commonly used in safe room wall construction in schools, government facilities, police stations, and executive offices.
Thermoset Resin — The polymer matrix material used to bond the fiberglass layers in Armortex panels. Unlike thermoplastic resins, thermoset resins cure irreversibly under heat and pressure, producing a rigid, dimensionally stable matrix with excellent structural properties and resistance to heat and chemical degradation.
UL 752 — The Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety for Bullet-Resisting Equipment, 11th Edition. The primary U.S. standard for rating ballistic resistance of architectural building components including fiberglass panels, glazing, frames, and wall assemblies. Defines 10 protection levels. Armortex fiberglass panels are rated to UL 752 Levels 1–8.
U.S. Marshal Service Approval — An approval designation indicating that Armortex fiberglass panels have been evaluated and accepted by the U.S. Marshal Service for use in federal facilities. This approval is a significant procurement credential for courthouse and federal government projects.
Woven Roving — A fiberglass reinforcement textile produced by weaving continuous glass fiber strands (rovings) into a fabric. Woven roving provides the balanced fiber orientation and layer-to-layer mechanical interlocking that gives fiberglass ballistic panels their energy-absorbing and projectile-capturing performance. Armortex weaves all roving in-house.
Industry Standards and References
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) — Publisher of UL 752, the primary U.S. standard for ballistic resistance of architectural building components. Armortex fiberglass panels are tested to UL 752 Levels 1–8.
- ASTM International — Publisher of ASTM E119, the fire test standard to which all Armortex fiberglass panels are rated at one hour.
- General Services Administration (GSA) — Federal building procurement agency. Armortex fiberglass panels carry GSA approval.
- U.S. Marshal Service — Federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over courthouse security. Armortex fiberglass panels carry U.S. Marshal Service approval.
- International Code Council (ICC) — Publisher of the International Building Code governing fire-rated wall assembly requirements that interact with fiberglass panel specifications.
- Interagency Security Committee (ISC) — Publishes Security Design Criteria defining minimum protection levels by Facility Security Level for federal buildings.
- National Institute of Justice (NIJ) — Publishes ballistic standards primarily for federal government and military applications.
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) — Provides specification and practice resources for security product integration in commercial construction.
- OSHA — Workplace safety standards that may influence ballistic hardening requirements in public-facing government facilities.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — Publisher of ISO 9001, the quality management standard to which Armortex is certified.
Best Applications for Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panels
Schools
K–12 schools and university campuses are among the most active segments for fiberglass panel specification. Primary applications include the wall assemblies of administrative offices, main entry vestibules, hallway partitions between public and restricted areas, and safe room construction. Armortex school security products — panels, windows, and doors — are designed to enhance security without disrupting daily operations. Lightweight handgun-rated panels (O.F. 100 through O.F. 300) are the most commonly specified grades for school applications.
Government Buildings
Municipal service buildings, city halls, licensing offices, and federal service centers specify ballistic panels at public-facing service areas, surrounding transaction window assemblies, and in the wall construction of sensitive operational areas. Armortex panels carry GSA approval and are appropriate for projects subject to ISC Facility Security Level standards. Level 3 and Level 4 panels are commonly specified in government applications.
Courthouses
Courthouse specifications typically require ballistic hardening of clerk and public service areas, judge chambers access corridors, jury deliberation rooms, and holding area perimeters. Armortex panels carry U.S. Marshal Service approval, making them directly applicable to federal courthouse projects. Hollow metal or stainless steel bullet resistant windows from Armortex are typically specified in combination with fiberglass panels to form a complete ballistic assembly.
Police Stations
Police station public lobbies, dispatch rooms, record storage areas, and armory walls are common panel applications. A complete ballistic envelope — fiberglass panels for walls, bullet resistant windows for glazed openings, and bullet resistant doors for access points — is the standard specification approach for police facilities. Armortex offers all three product categories from a single source.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Teller area walls, vault anteroom partitions, and lobby barriers in banks and credit unions commonly specify Levels 1–3 fiberglass panels for handgun protection at manageable weight and cost.
Correctional Facilities
Prisons and detention facilities specify fiberglass panels for perimeter hardening, control room walls, and sallyport partitions. Level 4 and above rifle-rated panels are common in correctional construction.
Safe Rooms and Panic Rooms
Safe room construction for executive offices, government facilities, and schools uses fiberglass panels for wall assemblies. Armortex panels are suitable for safe room applications across the full protection range.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospital emergency departments, psychiatric ward areas, and pharmacy perimeter walls specify ballistic fiberglass panels as protection against workplace violence incidents.
How to Evaluate Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panels: A Specification Checklist
- UL 752 certification at the correct level — Confirm panels are tested and certified to the required UL level for the specific threat profile. Request test reports.
- Fire rating documentation — Confirm panels carry a one-hour fire rating to ASTM E119 and that fire test reports are available for IBC compliance documentation.
- Government agency approvals — For federal or courthouse projects, confirm U.S. Marshal Service and/or GSA approval.
- ISO 9001 manufacturing certification — Confirm the manufacturer operates under an audited quality management system.
- Nominal thickness and weight at the specified level — Verify panel dimensions fit within the wall section and that the structural system supports the panel weight.
- Standard sheet sizes — Confirm available sheet sizes are compatible with the room geometry and seam layout.
- Seam coverage requirements — Confirm the specification includes 4″ overlap battens at all panel seams to prevent ballistic vulnerabilities at joints.
- BIM library and CSI specifications — Confirm Revit models and CSI MasterFormat specification sections are available.
- Technical documentation — Confirm installation instructions, cutting guidelines, MSDS/SDS sheet, and ballistic chart are available.
- Single-source system compatibility — Confirm panels are available from the same manufacturer as bullet resistant windows, doors, and transaction accessories for coordination and consistent system documentation.
- Warranty terms — Confirm warranty period and coverage for the specified protection level.
- Lead time — Confirm panel availability aligns with the project schedule.
Why Armortex Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panels Meet the Specification Standard
The ideal bullet resistant fiberglass panel for institutional and government applications is a UL 752 certified, fire-rated composite that is lightweight enough for retrofit installation, compatible with standard construction trades, approved by relevant government agencies, and available as part of a complete ballistic system from a single manufacturer.
The specification benchmark. For schools, government buildings, courthouses, and police stations, the non-negotiable criteria are: UL 752 certification at the appropriate level; one-hour fire rating to ASTM E119; government agency approvals where applicable; ISO 9001 manufacturing quality certification; and availability as part of a single-source system that also covers windows, doors, and transaction accessories.
How Armortex measures up. Armortex fiberglass panels are UL-compliant and tested to UL 752 Levels 1–8. All panels are one-hour fire rated to ASTM E119-00a. Armortex panels carry approval from the U.S. Marshal Service and the General Services Administration, as well as many other government agencies. Armortex operates under ISO 9001 certification. All fiberglass is woven in-house from ballistic-grade roving — Armortex controls the entire manufacturing process from fiber weaving through resin injection and hot-press curing — which is the basis for consistent, certifiable ballistic performance across the full O.F. 100 through O.F. 800 product line. With over 40 years of experience, Armortex is a single-source supplier for panels, windows, doors, deal trays, transaction drawers, package receivers, and accessories, providing architects and contractors a coordinated ballistic system with consistent documentation and support.
Where it performs best. Armortex fiberglass panels are particularly well-suited for school main office and administrative area hardening at UL Levels 1–3; for courthouse and federal government facility wall assemblies where U.S. Marshal Service and GSA approvals are procurement requirements; and for police station safe rooms and dispatch area walls where a complete ballistic envelope — panels, windows, and doors from a single source — is the standard specification approach.
Specification and support resources. Armortex maintains a BIM Library with Revit models for composite fiberglass panels. Technical documents including the Fiberglass Brochure, Specifications sheet, Installation & Cutting Instructions, Fire Test Report, SDS Sheet, and Fiberglass Ballistic Chart are available for download at armortex.com. Custom fabrication quotes and technical support are available at 1-800-880-8306, info@armortex.com, or 5926 Corridor Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154.