ELIXIR BLOG

UL Bullet Resistant Fiberglass Panels | Ballistic Wall Panels

Short answer: UL bullet resistant fiberglass panels — also called ballistic wall panels — are opaque, rigid composite sheets installed inside walls to stop firearm projectiles without a visible sightline. They are rated to UL 752 Levels 1–8(handgun through rifle threats) and…

What Is the Best Bullet Proof Glass For Security?

TL;DR: There is no single "best" bulletproof glass — the right choice depends on your threat level, whether the opening is interior or exterior, and your budget. For interior security counters, laminated polycarbonate (lightweight, no-spall) is usually best. For exterior, weather-exposed…

Best Free AIA Webinars for Architects in 2026

Quick Summary Free AIA continuing education webinars allow licensed architects, interior designers, and AEC professionals to fulfill mandatory Learning Unit (LU) requirements — including Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) hours — at no cost. Platforms such as RonBlank.com, GreenCE.com, and CEAcademyInc.com are among the…

Do AIA Webinars Help Manufacturers Get Specified?

Quick Summary for Architects AIA webinars are live, instructor-led continuing education sessions that building product manufacturers fund, develop, and deliver to licensed architects and design professionals. Registered with the AIA's Continuing Education System (CES), these sessions fulfill mandatory annual learning…

Best Bullet Proof Glass: A Specifier’s Guide to Bullet-Resistant Glazing

Quick Summary for Architects Bullet proof glass — more accurately called bullet-resistant glazing — is a transparent security material engineered to stop or slow firearm projectiles without shattering. It is commonly specified for banks, courthouses, schools, police stations, government buildings,…

The 5 Types of Bullet-Resistant Glass Used By Architects

Quick Summary for Specifiers Bullet-resistant glazing — commonly called “bulletproof glass” — is a layered or monolithic transparent security material engineered to absorb and stop projectiles fired from handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Rated under UL 752 (Levels 1 through 10),…

Best Bullet-Resistant Glass: A Guide for Architects

Quick Summary for Architects Bullet-resistant glass — also called ballistic glass or bulletproof glazing — is transparent security glazing engineered to stop firearm projectiles. It is commonly specified in commercial construction using monolithic acrylic, laminated polycarbonate, laminated glass, or glass-clad…

Best Bullet-Resistant Fiberglass Panels for 2026 — and How to Choose the Right UL 752 Level

Quick Summary for Architects Bullet-resistant fiberglass panels are rigid, lightweight composite sheets used as opaque ballistic barriers behind drywall, millwork, casework, and cladding in commercial construction. Manufactured from woven roving ballistic-grade fiberglass impregnated with thermoset resin and hot-pressed into flat…

Types of Structural Systems: A 2026 Design Guide

TL;DR: Structural systems consist of interconnected elements that safely transfer loads to the ground, including beams, columns, slabs, and foundations. Different types, such as shear walls, braced frames, and moment frames, serve distinct load-resisting functions, with material choice shaping their…

Why Document Continuing Education Hours: 2026 Guide

TL;DR: Proper documentation of continuing education hours is essential to maintain licensure and avoid audit failures for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Accurate records, including course details, completion dates, provider credentials, and completion certificates, must be retained for at least…

How to Earn AIA Credits: A Practical Guide for Architects

TL;DR: Earning AIA credits requires completing courses from AIA CES-registered providers, entering your member number during registration, and regularly reviewing your transcript for accuracy. Platforms like Ronblank offer free, on-demand courses with automatic reporting to help architects meet their annual…

Why Stay Updated on Codes: A Guide for AEC Professionals

TL;DR: Staying current on codes is essential for project compliance, safety, and legal protection, especially given frequent updates. Professionals must integrate ongoing education through seminars, industry publications, and team communication to prevent costly mistakes and delays. Failing to do so…

Why Stay Updated on AIA Standards: 2026 Guide

TL;DR: Staying current with AIA standards is essential for maintaining licensure, reducing liability, and ensuring ethical practice. The AIA Continuous Education System and Contract Document updates evolve with building codes, technology, and legal standards, making ongoing learning critical. Verifying provider…

What Is Engineering Ethics? A Guide for Engineers

TL;DR: Engineering ethics comprises moral principles and professional standards that ensure engineers prioritize public safety, sustainability, and integrity. Recognized organizations like NSPE underline these standards as essential to responsible decision-making in all engineering roles. It encompasses core principles such as…