Question About Replacing Glass Damaged with Bullet Hole:

Dear Glass Detective,

I have a large window (74″ x 96″) that has a bullet hole in it. Would you recommend replacing with tempered glass or laminated glass?

Thanks,

David W.

Answer About Replacing Glass Damaged with Bullet Hole:

David,

Thank you for contacting the Glass Detective with your request for some help in knowing what may be the best approach for replacing a piece of glass that has a bullet hole in it. Here are some thoughts for you:

First, if you expect this to happen again in the future, you may want to consider using a bullet resting glass which is typically made up of several layers of annealed glass with a vinyl interlayer between the glass panels.

Secondly, as for whether laminated or tempered glass is better for a replacement product in your situation, neither will stop a bullet but laminated glass should stay in the opening after it is broken much better than will a piece of tempered glass.

Lastly, there is more detail on this subject on the Glass.com® website if you would like to spend a minute there reviewing the differences between laminated and tempered glass. I hope this is of some benefit to you and thank you again for contacting the Glass Detective.

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The Glass Detective attempts to answer all questions accurately but cannot be held liable for any information provided or omitted.  You should always work with a licensed, insured and reputable glass shop that can assess your specific needs and local building codes and offer professional services. Never attempt to cut, install, or otherwise work with glass yourself. The Glass Detective answers questions on an informational basis only.

By Lyle Hill

Lyle Hill has been in the glass and metal industry for more than 40 years. In this time he has managed glass retail, contract glazing, mirror, architectural window, window film, and automotive glass businesses throughout America. He obtained an MBA from IIT with a focus on Technology and Engineering Management.

Hill is also a columnist for glass industry trade magazines and often called the “face” of the glass industry. He has also authored books including “The Broken Tomato and Other Business Parables,” which is available through Amazon.