Best Practices for Glass Security in Drive-Thrus and ATM Kiosks
Strong glass security for drive-thrus and ATMs is essential because these locations handle money and sensitive transactions in exposed environments. The right glazing gives employees confidence, protects customers, and keeps operations moving smoothly. Central Glass works with banks, retailers, and high-risk businesses to design and build secure glazing systems that match the real conditions these spaces face.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Do Drive-Thrus and ATM Kiosks Require Specialized Security Glass?
- What Types of Security Glass Are Commonly Used in Banks and Retail?
- How Does Bullet-Resistant Glass Protect Employees and Customers?
- What Role Does Laminated Glass Play in Theft and Vandalism Prevention?
- What Are the Best Practices for Maintaining Security Glass in High-Risk Areas?
- Why Should Banks and Businesses Partner With Experienced Glazing Contractors?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Why Do Drive-Thrus and ATM Kiosks Require Specialized Security Glass?
Drive-thrus and ATM kiosks require specialized security glass because they operate in public, high-traffic areas where theft, forced entry, and vandalism are common threats. These locations need glazing that protects people during face-to-face transactions and safeguards the building envelope after hours.
Specialized security glass also helps businesses meet industry and insurance requirements. Banks, credit unions, pharmacies, and fast-food chains often need glazing that matches specific impact or ballistic ratings. Working with a knowledgeable glazing contractor ensures the system meets both safety expectations and workplace needs.
What Types of Security Glass Are Commonly Used in Banks and Retail?
Banks and retail locations rely on several types of reinforced glazing, each chosen for a different level of protection and customer interaction. The most common include:
- Bullet-resistant glass for teller windows, transaction points, and ATM kiosks in high-risk areas.
- Laminated safety glass for drive-thru windows, pharmacy counters, and customer service lanes.
- Impact-resistant glass for exterior storefronts and entry points where forced entry is a concern.
- Reinforced glazing assemblies that combine different materials to reach specific ratings.
Central Glass also has the ability to purchase full drive-thru window units when a project calls for a complete replacement rather than glass-only upgrades, which gives businesses more flexibility when planning security improvements.
How Does Bullet-Resistant Glass Protect Employees and Customers?
Bullet-resistant glass protects employees and customers by absorbing and dispersing energy so a projectile cannot penetrate the interior space. The layered construction stays bonded even under extreme force, creating a stable barrier that prevents shattering and airborne fragments.
For high-risk locations, this stability gives staff the ability to follow safety procedures without worrying about the system failing. Bullet-resistant glazing supports communication, customer service, and day-to-day operations while keeping the environment secure.
What Role Does Laminated Glass Play in Theft and Vandalism Prevention?
Laminated glass prevents theft and vandalism because its interlayer holds the pane together even when cracked. Intruders cannot break through quickly, and the delay usually ends the attempt. Retailers choose laminated glass because it maintains clear visibility and looks like standard glazing while offering significantly stronger protection.
Laminated glass also brings additional benefits that support everyday operations:
- Reduced noise transfer for busy drive-thru lanes.
- UV protection that preserves interior materials.
- Strong visibility for employees and customers.
- Resilience during after-hours break-in attempts.
These properties make laminated glass one of the most versatile security options for banks and retail locations.
What Are the Best Practices for Maintaining Security Glass in High-Risk Areas?
Security glass in high-risk areas performs best when it is inspected, cleaned, and serviced regularly. A consistent maintenance plan reduces long-term costs and keeps protective systems functioning as intended. Key best practices include:
- Regular visual inspections to identify chips, seal failures, or early signs of delamination.
- Non-abrasive cleaning materials to protect coatings and interlayers.
- Avoiding harsh chemicals that can weaken edges or affect clarity.
- Scheduling professional maintenance to check hardware, sealing, and overall system integrity.
- Documenting inspections to support insurance requirements and security audits.
Professional glazing teams can also help determine when an upgrade or replacement is needed based on changes in code or security standards.
Why Should Banks and Businesses Partner With Experienced Glazing Contractors?
Banks and businesses should work with experienced glazing contractors because security glass needs to be engineered, installed, and maintained with precision. A professional partner understands compliant ratings, framing requirements, and how to integrate security glazing without interrupting daily workflow.
This is where experience matters. Central Glass has completed secure glazing installations for national brands and financial institutions throughout the Bay Area, including McDonald’s at NewPark Mall, Wendy’s in San Jose, and Bank of America branches in Fremont, Union City, and Newark. These projects reflect our ability to meet strict security needs while supporting customer convenience and staff safety.
If you’re upgrading drive-thru windows, adding security glass to an ATM kiosk, or planning a full glazing package for a high-risk location, Central Glass can help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and get a security-focused glazing solution tailored to your facility.
Serving Newark, Palo Alto, Fremont, Union City, Milpitas, Hayward, and surrounding cities for over 40 years, we’re your trusted partner for everything from windows and doors to custom railings, mirrors, and shower enclosures. No project is too big or too small—whether you’re upgrading your windows for energy efficiency or enhancing your interiors with custom glass, our in-house team of experts will bring your vision to life.
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FAQs
What type of glass is best for drive-thru windows and ATM kiosks?
Bullet-resistant or laminated safety glass is typically best because it resists forced entry, adds impact protection, and supports secure face-to-face transactions.
How does bullet-resistant or laminated glass improve security in banks?
These glass types absorb force, stay intact when struck, and prevent intruders from quickly breaking through, which protects employees, customers, and cash-handling areas.
What are best practices for installing and maintaining security glass in high-risk areas?
Professional installation, regular inspections, non-abrasive cleaning, and scheduled maintenance checks help ensure the glass performs reliably and stays compliant with safety standards.