When emergencies happen, every second counts. That’s why many McAllen-area schools are adding projectile-resistant film to vulnerable glass surfaces. But with so many testing standards—UL, ASTM, GSA—it’s easy to get lost in the acronyms. What do these labels actually mean? And which ones matter when it comes to protecting students and staff?

Let’s break it down so you know what to look for before deciding.

SEE MORE: How Security Film Provides Window Protection for School Facilities 

What Is Projectile-Resistant Film?

Projectile-resistant film is a strong, multi-layered material applied to glass that helps hold the surface together after impact. It doesn’t stop bullets, but that’s not the point. These films are designed to slow down forced entry, giving staff time to initiate lockdown protocols or law enforcement time to respond. It’s a critical layer in a school’s physical security plan, especially for entry points, sidelights, and interior classroom windows.

Understanding the Main Standards

Several organizations define how these films are tested. Below is how each of them determines the reliability of projectile-resistant solutions: 

• UL 972: measures how well a glazing material resists break-ins or forced entry with a focus on burglary prevention.
  
  
• ASTM F123: covers the performance of glazing materials when struck with various tools like crowbars or hammers, more in line with active threat scenarios.
  
  
• GSA and DoD standards: go even further, sometimes testing for blast resistance or extreme attacks.
  
  

Keep in mind that many tests are conducted with the film, glass, and framing system together. Real-world performance depends on that complete package and not just the film.

What Should Schools Actually Look For?

When comparing safety films, these are the details that matter:

• Forced-entry delay times – How long can the film keep someone from getting through the glass?
  
  
• Tool types used in testing – A film tested only against small projectiles may not stand up to sledgehammers.
  
  
• Duration of glass hold – Does the glass stay intact long enough for emergency teams to arrive?
  
  

Some manufacturers use terms like “ballistic film,” but this can be misleading. Unless it’s been tested to stop bullets (and very few are), it’s more about delaying entry than stopping it altogether.

Red Flags in the Spec Sheet

If you're reading a spec sheet and it's heavy on marketing language but light on test data, that’s a red flag. When talking to your security installer, you should always ask for specifics:

• Was this film tested with standard window frames?
  
  
• How many strikes were applied before failure?
  
  
• What certifications back up the claims?
  
  

Working with a qualified installer helps avoid these blind spots. At Circle Industries, we consider all this before recommending security film as part of a larger installation. 

Partner with Experts Who Understand School Safety

Projectile-resistant film is just one piece of the puzzle. Circle Industries offers full security integrations for McAllen schools, including access control, video verification, and gunshot detection. We’ve seen firsthand how the right layers of protection can save lives, and we’re here to guide you through each decision.

Not sure if your current setup meets modern safety standards? Let’s talk. Call or fill out our contact form for a campus security assessment built around your school’s specific needs.