Does Bullet Resistant Drywall Actually Stop a Bullet?

In case you do not know, you can actually install bullet-resistant drywall at your home, office, or any other important building. Most people do not even know that drywall can offer such a high level of protection. And while we are talking about bullet-resistant drywall, there are also other solutions to offer full-spectrum security, such as bullet resistant doors, bullet proof windows, and bullet resistant windows!

A question that is often asked is, does bullet-resistant drywall can actually stop a bullet or not? A short answer to this question is that it depends on the type of ballistic material being used. If the ballistic material used in the drywall and other products is of high quality and is rigorously tested, then yes, it can actually stop a bullet!

However, choosing the right type of ballistic material is just one part of the equation… To offer full-spectrum security, a lot of things need to be considered, such as threat level, building structure, system design, and so on.

Bulletproof Drywall – Mistakes to Avoid

An increase in the security threats over the years and an increased awareness has flooded the market with a lot of bullet resistant products such as windows, doors, drywall, and so on.

However, you should avoid the mistake of buying just any bullet-resistant product in the market, especially when it comes to drywall. If you notice carefully, a lot of the bullet-resistant fiberglass products come with a handle that is bolted into it – And these products with a bolt attached to them are rarely re-tested again. The reason for no re-test is a simple one, though: These products cannot pass the ballistic test!

When a bolt is attached to the ballistic fiberglass, it can damage the material’s ability to protect the people or other stuff from damage!

So the first thing to ensure is that whenever you buy bullet resistant drywall, bullet proof windows, or bullet resistant doors, ensure that they are made from the right material and are re-tested!

Another mistake to avoid is opting for bulletproof drywall or any other bulletproof product that is cheap. Here’s the thing with cheap bulletproof products – They are made from inferior bulletproof materials and are hardly tested for safety as well. So, in short, trying to save money can end up risking the integrity of your building & thus endangers even the lives of the people inside that building!

Bulletproof Drywall – Best Installation Practises

Now that we have listed some of the mistakes to avoid, the next thing is to ensure that you follow the best installation practices for bulletproof drywall.

The first thing to remember is to ensure that the edges of the ballistic panels are properly secured. When there are multiple ballistic fiberglass panels, the point where they meet can create a weak point. So it is important to reinforce the edges with ballistic fiberglass strips.

Once the fiberglass panels are properly installed, the next step is adding an additional layer of veneer or drywall on top of that. This step ensures that your ballistic drywall looks similar to other parts of your house!

Another factor that is present in almost every building is the mechanical and physical elements such as the HVAC vents, plumbing, electrical wires, and so on. The most cost-efficient solution is to simply cut the panels around these parts. Once again, this practice will save you money and doesn’t affect the integrity of the ballistic fiberglass panels.

On the other hand, you should avoid drilling holes in the ballistic fiberglass panels as it weakens them and thus can comprise the security of the building!

Conclusion

As long as you follow the best installation practices and avoid common mistakes, your bulletproof drywall will be able to stop bullets or any other high-impact object!