Does laminated glass actually stop someone from breaking in or just slow them down?

Laminated glass significantly slows down break-in attempts but won't completely stop a determined intruder. It's designed as a deterrent and delay mechanism rather than an impenetrable barrier.

How laminated glass works: The glass consists of two or more glass layers bonded with a plastic interlayer (usually PVB - polyvinyl butyral). When struck, the glass cracks but the pieces remain stuck to the plastic layer, creating a spider-web pattern instead of shattering into pieces. This makes it much harder to create an opening large enough to climb through.

Real-world effectiveness: A typical burglar expects glass to break easily and create immediate access. With laminated glass, they'll need to repeatedly strike the same area and potentially use tools to cut through the plastic layer. Most opportunistic break-ins involve quick smash-and-grab attempts, so the extra time and noise required often causes intruders to move on to easier targets. Security experts estimate laminated glass can add 1-3 minutes to a break-in attempt - which may not sound like much, but it's often enough to trigger alarms or attract attention.

In Ottawa's climate, laminated glass also provides excellent insulation and sound reduction benefits beyond security. Many homeowners choose it for ground-floor windows and patio doors where security is a concern. For maximum security, consider pairing laminated glass with quality window locks, security film, or a monitored alarm system.

Keep in mind that no glass is truly "burglar-proof" - even thick laminated security glass can eventually be defeated with enough time and the right tools. The goal is creating enough of a deterrent that intruders choose an easier target.