External Protection for Public-facing Glazing: What are the Risks

Protecting windows in high-risk public spaces isn’t just about durability, it’s about prevention.

Public-facing glazing, from libraries and community centres to social clubs and secure courtyards, is highly vulnerable to impact damage, vandalism, and accidental breakage. In buildings where security, safety, or cost containment are priorities, a single broken window can result in downtime, disruption, and costly repairs.

That’s where external window protectors come in.

What are External Window Protectors?

Contour’s external window protectors are robust secondary glazing units designed to be installed on the outside of a building. Manufactured from the same 2mm Zintec or Magnelis steel as our internal anti-ligature solutions, these protectors act as a tough first line of defence for vulnerable windows, particularly in high-traffic or publicly accessible areas.

Each unit features an 8mm polycarbonate vision panel to preserve natural light while absorbing impact, as well as IP3X-rated grille options for added protection and airflow where required. And because they’re manufactured to bespoke sizes, they can be tailored to suit a wide variety of building types and glazing styles.

Where and Why Are They Used?

Unlike internal window protectors, which are designed for ligature risk reduction and safeguarding service users, external protectors serve a different, but equally valuable purpose: protecting the glass itself from outside forces.

Typical use cases include:

Mental health unit courtyards where residents may have access to glazing
SEN or children’s home play areas where accidental impacts are more likely
Public buildings like libraries, social clubs, or housing offices in higher-risk areas
Private mental health providers using anti-ligature windows who want to extend their lifespan
Buildings at risk of vandalism, especially those with expensive glazing already in place

They can also provide an interim safeguard if a room’s use is being changed, for example, if a low-risk courtyard becomes accessible to new resident groups or is adapted for supervised outdoor use.

Not Just a Quick Fix - A Smart Long-term Investment

Every broken window is more than a one-off inconvenience. It can mean repair costs, security risks, safeguarding concerns, and staff time lost managing the fallout. For facilities with high footfall or repeated issues, external protection can prevent these disruptions altogether.

And unlike off-the-shelf grills or bars, Contour’s solution is neat, hygienic, and tailored - supporting both the function and the appearance of your building.