80%
of all public schools reported violence, theft and other crimes.
764,000
Incidents of criminal victimizations happened within a school.
* National Center for Education Statistics report on school crime and safety, 2020
The Masonite® Defendr™ Door System:
Everyday Protection in a Practical, Affordable, One-Time Investment
The Increasing Threat
Increasing mental health issues and escalating violence can create a threatening school environment. At Masonite, we believe every student and staff member should feel safe at school. Partnering with security experts, we developed the Masonite® Defendr™ Door System, a practical solution that adds layers of protection to slow down unwanted entry— creating safer spaces inside schools and classrooms.
Deter. Delay. Defend.
While adding protection to deter, delay and defend, we also believe a school should not feel like a fortress. The Masonite® Defendr™ Door System is a one-time, affordable solution that is a balance of defense, protection and style. We use a mix of tactical glass of attack-resistant security glass to let in natural light and sustainable materials to offer a comforting and attractive appearance.
As an added benefit, Masonite® Defendr™ Doors create quieter spaces with their sound-absorbing, solid core construction, while also meeting code and safety requirements with a selection of fire-rated doors.
Helping Schools Address Growing Challenges
Reducing School Violence
Threats and incidents of assault, theft and even shootings are undermining our schools and creating an environment where students no longer feel safe.
Masonite® Defendr™ Doors are a durable, low-maintenance solution that provides a lifetime of protection and creates safer spaces throughout a school.
Working Within Tight Budgets
Despite rising violence, most schools face dwindling resources and are forced to make critical security decisions that offer the best protection.
Masonite® Defendr™ Doors are an affordable, one-time investment that turns any classroom, office, gymnasium, and more into a safer space for students and teachers.
Improving Learning Outcomes
A learning environment shouldn’t look like a fortress — and it doesn’t have to.
Today’s forward-thinking architects are creating environments where students can feel safe and thrive through incorporation of natural light and sustainable materials, colors, and textures. Masonite® Defendr™ Doors can be an integral part of that design available with a variety of options to match the aesthetics and design intent.
The Masonite Defendr™ Door System
“As an architect, combining components together in an integrated system is the most important thing. The whole system is going to be breeched, so it needs to be tested as a whole system.”
– Richard Headland, Renker Eich Parks Architects Inc.
A System That Deters and Delays Attackers
All components of the Masonite® Defendr™ Door System — metal frame, attack-resistant glass, ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 hardware, solid-core wood door and metal vision kit— work together to provide the highest level of security in new construction or security-update retrofit projects. While Masonite® Defendr™ Doors can be installed in existing frames, the full system is required for the greatest degree of safety.
A COMPLETE SYSTEM—BUILT TO PROTECT
- Door Frame 14- or 16-gauge hollow metal frame.
- Metal Vision Frame 18-gauge steel into door.
- Glass & Glazing: Armoured One’s security glass.
- Hardware options ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Hardware.
- Solid Core Wood Door Constructed with an Extra Heavy-Duty Particleboard or Structural Composite Lumber Core.
A standard metal frame strengthens the total opening solution.
Our Metal Vision Kit manufactured by All Metal Stamping LLC
Attack resistant security glass, when placed in recommended location, will slow down or deter an attacker who is trying to gain entry through the glass with force or a gun.
The glass can be fire rated with double glazed design.
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Hardware approved to meet the Shooter Attack Test Method FDT-SA requirements.
The Attack Resistant Door Solution utilizes an Extra Heavy Duty Particleboard or Structural Composite Lumber Core for added strength.
A COMPLETE SYSTEM—BUILT TO PROTECT
- Door Frame 14- or 16-gauge hollow metal frame.
- Metal Vision Frame 18-gauge steel into door.
- Glass & Glazing: Armoured One’s security glass.
- Hardware options ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Hardware.
- Solid Core Wood Door Constructed with an Extra Heavy-Duty Particleboard or Structural Composite Lumber Core.
Our Metal Vison Kit manufactured by All Metal Stamping LLC.
Armoured One’s 5/16” tactical security glass, when placed in recommended location, will slow down or deter an attacker who is trying to gain entry through the glass with force or a gun.
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Hardware mortise lock with latchbolt, deadbolt, and escutcheon plate.
The Defendr Door System utilizes an Extra Heavy Duty Particleboard or Structural Composite Lumber Core for added strength.
Additional Note: These components working together provide layers of protection needed to delay an attacker.
Interior Doors Are a Security Essential
Barriers or layers of protection throughout a school are essential for security, and interior doors are the last and arguably the most important layer of protection against external threats, and often the first line of protection against internal threats to students and staff inside a school. Approximately 38 percent of school shootings begin and occur within the school, often by a student or former student, with 55 percent of those in the hallway or classroom.
The Masonite® Defendr™ Door System provides safe spaces throughout a school, so that any classroom, gymnasium, cafeteria, media center – any enclosed area – can quickly become a safe zone.
The Myth of Bulletproof Glass
Bulletproof glass exists only in movies, and even the best “bullet-resistant glass” stops only one to five rounds.
Masonite® Defendr™ Doors are constructed with Attack Resistant Security glass, factory-installed glazing and a through-bolted vision kit. It is the only glass to pass the Shooter Attack Test in which the glass is shot 10 times with an AR15 .223 round and then hit with a 100-lb. ram at various forces.
Tested to Perform During an Active Shooter Event
Masonite® Defendr™ Doors have been tested to withstand forces (including ballistics) that a door could encounter during an active shooter event.
Our heavy-duty solid core door, attack resistant security glass and ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 hardware have been tested and proven to perform.
Lockset Testing
Physical
Ballistic
Glass Testing
Physical
Ballistic
Lockset Testing
Physical
Ballistic
Glass Testing
Physical
Ballistic
Designed for a Learning Environment
Masonite® Defendr™ Door Styles & Options
While safety is the highest priority, a learning environment should also be inspiring, positive and comfortable. We believe that students should feel protected without the anxieties often associated with cold metal doors. That’s why the Masonite® Defendr™ Door System is designed to be affordable and come in a variety of finish options to match the design intent of any environment. Masonite® Defendr™ Doors are available in all Masonite Aspiro Series wood door styles.
An Award-Winning Solution
Though just introduced, the Masonite® Defendr™ Door System has already begun to be recognized as a winning solution to creating safer environments in our schools.
PIA 2021 Award
National Association of Professional Insurance Agents
2021 Platinum Award
Campus Security & Life Safety Magazine
Intrusion Systems/Panic Alarms Category
Achitizer A+ Awards
Doors and Hardware Category
Resources
Want to Know More?
Whether you’re an architect, superintendent, facilities coordinator, or PTA member, we can provide you with information about the Masonite® Defendr™ Door System and how it can help you create safe spaces within a school interior affordably and efficiently. Just fill out the contact form shown here, and we’ll reach out to answer your questions or provide whatever information you need.