Jun 29 2006
As businesses and homeowners reassess their disaster preparedness in the aftermath of recent hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and bombings, safety experts are urging extra attention be paid to window safety.
"Flying glass shards from shattered windows caused by explosions or violent storms are responsible for numerous injuries, sometimes fatal, to building occupants and passers-by," said Eric Cote, spokesperson for Protecting People First Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the safety technologies available to protect people and property from the hazards of natural and man-made disasters. "Window safety technology applied to new and existing construction can pay big dividends in the event of a disaster."
More architects, builders and construction engineers are beginning to specify protective window systems to reduce the injuries and damage that result when windows are shattered by natural or man-made causes. The two most commonly used systems employ laminated glass or a protective polyester film that is anchored to the window frame, often with a structurally rated silicone sealant.
Similar to the glass found in automobile windshields, laminated glass is made of layers of glass surrounding a tough plastic film that absorbs energy from an impact and prevents pieces of glass from breaking loose. The edges of the glass are sealed to the window frames, typically with a durable, but flexible, silicone glazing sealant.
In window film systems, a transparent, multilayered plastic film is adhered to the interior surfaces of a building's windows. Then the edges of the film are sealed to the window frames with a silicone glazing sealant. The film does not affect the normal function of the windows, but transforms them into flexible membranes that help capture and absorb impact energy. Such films can be applied to already-installed windows.
"Silicones are becoming increasingly valuable in improving the structural safety and integrity of window systems because of their high tensile and tear strength, long-term flexibility, resistance to harsh weather, and excellent adhesion to glass and most window frame materials," said Ron Fillmore, executive director, Dow Corning Corporation's Construction Industry group.
Whether factory laminated or on-site applied film, the result is dramatically increased protection for building owners, occupants and even passers-by in the event of criminal trespass, natural forces like hurricanes, and even bomb blasts. Impact-resistant window systems reduce the potential for broken glass being blown from its frames, the leading cause of injuries in events such as terrorist bombings.
"We're working closely with builders to educate the public and industry about the performance of protective window technologies and how they can protect people and save lives," Fillmore said. Fillmore cites evidence that chunks of glass have been found as far as two miles from bomb explosion sites and shattered glass is a primary cause of fatalities from both natural and man-made disasters.
"Modern architecture has embraced glass for its aesthetics, energy efficiency and recyclability," Fillmore said. "We're working to ensure that safety and security are given equal consideration."