Public School Safety Series (PART 3: DRAWBACKS OF PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING)

Polycarbonate plastic glazing is no substitute
for a well-made security screen

A common question asked by many public school facility managers is:

"SHOULD I USE PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING?"

Some school systems are replacing the glass in their windows with polycarbonate plastic glazing to prevent glass breakage.  This may seem fine in the short run, but there are some serious drawbacks to using “plastic glass” in window openings. 

Public School Safety Series (PART 2: VANDALISM & FORCED ENTRY)

In this post, you'll learn more about how security screens can guard against specific types of public school window vandalism and forced entry attempts.


 To read this series from the beginning, please refer to Public School Safety Series (PART 1:  SECURITY LEVELS)

Public School Safety Series (PART 1: SECURITY LEVELS)

Kane Security Screens on a public school building

From vandalism and forced entry, to bullying and violence, public school personnel agree that student safety as a whole is the number one concern at their facility(ies).

The frequency and severity of criminal activity such as window break-ins are dependent upon the location of the school and the type of security measures that have been put in place.  Most inner-city schools aware of these problems will take action by installing perimeter fencing & new outdoor lighting, creating guarded entrances, and adding security screens to ground floor windows.

Public Housing HUD Requirements for Window Screens

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) has developed a testing and certification program to ensure security screens meet certain minimum performance standards.

The certification program defines three levels of screens.  Learn more about these levels after the jump.

Hurricane Storm Barrier FAQ's

A palm tree blows sideways
due to gale force winds

Since news first broke of megastorm Hurricane Sandy's impending arrival along the U.S. eastern seaboard, many positioned within the storm's path were left scrambling to find adequate protection for both their homes and their families.

The recent weather conditions are a perfect example of how a major storm can make landfall with little warning.  That's why it's imperative to prepare for serious damage well before a storm cell even becomes a blip on the radar.

When selecting hurricane window screens for your residential or commercial facility(ies), it's important to know what to look for in terms of impact resistance and test requirements.

Below are some frequently asked questions about hurricane screens and their uses:

Security Screens: Vandalism Protection for Windows

Storefront window with obvious signs of vandalism

Bare window panes alone are no match for heavy, thrown objects.

When faced with repeated blows from rocks, bricks and bottles, typical window glass doesn't stand a chance against this type of destructive vandalism.

If your storefront or home is located on the first story or street level of a building, consider the benefits of window security screens for the protection of your property - as well as the people inside.