Glazing contractors specializing in education projects are on the front lines of school security. They understand the delicate balance between creating a welcoming learning environment, providing robust protection, and managing a timeline and budget on a construction project. The common misconception of "bulletproof" glass (it doesn’t exist) often overshadows the more critical elements of effective school safety. A balanced and layered approach can help glaziers, GCs and architects meet the school's goals for security, effectively and efficiently.

Schools face unique challenges. They need engaging spaces with natural light and open sightlines, but also must protect students and faculty from a range of threats and help the school stay within a reasonable budget for security glazing.

Your Expertise Matters – To the Whole Team:

A glazier, supported by their fabrication partner, can help bridge the gap between design intent and practical, cost-effective solutions. You can advise the entire project team on:

• Security Needs: Help schools understand their options in security glazing. Is it forced entry, ballistic threats, or something else? Is security film truly a viable option? A clear understanding of the threat level drives the right glazing choices. These often vary in different parts of the building.
• Performance Levels & Budget: Different threats require different levels of protection, impacting cost. Solutions exist that meet security and budget requirements. Value engineering is often necessary, and you can offer expertise on balancing cost and performance.
• Code Compliance & Standards: Navigate the complexities of codes and standards for security glazing. Ensure your installations meet all updated regulations and help the team understand where test standards, like the new ASTM F3561, which offers a comprehensive system test. Despite its importance, misconceptions still surround what this test truly measures and how it applies to school security glazing.  To help clarify its purpose, we recently worked with USGlass Magazine to explain ASTM F3561 and its role in school security.
• Installation Efficiency: Your time is valuable. Install systems designed for ease of installation, reducing labor costs and project timelines. Dry glaze applications, for example, mean faster, more efficient and effective installations for security glazing. Pre-glazed solutions can also help further speed up on site installation in some applications.
• Seamless Collaboration with the fabricator: Work closely with your fabrication partner to coordinate installation schedules and ensure the glazing integrates smoothly with other building systems. This minimizes delays and keeps the project on track.

Resources to Help You Succeed:

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope understands the complexities of specifying security glazing. Our dedicated team of experts is available to help you work through requirements, model solutions and performance, assist with shop drawings, advise on budgets, and much more.

Contact our expert on education directly:

John Rovi, National Account Manager, K-12 Education

JRovi@obe.com

Partner with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope: We offer a single-source solution for complete glass, storefront, and entrance systems, tested to perform together for maximum security and peace of mind. Let us help you deliver secure and welcoming educational environments, efficiently.

Click HERE to read our USGlass Magazine feature on ASTM F3561 and its role in school security.

Click HERE to view Security Glazing & Systems products.