Written By: Brad Campbell | October 7, 2024
When it comes to protecting federal buildings against threats like rioters, looters, and active shooters, ensuring that every potential point of entry is secured is of the utmost importance.
Whether it’s a courthouse, a post office, or any other type of federal building, vulnerable windows and doors must be fortified against forced entry to keep attackers out.
WIth the right combination of retrofit federal security glazing measures, it’s possible for any government facility to obtain full access denial, protecting the government property and employees inside during the unfortunate event of violent civil unrest or an active threat scenario.
Federal buildings are often targets for a range of threats, from vandalism and looting to more organized and violent attacks. These buildings house sensitive information, valuable assets, and personnel that require robust protection, yet standard commercial glass doors and windows are often weak points that can be easily breached, making them prime targets for forced entry.
To mitigate these risks, federal buildings should invest in reinforced security glazing solutions that are designed to withstand significant force and delay unauthorized access, allowing building occupants to get to safety and providing time for security personnel and law enforcement to react.
One of the most effective ways to achieve this level of security is by retrofitting existing windows and doors with Riot Glass.
Riot Glass is a range of security glass solutions, including glazing and framing, engineered to provide maximum protection against forced entry, ballistic threats, and other forms of impact.
Unlike traditional window glass, and even strengthened tempered glass, Riot Glass is composed of specific formulations of security glass, polycarbonates, acrylics, and other plastics, laminated together into glazing shields that can be retrofitted over existing glass or used as a direct replacement.
Riot Glass is available in different models with various levels of protection, including forced entry-resistant and ballistic-grade options. This versatility makes it suitable for securing everything from standard windows to extremely high-risk entry points in high-security federal facilities.
Overall, Riot Glass is a versatile federal security glazing solution for government buildings that need to improve security without compromising visibility or aesthetics, as it maintains the existing appearance and functionality of the building’s windows and doors.
Riot Glass is designed to withstand prolonged, determined attempts at forced entry. Whether it’s a rioter attempting to break a window with a blunt object or a more sophisticated attempt using common burglary tools, Riot Glass provides a formidable barrier.
The laminated structure of the security glazing holds together even when struck repeatedly, preventing access and delaying intruders long enough for law enforcement to respond.
In situations of civil unrest where federal buildings are targeted by rioters or looters, windows are often the first points to be breached, allowing attackers to reach through and open doors from the inside or climb right in.
Riot Glass, however, can absorb and resist repeated impacts from readily-available objects, such as bricks, bats, and hammers, keeping federal buildings secure from break-ins. This level of protection is crucial for preventing unauthorized access and safeguarding both property and personnel inside the building.
Riot Glass is also an effective measure against attackers armed with firearms. Ballistic-rated Riot Glass options are designed to withstand gunfire, providing a layer of protection that can prevent several bullets from penetrating windows and doors.
While no federal security glazing solution is entirely bulletproof, Riot Glass significantly reduces the risk of active shooters gaining entry through vulnerable access points. Even if riddled with bullets, Riot Glass can continue to provide access denial, keeping attackers out and buying valuable time for building occupants to respond or escape.
Retrofitting is often the most practical and cost-effective solution for federal buildings that require heightened security measures.
In many cases, Riot Glass can be overglazed (installed over) or backlazed (installed behind) onto existing windows and doors, eliminating the need for costly replacements. This is especially beneficial for government buildings or facilities where it’s important to maintain a certain level of curb appeal and an open, inviting atmosphere.
Retrofittable framing adapters allow for the quick and smooth installation of Riot Glass, meaning building operations are not significantly disrupted. Once installed, Riot Glass provides a near-invisible barrier that blends seamlessly with the building’s existing structure, maintaining its appearance while offering maximum security.
Federal buildings often have historic value and heritage architecture, making it important to preserve their original design and structure while still boosting security. This is where Riot Glass's J-Series sub-framing system comes into play.
The J-Series sub-framing system is specifically designed for historic buildings, like federal courthouses, that need to meet modern security standards without drilling into or otherwise damaging their historic architecture.
The sub-framing system allows Riot Glass to be installed over existing windows and doors using non-invasive, compression-fit technology, providing the same level of protection as other installations, but with added attention to preserving the building's original structure.
J-Series compression-fit sub-framing is custom-made to go right inside the existing window or door frames, ensuring that the existing glazing and framing remains unchanged in the long run. This is particularly important for federal buildings that are listed on historic registers or require approval from preservation bodies for any modifications.
The J-Series system provides all the benefits of Riot Glass, including forced entry resistance and optional ballistic protection, while preserving the historic elements of the building. This makes it an ideal solution for federal buildings that need to balance security with preservation.
Retrofitting historic buildings with security glazing can be a complex and expensive process, especially when trying to maintain their original design. The J-series sub-framing system simplifies the installation process, making it more affordable and less disruptive than other retrofitting methods.
As threats to federal buildings continue to evolve, so too must the security measures that protect them. Fortifying windows and doors with Riot Glass is a proven and cost-effective way to increase the security of federal facilities.
Whether it’s preventing forced entry and looting during riots or protecting against active threats, Riot Glass provides the strength and durability needed to keep unauthorized individuals out.
For historic federal buildings, the J-series sub-framing system offers a unique solution that combines modern security with preservation. By retrofitting these structures with Riot Glass using this proprietary compression-fit technology, federal buildings can maintain their historic charm while meeting today’s stringent security requirements.
In a world where federal buildings face increasingly complex threats, investing in Riot Glass is not just a smart decision — it’s a necessary one. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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