Written By: Brad Campbell | September 20, 2024
Historical buildings face the same security threats as other types of commercial facilities (sometimes more of them, since many historical properties are government buildings), but they don’t always have all the same options when it comes to protecting people and property against these threats.
This is especially true when it comes to historical buildings and security glass — heritage buildings, including government buildings like courthouses, commonly have strict rules about what elements of their architecture can be modified, and how new elements like security glazing can be retrofitted (windows and frames are often protected from modification).
When retrofitting security glass in historical buildings, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the protection of the classical structure and compliance with architecture preservation guidelines, while also providing a high level of physical security for the property and its occupants.
When retrofitting security glazing, maintaining the architectural integrity of the building is always a top concern, but it becomes even more important when retrofitting buildings that have historical architecture.
Any modifications or additions to heritage buildings should blend seamlessly with the existing structure and not detract from its historical value. This typically means using custom solutions that do not require invasive installation techniques.
Buildings with historical significance are often protected by strict architectural preservation laws and guidelines. These regulations dictate what and how changes can be made to the building's appearance and structure.
Historical building security glass retrofit solutions must adhere to these guidelines to avoid legal issues and ensure the building's protected status is maintained.
Because of the concerns mentioned above, non-invasive security glazing installation methods are crucial for historical building security glazing retrofits.
Traditional security glass installations may require drilling or other modifications that could damage the original structure, so innovative solutions that avoid such invasive procedures are necessary to preserve the building's integrity.
Because of the unique architectural features of historical buildings, security glass solutions they implement should be highly customizable. This allows them to fit the specific dimensions and requirements of each building without compromising its heritage elements.
As with any security glazing retrofit, it’s essential to find a balance between providing adequate security and preserving a heritage building’s aesthetic appeal.
Historical building security glass should not only offer protection against threats, but also complement the building's classical architecture to not detract from its curb appeal and overall appearance.
Securing historical buildings with security glass presents several key challenges:
Navigating the complexities of regulations governing heritage buildings can be challenging. These regulations can vary widely depending on the location and the specific historical significance of the building. Ensuring regulatory compliance while implementing modern security measures requires careful planning and expertise.
Many historical buildings were constructed using techniques and materials that are no longer in common use today. This can present structural limitations that make it difficult to install modern security glass without compromising the building's existing structure.
Ensuring that security glazing installations do not detract from the building's heritage aesthetic is a significant challenge. Finding solutions that offer robust security without compromising the building's appearance requires a careful balance of form and function.
Due to the constraints of preserving architectural heritage, the range of retrofitting options for historical building security glass can be limited. Solutions must be carefully selected and tailored to fit within the building's existing framework without causing damage.
When it comes to securing historical buildings, especially courthouses and other government buildings, innovative solutions are required to address the unique challenges they present—that’s where the Riot Glass J Series comes in.
The Riot Glass J Series sub-framing system is a revolutionary compression-fit security glazing retrofit solution specifically designed to enhance the security of historical (and occasionally modern) buildings without compromising their architectural integrity.
J Series sub-framing uses a patented compression technology that allows for secure installation without the need for drilling or permanent modifications to the building. This non-invasive approach ensures that the historical elements of the building remain untouched, preserving its original architecture and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Each J Series sub-frame is custom-made to the exact dimensions of the window openings, ensuring a perfect fit. This level of customization allows it to be used in a variety of scenarios, including buildings with damaged or uneven existing framing (as can occur with historical wooden framing).
The flexibility of the J Series makes it an ideal solution for historical buildings with unique architectural features that require high levels of customizability and flexibility.
The J Series provides a robust foundation for installing forced entry-resistant and ballistic-grade security glazing.
J Series sub-framing meets the stringent ASTM F3038 forced entry testing requirements, ensuring that windows can withstand a 15-minute forced entry attempt by multiple attackers using readily available tools and objects. This level of security is crucial for protecting historical buildings from modern threats, such as mobs of armed attackers during incidents of civil unrest.
The non-invasive installation process means that the J Series can be seamlessly removed at a later date without leaving any trace of its presence. This is particularly beneficial for historical buildings where maintaining the original architecture is crucial, and security needs or regulatory requirements may change in the future.
The J Series is particularly well-suited for courthouse hardening, where additional security measures are required to protect against civil unrest and other threats without compromising the building’s historic integrity.
Securing historical buildings with security glass requires a careful balance of maintaining architectural integrity and providing robust protection against modern threats.
Riot Glass J Series sub-framing offers a cost-effective, non-invasive solution that preserves the historical elements of classical buildings while enhancing their security.
With the J Series, those in charge of securing historical buildings, like courthouses and other government facilities, can ensure that their structures remain safe and secure without compromising their heritage.
Contact us today for a free consultation on using the J Series to retrofit security glazing in historical buildings!
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