Forced Entry, ArmorProtect^®

(1) GP–glass-clad polycarbonate with exposed polycarbonate; GCP–glass-clad polycarbonate; LPC–laminated polycarbonate; AGL–all-glass laminate.
(2) These products resisted bullet penetration. They are not designed to resist spalling.
(3) This is not a no-spall ballistics test.

ArmorProtect^® burglary and attack-resistant/ institutional laminates offer improved security and provide unobstructed vision while eliminating the confined look of bars and metal screens. Typical applications include penal institutions, psychiatric hospitals and police stations. In addition, institutional laminated architectural glass provides increased protection in other high-security locations such as computer centers and sensitive research centers.

ArmorProtect^® Plus prolonged attack-resistant security glazing laminates contain the toughest plastics available, often containing multiple layers for maximum forced-entry resistance. Typically, these products are used in jails, correctional facilities, embassies and other secure establishments. ArmorProtect^® Plus includes a family of multi-ply laminates containing one or more core layers of polycarbonate, often called glass-clad polycarbonates. Polycarbonates offer the strongest available clear plastic and have 250 times the impact strength of glass.

ArmorProtect^® Max are lightweight laminates having multiple layers of polycarbonate containing no glass and offering extreme levels of forced-entry protection. These products also offer ballistic protection. Sheets of aliphatic urethane are used to bond the layers of polycarbonate permanently together. The external faces of polycarbonate are protected with a mar-resistant hard coating to provide durability. They are not recommended for external use.

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® offers a comprehensive line of laminated glazing solutions including security glazing. The glass types listed below are included in the Laminated Glass offering. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® offers a variety of glass products to meet your architectural glazing design needs. Please contact Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® for product availability and performance data as this information is subject to change without notice.

Laminated architectural glass can be fabricated using various glass types, including low-e, clear, low-iron, tinted, reflective, patterned or wired glass to achieve desired aesthetics or to improve solar control and thermal performance. Mass pigmented and decorative interlayers can also be used to provide a wide range of effects.

For monolithic, laminated or insulating glass unit performance data, please go to SystemSelect^™, our on-line glass performance calculator.

For full details of the decorative interlayers including Vanceva^® Color, Pattern, Metallic and Image see the decorative section.

Assistance Options:

1. Call toll-free, 866-653-2278.
2. Send e-mail to Technical Support.

These guidelines are to be used in addition to, and in conjunction with, the guidelines in the latest edition of the Glazing Manual published by the Glass Association of North America and Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® Glazing Instructions. These should be included as part of the glazing specifications. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in voiding of the warranty.

Setting Blocks

All laminated glass should be installed on setting blocks positioned on the lower edge at the quarter points. The setting block should have a Shore A durometer of 85±5, support the entire thickness of the glass and be 0.1″ long, per square foot of glazing, but not less than 4″ in length. Ensure that the setting blocks are manufactured from Santoprene, Silicone, EPDM or any other material compatible with silicone and the rest of the glazing components. Pay particular attention to compatibility when the laminated glass contains a
polycarbonate.

Clearances

Adequate clearances must be maintained to prevent glass damage or breakage as a result of glass-to-metal contact. A minimum of a 1/8″ face clearance should be maintained using a cushioning material. Edge clearance should be a minimum of 1/4″; however, due to the expansion of polycarbonate, any laminate containing this material should have a 1/16″ edge clearance per foot of glass length. To reduce in-service breakage, avoid excessive clamping pressures, especially on thin annealed glass.

Edge Engagement

ArmorProtect^® and ArmorProtect^® Plus must have a minimum of a 1″ edge engagement. Clearances and setting block allowances are in addition to this engagement. Any reduction in this edge engagement can cause the performance of the product to be reduced and the test certificate may no longer be applicable.

Weep System

The edges of laminated glass must not be exposed to standing water. All framing systems must be designed to accommodate a reliable weep system, as no cap seal is 100% reliable. In addition, it is extremely important that any cleaning solutions used on either face of the glass be allowed to drain out of the frame. It is the responsibility of the designer and the installer to ensure that the weep system works correctly. Do not glaze any laminated glass in a system without adequate drainage.

Sealants and Caulking

An appropriate sealant should be used to seal the glazing to the frame. Sealant and caulking manufacturers regularly change their products’ raw materials. Therefore, it is essential that the installer checks with the appropriate manufacturer for compatibility of any product, before use. This is particularly important for security glazing containing polycarbonate, as some solvents used in sealants can cause crazing and ultimate failure of the product. This warning also applies to any varnishes, primers or paints used on the framing system. These finishes should be allowed to fully dry before glazing commences.

Threat Surface

Most bullet-resistant glazing products and some forced-entry products are not symmetrical and have a threat side, attack face or impact face. All glass of this type supplied by Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® is shipped with a removable label specifying the impact face. This side MUST be installed toward the threat side. Failure to do this can seriously affect the ability of the product to resist the specified threat. This label should be left on until final inspection and/or sign-off occurs.

Storage

Shipments should be scheduled so that glass is stored on the site for a maximum of 30 days. If the glass is to be stored for longer than this, it should be removed from the construction site to a controlled environment. When on the site, store crates indoors and keep them dry. Ensure that the stored glass remains above the dew point at all times; otherwise, condensation and staining can occur. Protect the
crates from exposure and possible damage from the practices of other construction trades.

Handling

Only remove the glass from the crates when it is ready to be installed. Remove glass from the front of the crate–never by sliding to the side. On security glass with exposed polycarbonate, pay particular attention to this face. Never allow glass to rest on uncushioned surfaces. When exposed polycarbonate is supplied with a protective removable sheet, this must be removed immediately after the installation. Never allow the sun to bake this protective film on to the glazing. Never allow anything to rest against the glass. DO NOT install any glass that has been damaged, however slightly. Even small cracks at the edges can ultimately “run” due to thermal expansion while in service. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® does not warrant glass breakage.

Cleaning

Do not expose the edges of any laminated glass to organic solvents, acids or any cleaner containing ammonia, which can react with the plastic components. Once the glazing is installed, the glazing contractor should ensure that the glazing is protected from possible damage caused by the construction practices of other trades. Take particular care during the initial cleaning, especially if the surfaces are severely soiled. Never attempt to remove dry deposits. NEVER use a sharp blade or scraper to remove deposits or clean
the glass.

First flush with water to soften and remove as many contaminants as possible. Then use a clean squeegee to remove excess water, ensuring that abrasive deposits do not get trapped between the squeegee and the glass surface. Then use a mild nonabrasive, nonalkaline cleaner and a soft, grit-free cloth to clean the glass. Rinse immediately with water, removing excess water with a squeegee.

For routine cleaning, a mild soap or detergent, with lukewarm water, can be used with a clean, grit-free cloth. Dry the surface immediately and never allow metallic or hard objects, such as razor blades or scrapers, to come into contact with the glass.

Cleaning Exposed Polycarbonate

All exposed polycarbonate has a mar-resistant coating; however, extra care must be taken to avoid scratching or other damage. Do not use any abrasive cleaners or solvents. Wash with a mild detergent and lukewarm water, using a clean, grit-free cloth. Rinse immediately with clean water and dry with a chamois or moist cellulose sponge to avoid water spots. Fresh paint, grease and smeared glazing compounds can be removed using isopropyl alcohol. Afterward, wash with warm water and a mild detergent, as noted above.

(1) NR-Not Required
(2) For Class II, the flame shall be extinguished with a fine mist of water immediately after the propane torch application.
(3) For Classes III, IV and V, if the sample continues to burn after removal of the flame (self-sustaining), it shall be allowed to burn an additional 10 min and then extinguished with a fine mist of water.

(1) Pinch or ripping bars may be substituted for any portion of the blunt impacting sequence at the rate of 1 minute for each 5 impacts (test director’s option).
(2) Additional sequences of one-minute intervals in conjunction with all sharp tool sequences except sequences 5 and 15 (see paragraphs 3.5.7 and 3.5.8 of the H.P. White TP-0500 ballistics and forced-entry test procedure).
(3) NA– Not Applicable.
The numbers in this chart indicate the sequence number. For example, to successfully pass Level 1, a glazing must resist 25 impacts from a sledgehammer, followed by 25 impacts from a 4″-diameter pipe, followed by 1 minute of a CO2 extinguisher, followed by a further 25 impacts from a sledgehammer, followed by 25 impacts from a 1-1/2″ pipe–a total of 5 sequences. To successfully pass Level II, the glazing must resist all those sequences of Level 1, followed by all the sequences of Level II detailed in the table–a total of 15 sequences.

(1) NA–Not Applicable.
Where more than one weapon is specified in a given 5-minute time period, each weapon was used for approximately equal portions of the time. Spall is not measured in the ballistic test of WMFL.

(1) To be performed on both hot and cold conditioned samples.

(1) To be performed on a room temperature sample only.