PUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY SCREEN ISSUES
INTRODUCTION
ROCK PROTECTION ON SECOND FLOOR AND ABOVE WINDOWS
IMPULSIVE VANDALISM OR DAMAGED PLAYGROUND/GYM WINDOWS
PROTECT THE BLIND SIDE OF THE BUILDING
PROVIDE MAINTENANCE - FREE INSECT PROTECTION
PROTECT COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ROOMS AND
MODULAR CLASSROOMS
SATISFY LOCAL FIRE CODE REGULATIONS
MAINTAIN HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
ACCOMMODATE WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER UNITS
CHOOSE THE RIGHT "SCREENING" MATERIAL
MINIMIZE MAINTENANCE EXPENSE
PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING
TYPICAL OLD FASHIONED WINDOW GUARD
SECURITY SCREEN PRODUCT ISSUES
SELECT A HUD CERTIFIED SECURITY SCREEN
STEEL OR ALUMINUM?
WIRE CLOTH OR PERFORATED PANEL?
WIRE CLOTH ATTACHMENT OPTIONS
LIFE SAFETY EMERGENCY RELEASE OPTIONS
EXTERIOR LOCKS FOR MAINTENANCE
HINGE SPECIFICATIONS FOR LONG LIFE
POWDER COAT FINISH OPTIONS
PUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY SCREEN ISSUES
There are nine basic issues that concern the use of security screens on public school buildings. These issues are not only concerned with security, but also how screens impact insect control, emergency egress, maintenance and aesthetics.
The degree of vandalism to public school facilities depends on the location of the school and the type of security measures that have been put in place. Inner-city schools have been aware of security issues for years and many schools have taken specific actions. These include perimeter fencing, guarded entrances, new outdoor lighting, as well as security screens on ground floor windows.
Security screens are used primarily to control access through windows. The screens are designed to meet different security levels depending on the strength of the frames and screen hardware. By choosing the proper security level, schools can satisfy their specific security needs at the lowest possible cost. Public School applications:
SECURITY LEVEL 4 - MEDIUM VANDALISM
Rock-Guards for 2nd floor and above windows
SECURITY LEVEL 5 - HEAVY VANDALISM
Impulsive vandalism on ground floor windows
Shattered window panes on playground areas
Gym windows damaged during sports
Computer equipment rooms
Modular classrooms
SECURITY LEVEL 6 - MEDIUM SECURITY
For inner-city street level windows
To resist forced entry with tools
SECURITY LEVEL 9 - MAXIMUM BARRIER SECURITY
Difficult inner-city settings
ROCK PROTECTION ON SECOND FLOOR AND ABOVE WINDOWS
Some schools in addition to installing security screens on the first floor also install security screens on the second floor. The rock guard screen lets in the maximum amount of light while providing medium vandalism security.
IMPULSIVE VANDALISM OR DAMAGED PLAYGROUND/GYM WINDOWS
Whether your school is located in the suburbs or the inner city, kids will be kids. You may have impulsive vandals breaking windows just for fun, or you may have serious theft/damage problems. Your concern may be to protect your windows that are located in the playground or the gym from constant breakage.
Window breakage can be a maintenance headache, whether horseplay, sports activities or vandalism causes it. Installing security screens eliminates your glass breakage/vandalism problems.
PROTECT THE BLIND SIDE OF THE BUILDING
In speaking with school officials and architects they have voiced a concern as to window protection in areas of the school which may be somewhat hidden or secluded. Most schools have blind sides where windows are broken frequently, simply because nobody can see the culprit or even hear the noise of the damaged glass. Security screens will solve this problem.
PROVIDE MAINTENANCE - FREE INSECT PROTECTION
In areas where insects like flies, mosquitoes and bees are a problem, security screens using stainless steel wire cloth performs double duty. Not only do they eliminate insect problems, but they can also eliminate the maintenance problems of constantly repairing damaged insect screens. Because the stainless steel wire cloth used in security screens is so much stronger than the lightweight wire used in insect screens, it rarely needs to be replaced.
PROTECT COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ROOMS AND MODULAR CLASSROOMS
Computer equipment is expensive. Whether the computers are purchased by the school or by the parents' organization, you want to protect your investment. In many cases modular classrooms are installed in schoolyards to provide computer labs or much needed class space. These windows are particularly vulnerable to vandalism. Repair to modular buildings is costly as well as replacing computer equipment. Installing security screens will eliminate these problems.
SATISFY LOCAL FIRE CODE REGULATIONS
Local fire regulations vary considerably around the country. Kane offers a variety of life safety emergency releases to meet different needs. These vary from a single point lifting type release to single point "push" release similar to panic releases on doors. We normally recommend releases that meet the National Fire Protection Associations code (NFPA 101 sec. 5-2, 1.7.2) that calls for a release that, when activated simultaneously releases the multiple bolts or latches and opens the screen for instant egress in the direction of travel. The code states that the release operate in the direction of egress and open the screen in one motion.
MAINTAIN HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
Maintaining the character of the school is an important issue with many school districts. At a minimum no one wants a "fortress" look. For most buildings, doing several things can minimize visual impact of an exterior mounted screen:
1. Choose a screen with a narrow sightline. The newer designs can provide high security levels while providing a total installed frame width of only about 2 inches.
2. The screen frame should be painted to match buildings trim color or the color of the existing window frame. Kane can provide custom colors where this is advantageous.
3. The wire cloth or perforated metal "screening" material should be painted a dark bronze or black to make it "disappear" visually.
ACCOMMODATE WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER UNITS
In some public school systems the buildings are not supplied with central air conditioning. In this case, stand-alone window air conditioners are used. Kane can supply screens with "split" operation frames that allow the screens to be folded out of the way when air conditioners are in use and then to be returned to their normal positions when air conditioners are removed. Kane can also provide rigid air conditioner surround boxes that are manufactured with steel frames and 12 gauge perforated steel infill.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT "SCREENING" MATERIAL
For the past 50 years security screens have been fabricated with stainless steel wire cloth. The exact specification calls for wire cloth that is made from 304 stainless steel which is woven 12 strands to the inch in each direction from wire .028 inches in diameter.
Stainless steel wire cloth has proven itself over many years in prisons and psychiatric wards. This material has several advantages over the alternatives. First, it will last virtually forever without maintenance. Second, it is very tough and stands up to abuse without breaking. Third, the mesh substitutes for insect screening.
Recently, perforated metal panels have been used in some public school installations. The primary advantage of the perforated material is it has between 51 and 63 percent open area compared to the 44 percent open area for wire cloth. Kane can use either type of "screening" in our frames and has done extensive testing on the different products. You should be aware of the certain limitations of perforated material:
1. Perforated panels are not insect proof. To keep out flies and mosquitoes it is necessary to attach standard insect screening to the back of the perforated panel. This not only adds maintenance problems, but significantly reduces the open area and is difficult to look through.
2. Certain grades of perforated material are extremely brittle. For instance, 16 gauge steel perforated panels are so brittle that if a sample piece is bent over on itself, it will snap in two.
3. Perforated steel panels require continuing maintenance to keep them rust-free. Despite the fact that they are galvanized, painting is required over time. This is not only an additional maintenance expense, but every time the panel is painted the holes in the panel will get smaller, until the panel has to be replaced.
MINIMIZE MAINTENANCE EXPENSE
Most security screens will last a lifetime with almost no maintenance expense if a few concepts are kept in mind.
1. Use coated stainless steel wire cloth, which does not corrode and doubles as an insect screen.
2. Be sure to specify screens that come with heavy steel hinges with removable pins. Over time, bent and broken hinges are the most vulnerable part of the screen. This is based on our 50 years of field experience.
3. Specify an exterior lock to allow maintenance to open the screen from the outside without having to enter the classroom.
PLASTIC WINDOW GLAZING
Some school systems are replacing the glass in the windows with polycarbonate plastic glazing. This may seem fine in the short run but there are some drawbacks to using "Plastic Glass."
1. The plastic can be melted using an inexpensive lighter.
2. The plastic can be etched using the tip of a spark plug, razor blade, car keys, ball point pen, paper clips, pencils and even coins! Some school districts have so much "Graffiti" on the plastic, that they are replacing them on a regular basis.
3. The plastic can be scratched using a clean terry cloth rag. Just the dust that has settled on the plastic glazing is enough to scratch the surface.
4. Plastic is easily painted, using spray cans. But most commercial solvents will damage the glazing. Specialized cleaners must be used to remove the paint, at additional expense and then polished with a mild automotive polish to remove the large scratches. Once scratched, forever scratched.
5. Your typical maintenance window squeegee is not recommended for cleaning the plastic glazing, as this will damage the plastic. So how do you clean the plastic glazing? Sponge, bucket, mild detergent, hose off, dry by hand. Even washing produces fine scratches on the surface.
6. Plastic glazing should not be cleaned in the hot sun or at elevated temperatures.
7. To replace a piece of plastic glazing on site, window size 48"x60" (upper and lower sash) the typical cost is approximately $553.00 per window, per replacement. Wow!
8. Installing "Plastic Glazing" is not a substitute for installing security screens.
TYPICAL
NO EMERGENCY RELEASE
& PADLOCKED SHUT
LIABILITY ISSUE
STILL NEEDS AN INSECT SCREEN
ADDITIONAL COST
SIGHTLINE IS VERY DATED
PRISON LOOKING OLD FASHIONED WINDOW GUARD
SECURITY SCREEN PRODUCT ISSUES
Security screens are made from different materials, come in different finishes and have different types of hardware. The following outlines the choices that need to be specified.
SELECT A HUD CERTIFIED SECURITY SCREEN
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 insure security screens meet certain minimum standards. For Security Level 5 and above, the screen should meet the following performance tests to qualify as a HUD "HEAVY" security screen:
IMPACT TEST
Resist 100 ft.-lbs. of force without stretching the screen material more than 3" and without tearing the screen cloth at any point.
FORCED ENTRY TEST
Resist a prying load of 150 pounds and simultaneous pulling load of 300 pounds without springing the lock or bending the frame.
SAG TEST
Resist 90 pounds of weight on the open screen with no more than a .063" sag in the screen.
These tests should be performed by an independent testing laboratory and certified by an agency such as the National Accreditation Management Institute. By requiring that security screens pass the HUD "HEAVY" Security Screen test, the school system is assured it is purchasing screens that can provide a high level of security. Kane can provide the necessary specifications for your project.
STEEL OR ALUMINUM?
Screen frames can be made from either steel or aluminum. Steel is stronger, and it is excellent for framing larger window openings or for higher security requirements in urban settings. Aluminum frames provide corrosion resistance and lower maintenance. Some aluminum frames can also pass the HUD "HEAVY" Security Screen test discussed earlier.
WIRE CLOTH OR PERFORATED PANEL?
For Security Levels 4, 5 and Level 6, we recommend the standard 12-mesh stainless steel wire cloth made from .028 inch diameter wire. This type of screening will give decades of service and has been the standard in prisons and psychiatric hospitals. In other words, it is well tested! An alternative is 18-gauge stainless steel perforated panel.
This material has larger holes than the normal wire cloth and is not designed to keep out insects if that is a concern. Some perforated companies are recommending 16 gauge galvannealed steel panels. These panels tend to be very brittle and will break if hit with a sharp object. Also these steel panels require periodic painting to avoid corrosion, which eventually reduces the hole size and open area.
For Security Level 9, which are usually only required for difficult inner city settings, we recommend using a ¼" woven steel rod with a 2 inch open space between the rods or a 12-gauge galvannealed perforated panel.
WIRE CLOTH ATTACHMENT OPTIONS
Kane Security Level 4 (Medium Vandalism) screens. The wire cloth is hemmed 180º and screwing the resulting "hem" into the screen frame, exactly like the Heavy Vandalism screen.
Kane Security Level 5 (Heavy Vandalism) screens. We recommend folding the wire cloth 180º and screwing the resulting "hem" into the screen frame. We have found that this procedure is very strong since the screw goes through two layers of wire cloth and is less likely to pull out.
Kane Security Level 6 (Medium Security) screens. We recommend folding the wire cloth 90º, cover the bend with an interlocking cover plate and screwing the plate and wire cloth to the frame.
Kane Security Level 9 (Maximum Barrier Security) the woven rod or perforated plate is welded to the frame.
LIFE SAFETY EMERGENCY RELEASE OPTIONS
Kane offers three types of life safety emergency release devices. The most preferable type of emergency release is a "push" type such as Kane's Push-Quick® (a paddle shape). This release meets the most stringent fire codes, including the code recommended by the National Fire Protection Association.
Alternative releases include a Lift-Quick™, which operates on a simple lifting motion, and a Down-Quick™, which operates by pushing down on a handle to instantly open the screen for egress.
EXTERIOR LOCKS FOR MAINTENANCE
An exterior lock that allows the Maintenance Department to open the security screen from the outside without having to enter the classroom can be a time-saver and speed-up periodic maintenance, repairs and window washing.
HINGE SPECIFICATIONS FOR LONG LIFE
Since the hinges are the most likely piece of hardware to provide problems over the life of the screen, specifying heavy steel hinges with removable hinge pins will keep your screens operating smoothly. Kane's hinge, which is used on all Security Level 5 screens (and higher), is made from 13-gauge steel and has ¼" stainless steel hinge pins. These are the same hinges we use on our prison screens!
POWDER COAT FINISH OPTIONS
See Specs/Details...
The standard finish for steel or aluminum security screens is an automated electrostatic powder coat finish system which includes a cleaning and phosphatizing process followed by a primer and powder coat finish. Kane offers five standard colors. Custom colors are also available to match existing window trim at additional cost.
Since security screens are usually mounted on the exterior, all steel frames should be made from galvanized or galvannealed steel on both the inside and outside.
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