Re: Laminated (safety) Glass for windows-- two questions

[Robert L Bass <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

New homes in Florida have to meet strict "hurricane proof"
requirements.  Builders of high end homes are staring to use a
new type of glass that can withstand the impact of (something
like) an 8 foot long piece of 2x4 shot from an air cannon.  I
forget the exact speed but it'd kill a moose if it hit it.  The
glass doesn't even break.

I had someone demo replacement windows for my previous home last
year.  The sales drone suggested I try to break it.  He held it
against the wall and suggested I try punching it.  Instead I gave
it a decent snap kick.  It didn't even scratch the glass.  Next
he placed sample on the floor so that the glass was supported
about 2" up.  I weigh 210 and I couldn't break the window by
jumping up and down on it.

The down side was the cost.  They wanted nearly $1K per installed
window.  We ended up moving to a larger home instead of
upgrading.  Now I'll have to replace twice as many windows plus
over 100 feet of sliding glass walls that surround the new lanai.
:^)

You might be able to buy just the glass and install it in your
existing door.  That shouldn't cost too much.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com

On 8 Jan 2006 10:41:00 -0800, "Andrew" <asrichman@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

> I live in a neighborhood that is not that safe.  I currently have bars
> on all of my first floor windows and feel safe with them.  However, I
> am getting my windows replaced and would rather not have the bars for
> athsteic reasons.
>
> I am thinking about getting a security system and laminated glass in
> the windows.  I have two questions for the group about laminated glass.
>
> 1)  Does it really help with security?
> 2)  Will it make the room darker than normal glass?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Andrew