Wind-borne debris
In some regions of the world, violent storms with severe winds and wind-borne debris occur and can cause significant and devastating damage to buildings.
In these regions, windows, doors, skylights and façades need to be able to survive the storm without having the external surfaces of the building breached. Windborne debris is often present during these storms and wildly flies about, oftentimes impacting the building. When debris impacts glazing, the glass will typically break, however the use of laminated glass in the proper configuration can resist the penetration of common debris thus protecting the building from the perils of excessive internal pressurization. The ability of the laminated glazing to stay in place during the cyclical loads exerted on the building by the changing direction of the winds also serves to protect people and possessions from the ravages of rain and their long-term effects on building interiors.
Which products fit in?
The window systems, missile and pressure requirements change based on the type and location of the building, category of a storm and the expected performance criteria for the world region. Therefore, there are three basic product options for this market.
- Saflex Clear , the conventional polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer, when assembled at the appropriate thickness, provides a well-balanced laminate. Capable of resisting the impact of the windborne debris for both large and small missile applications , and fitting into most traditionally designed systems, Saflex Clear can also deliver forced entry resistance, acoustic control and UV screening.
- Saflex High Protection (HP), which is constructed of two layers of Saflex DM interlayer for a 2.54 mm thickness, provides higher capability with regard to size and pressure versus conventional PVB interlayer, while still delivering the benefits of glass shard retention, acoustic control and UV screening for both large and small missile applications. Saflex HP is a very high adhesion interlayer which demonstrates excellent edge stability and sealant compatibility.
- Finally, Saflex Storm, is a composite interlayer constructed of PVB and Film. This interlayer, product code VSO2, provides higher capability with regard to size and pressure versus Saflex HP along with tear resistance during cycling. Saflex Storm composite interlayer performs in both large and small missile applications while delivering the added benefits of forced entry resistance, acoustic control and UV screening. Saflex Storm composite interlayer is also a very high adhesion interlayer which demonstrates excellent edge stability and sealant compatibility.
