High-performance curtain wall, window wall, storefront, entrance and window systems promote mental health and well-being, as well as physical safety and security. Communities depend on these essential facilities to remain operational under the worst circumstances. Continuing our blog series, we address how fenestration systems can meet these challenges to protect people and property from both natural and man-made disasters.

As standard, Tubelite systems are tested for air and water resistance, structural integrity, condensation resistance and thermal cycling. Where heightened security performance is required, fenestration and framing systems are engineered to withstand greater challenges. These systems undergo additional testing, such as to demonstrate resistance to hurricane impact, seismic events, forced entry, human impact, active shooters, blast hazards and more.

For coastal areas and regions affected by powerful storms, Tubelite ForceFront® Storm (FFS) hurricane impact-resistant systems protect against windborne flying debris and wind-driven rain. Tubelite FFS products are engineered and tested to meet the Florida Building Code’s impact and cycling requirements, in accordance with relevant Testing Application Standards (TAS) and ASTM standards.

Florida Product Approval (FPA) and the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) approval demonstrate products perform as required for some of the most demanding environments. For example, Tubelite FFS curtain wall has successfully passed large missile impact testing for wind speeds in excess of 160 mph to meet High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Wind Zone 3.

Hardening facilities against man-made emergency events, Tubelite ForceFront Blast (FFB) blast hazard mitigating systems meet specified testing levels for the VA, Department of Defense (DoD) and General Services Administration (GSA) Interagency Security Committee (ISC) criteria. Tubelite FFB systems have been tested in accordance with ASTM, ISC and UFC 4-1010-0 Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings.

FFB storefront, for example, can withstand UFC-specified blast loads at a 121-foot standoff at charge weight I and at a 50-foot standoff at charge weight II. Tubelite’s in-house technical assistance team analyzes each project’s unique factors to ensure compliance.

For main entrances, check-in and waiting rooms, pharmacies, behavioral care spaces and transitional zones, interior framing systems can maintain line of sight with transparent separation and added security for patients, medical teams, staff and visitors.

Check back soon for part four in this blog series on how window, fenestration and framing systems contribute to both health care facilities and healthy communities.