This feature will not only explore the progression of glass but what options are available to protect your safety. The creation and evolution of glass has propelled other industries to flourish for reasons beyond superficiality. Glass is a complex material that has been used for various purposes extending from storage, to protection, to art. The evolution of glass has improved through methodical practicality and through accidents that exhibited the weaknesses of glass. The question is not if glass will break, but rather when will the glass break.
Glass was first stumbled upon during the Stone Age; created by a natural occurrence called Obsidian or volcanic glass. Around 3,000 B.C.E., the people of Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Syria made glass by creating containers and would later perfect the art. The art of glass creation was lost for a period of time, resurfacing at a later time, across the Roman Empire. The Romans were the first to use glass for windows in order for natural light to illuminate a house, around 100 C.E. They would, however, not become common in ordinary houses in England until about 1500 years later.
Glass is probably as attractive and clearly transparent as it is ever going to be, however the new frontier will be the resilience of glass. If glass is involved in accidents or disasters, most injuries that occur are due to broken glass. When glass breaks, the cracks move at speeds of up to 3,000 mph. According to the International Window Film Association, there are five broad categories as to why glass breakage occurs.
- Tensile stress from the weight of the glass.
- Thermal stress from absorption of solar radiation.
- Mechanical flexing stress, i.e. wind pressure.
- Impact stress from flying objects.
- Twisting stress from building movements.
Safety Film was first developed in the 1970’s by the British government as a way to diminish the deadly effects of flying and falling glass in terrorist bombing that were widespread throughout England, Northern Ireland and Europe. In the United States, Safety Film’s sales saw an increase in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s due to natural disasters, vandalism and terrorism. Security Film is an almost invisible protective coating on the interior side of the glass surface. When stress causes the glass to break, the film has the ability to stretch and absorb some or all of the energy generated by the stress. The result is that the broken glass may remain intact within the framing system, preventing shards of glass from becoming lethal. If however; the stress on the glass is too great, the film is stretched to its maximum at which point it may tear and burst, though the distance and the velocity at which the debris flies is significantly reduced.
The Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995 prompted sitting President Bill Clinton, to issue a Presidential Directive (PDD39), due to more than three-quarters of those injured were injured by flying glass. The main investigation was to assess the vulnerability of federal office buildings in the United States, particularly to acts of terrorism and other forms of violence. It was determined that windows were the weakest part of a building and more measures should be taken in order to ensure safety. Security Film provides an added level of protection and safety from broken glass shards caused by bomb blasts, other explosives, vandalism or natural disasters. Security Film is the best and most advantageous protection for your home and/or business.
At All American Window Tinting, our staff is equipped with years of knowledge and expert training to ensure that all your window needs and concerns are met. Just as quickly as glass evolved and transformed; our application, materials and training continue to stay current and cutting-edge. At All American Window Tinting, Inc., we stand behind our work and promise to deliver only the highest of quality products with a professional installation that is sure to stand the test of time. Contact us today for questions, to get a free quote or learn more about your window tinting options.
