Safety & Security

Protection from accidents

The large areas of glass in Conservatories are what makes them so attractive, the clear view of your garden and the sunny aspect is ideal.
However it is very important to check that appropriate glazing has been installed overhead and in floor to ceiling locations. Incorrectly specified glass can be extremely dangerous.

Check that impact resistance and thermal safety have been allowed for in your design. It is also possible to add security glass.

Where glass is used overhead, at low level or in and around doors, windows and screens, the relevant standards must be met to protect against accidental human impact, such as children running into a patio door.

There are three types of common safety glass:
• Toughened glass that is up to five times stronger than ordinary glass and it breaks into small, safe granular pieces on when broken.
• Laminated glass consists of two pieces of glass bonded together with a clear plastic interlayer so it cracks when broken but stays in position, reducing the risk of injury.
• Wired Safety Glass has a wire mesh embedded within the glass and it behaves like laminated glass when broken.

The location of the glass and its size determines the classification of impact resistance that should be used. Your local glazier or glass merchant can advise you. If in doubt request EN 12600 Class 2 or 1 for most locations. There are additional considerations for glass that is to protect you from a change in floor level such as outside balconies or staircases.

Protection from crime

Large areas of glass such as is found in Conservatories can be targets for vandalism or even theft. Specially processed glass can help in the prevention of damage or forced entry.
Glass can be used to provide added security to your home. By using laminated glass which stays in situ on impact it can provide protection against deliberate attack such as vandalism or break-in. Laminated glass is available in a range of thicknesses depending on the level of impact resistance you wish to be protected from. When using laminated glass in windows consider the means of escape from upstairs rooms. Breaking out through laminated glass is as difficult as breaking in but this can be accommodated in the window frame design. The resistance to penetration of the glass can be aided by careful frame and locking system design to give maximum protection.

Relevant Products:
• Pilkington Insulight™ Protect
• Pilkington Optilam™
• Pilkington Toughened Glass
• Pilkington Screen Printed Glass