INVISIBLE SECURITY

 

Many "Security professionals" claim that the only way to secure a door with a window, (either in the door or beside the door), is to use a double cylinder deadbolt lock.  Quite often installing these locks is dangerous and irresponsible.  It is also inconvenient for the customer who must carry keys in order to open the door.

Double cylinder deadbolts have their place.  That place is not on fire exits.  SSI recommends to all our customers that you do not install a double cylinder deadbolt on a fire exit door.

In the extreme case where a customer demands a double cylinder deadbolt we will recommend a  Captive Thumb-turn Deadbolt.  

This deadbolt can be converted from a double cylinder deadbolt (with a key required to enter and leave) to a deadbolt with a thumb-turn for easy exit.

 

By using Lexan, SSI has made is possible for many customers to have the safety of a thumb-turn for easy exit and still keep the door secure from break and enter.  Thieves can no longer simply break the glass in the window and reach in to unlock the door.

      

RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Here are before and after photos of windows in a door.  

 

    

Before               -                       After

HOW EFFECTIVE IS LEXAN?

We install Lexan in either 1/8", 3/16" or 1/4" thickness.  Even at 1/8" Lexan is strong enough to withstand a hammer attack.  In fact the frame holding the Lexan in place is more likely to give way than the Lexan is to break.

This is why you should hire SSI to install Lexan for you.

Lexan is strong enough to have a bullet resistance rating.  When used in layers glued together Lexan can stop a bullet - as the photo below shows.

Yes, those are the bullets still lodged in the Lexan.

When used in combination with glass, Lexan provides invisible security for your home or office.

Lexguard, shown above, is glass with Lexan glued on both sides.  Very strong.

 

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WHAT IS LEXAN?

Lexan is GE's brand name for a type of plastic called "polycarbonate".  This plastic is virtually unbreakable.

From the Lexan product sheet:  "Lexan resin’s exceptional impact strength and practical toughness make parts virtually shatter-resistant, providing a high degree of safety and durability in service in the toughest of environments."

In layman's terms Lexan will not break if you hit it with a hammer.

It is clear, like glass.  SSI recommends Lexan to be inserted behind glass windows that are near doors.  The finished look is almost identical to the original.  Invisible security.

Lexan is a trademark of GE Plastics.
www.geplastics.com

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

The cost of installing Lexan in a standard 2' x 3' window in a door is about $150. 

This is a little bit more that installing a double cylinder deadbolt but far safer.

CAN I SEE IT?

No.

Lexan is transparent, like glass.  Some people replace broken windows with Lexan.  SSI does not recommend this as Lexan can be scratched.

WHAT ABOUT SECURITY FILM?

Security Film is an oxymoron.  SSI does not recommend using film for security.

So called "Security Film" is similar to thick Saran Wrap glued to your window.  The promise is for protection from Break and Enters.  As most customers eventually find out the film is far from ideal.

Simply put, the film must be mounted to something other than the glass for it to offer any form of security.  Otherwise when the glass falls out of the window so does the film - allowing the burglar access to your home or business.

Film cannot be applied to thermal pane glass or the window will crack.

Most companies in Toronto installing window film are not following the manufactures guidelines for installation.  This is resulting in a high failure rate for window film.

For more information on window film see the 3M website:  www.3m.ca