With the recent changes in Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) criteria for Department of Defense (DoD) Antiterrorism Standards for Building (view our previous post for a full summary of window requirements) those responsible for historic preservation may be wondering about their roles in complying with these standards.
Antiterrorism Standards vs. the National Historic Preservation Act
These UFC standards for DoD inhabited buildings are not permitted to override regulations set forth by the National Historic Preservation Act. However, a DoD building that is determined to be an historic property must still meet antiterrorism standards.
Solution: Interior Window Systems
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires “determination of the effects of the anti-terrorism measures upon the building and, if adverse, how the effects can be avoided, minimized and/or mitigated.” A win-win solution to complying with the UFC DoD Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings while preserving historical buildings is installing interior blast security window systems. Since these blast windows are placed on the interior, the windows of your historic building are able to remain intact and still meet blast requirements. (See: UFC 4-010-01; 2-3.3 to determine blast threshold requirements*)
“The overarching philosophy upon which [UFC 4-010-01] is based is that comprehensive protection against the range of possible threats may be cost prohibitive, but that an appropriate level of protection can be provided for all DoD personnel at a reasonable cost.”
What is considered a “reasonable cost” may vary drastically depending on building renovation budgets. Meet both blast protection and historical preservation requirements in a budget friendly manner with Thermolite. We produce the least expensive blast security window system available in the US. Our blast security window system utilizes dynamic loading to prevent glass from flying into the building after a blast using patented compression release technology®:
- Allows laminated glass to move away from frame
- No transfer from the blast load to frame
- No structural reinforcement needed
- Saves time and money
Contact Thermolite today to find out how our RetroWal product can help you easily and affordably preserve your historic building’s windows while meeting DoD blast requirements.
*Certain specific requirements for blast protection are prohibited from being accessible on websites that are accessible to the general public.
The Thermolite engineering staff is an innovative structural, energy modelling, and implementation team that works to create unique window systems alternatives to traditional replacement windows. Our systems protect against blasts, hurricanes, and sound, while being energy efficient and quick and easy to install. We serve a wide range of industry buildings including government, military, historical, schools and universities, financial, health care, hospitality, and offices. Contact us today to learn how we could update your building’s window systems.
References:
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
36 CFR Part 800, Protection of Historic Properties
