FGIA Panel Addressed Fenestration Safety Products

A recent panel at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance’s (FGIA) 2024 Fall Conference explored 

the latest trends in safety-focused fenestration and glazing products, such as ballistic glass, 

school security measures and blast-resistant windows. 

According to a recent release, the panel—moderated by Mike Troutman of MI Windows and Doors—included 

Lothar Erkens of Winco Window, Matt Manning from Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope and Vaughn Schauss of Kuraray. 

Manning discussed the importance of installing ballistic glass to prevent weak points in a building’s security.

“With Sandy Hook, when [the shooter] first got there, he stopped because the door was reinforced,”

 Manning said in a statement. “But all he had to do was step about 2-1/2 feet to the left and he could get in. 

Similar to framing, the entire entrance needs to be hardened against that attacker.”

Meanwhile, Vaughn Schauss focused on the role of laminated glass in mitigating school shootings. 

He noted that ASTM F3561, a new standard, simulates active shooter scenarios to evaluate a window's 

forced entry resistance. And Lothar Erkens highlighted blast-resistant fenestration, 

explaining standoff distances and the effect of blast loads. 

“Blast resistance is a very complex topic,” Erkens said in a statement. 

“Blast resistance boils down to standoff distances and the range of positive pressure in the air following a blast.”

The panel underscored the increasing importance of safety-oriented glazing

 in vulnerable environments like schools, public buildings, and high-risk facilities.