Lexan Windows

[LtBlondie]

Anyone out there had any experience with Lexan windows during fire operations?
We had 3 guys trapped in a 3rd storey home, and when they tried to "bail" the windows in this room werr lexan which when hit with the axe, it just "bounced "off and the only reason they did get out was due to the fact that one of them was a blackbelt and kicked the shit out of the window.
Just wondering if anyone else had any thoughts to share.

[iamvff]

We just talked a bit about it last night. If you spray it with a CO2 extinguisher and then hit it, it will shatter. Now with that being said....hope you have a CO2 extinguisher handy when you need it!

Be safe,
iamvff

[firedan76]

We have practiced on high security glass (lexon and the like) for auto x. as its getting more common with new car technology and vehicle's requiring security...we use drills, hole saws and recp saws on it ....smelly but works.

I've heard of lexon in high risk buildings (banks, convience stores ets) on interior glass but never residential exteriors...good thing to check for in preplan I guess.

If you have a force tool its likley easier to remove molding and take the window and frame out of the opening. Failing that, spreading the frame with by forcing a 2x2 (or whats available against both sides (vertical uprights of the window frame) may pop the "glass" free of the frame. None of this will be quick enough if you have the flame licking at your ass!:eek:

[Rescue78]

We have a buiding here that is housing for women that had to leave home for safety reasons. The windows are supposed to be bullet proof. The weekest part of the window would then be the frame.

This really stresses the importance of always carrying forcible entry tools.

[racerrescuebc]

The only exposure I've had to Lexan is in race cars. We just drill out the rivets holding it to the car and peel it away...pretty slick actually!!!

[Fireknight]

Rumour has it LT, that if you time your hits, one strikes it with the point of the axe, about a second after a similar strike by the first firefighter around the middle of the window, it will shatter, we have never tried it, but if you do let me know how it works out.

[merlin]

best thing for lexan is a skill saw with the blade in backwards,
cuts like a knife through butter. works for auto x

[LtBlondie]

yes but what are the chances of having a skil when your doing a fast attack or a primary or secondary search and need to get out fast?
Do you use one in training for auto ex?

[kriand]

This is how topics get off topic.
Blondie was asking about residential Lexan windows. Dealing with race car windows and auto ex is a different topic.
The call Blondie was talking about had 3 of our guys trapped on the 3rd floor. All they had was there hose line and search tools.

Hey Merlin....I'm sure the D.C. whould have the answers to that.
:rolleyes:

[FFWannabe]

Is there any way the industry could be persuaded to use a marking of some kind on the window? I know they serve a huge security purpose, but they also apparently pose a safety risk to those trapped inside (emergency personel of otherwise). Even some sort of marking on the window or frame that can be seen from the outside of the building sounds like it would make sense.

Just a thought! Sue :)

[Fireknight]

Originally posted by Fireknight
Rumour has it LT, that if you time your hits, one strikes it with the point of the axe, about a second after a similar strike by the first firefighter around the middle of the window, it will shatter, we have never tried it, but if you do let me know how it works out.

In case it got lost in the thread, this is residential windows that I am refering to.

[LtBlondie]

focus people!! hee hee

[LtBlondie]

I really don't know if anyone is interested but I have some test results that were done on both res. windows and now drywall that lexan is being put into, so I'll pass it on..

[Fireknight]

Originally posted by LtBlondie
I really don't know if anyone is interested but I have some test results that were done on both res. windows and now drywall that lexan is being put into, so I'll pass it on..

Yes please post,

[jessejames13]

I'm a firefighter in the states and I have a construction company on the side that builds and remodles houses to secure them against break in. We use security laminate glass, lexan, and other products. We also use doors that have a 4 hour breech time. I mark all our houses with a symbol and a 24hr phone number. Chainsaws with terminator or bullet chains work the best on any of the glass. Check out ACE securtiy Laminate or Anderson storm watch windows for more info on what to expect; this stuff is getting real popular real fast in the residential world. Plus look at Master Security doors. There's a lot of great info on their sights.

[CrazyLadder]

When I do our forcible entry class, I give them a 2 x 2' piece of 1/4" lexan and offer $20.00 to anyone who can "Break" it using tools we have on our trucks. They have cut, scratched the h?ll out of it, poked holes in it, but I still have my 20 spot.