Pentagon
Defense Department Installs Fragment Retention Film to Windows
The exterior facing glass of the Pentagon building in Washington, DC was protected by Fragment Retention Film when the terrorist struck the building on September 11, 2001.
In anticipation of the need for better security for one of the nation's most important structures, the Pentagon had the film applied to the interior surface of all the exterior facing glass on the outer building E-ring and the Child Care Center in 1998. Mid-Atlantic Commercial Window Shield (now operating as Commercial Window Shield) was selected as the contractor to perform this work.
Fragment Retention Film - also known as or Shatter Resistant Window Film, Security Film and "Mylar" is used to hold the glass together in the event of an explosion or terrorist attack. Although the glass may - and probably will - crack and break, the film holds the pieces together as one unit. This minimizes the chance that razor sharp daggers will get propelled through the air toward the building occupants. The project involved applying security film to the inside surface of some 2,800 panes of glass (1,513 window openings).
When the airplane struck the building, there was no product capable of preventing the destruction at the point of impact. However, surrounding areas were protected. Cracked glass and glass held together by the film could be seen in various live news and magazine pictures of the event.
U.S. News & World Report quoted someone in the building saying that the "Mylar" might have saved their life.
Security film is an important and accepted way to protect building occupants from the dangers of flying glass. Please call, fax or e-mail Commercial Window Shield with questions or if you are considering Fragment Retention Film for your building. We can offer suggestions, pricing estimates and samples.
Defense Department install fragment retention film to windows contract
"Wayne, Thank you for your email. Based on the information you have provided me below, I will give Steve the appropriate documents he needs from me. We will take care of the change order as quickly as possible, keeping in mind many people are on vacation due to the Christmas holiday. I would also like to thank you and your team for the outstanding work performed. DIA is extremely pleased with how quickly the work was done and with so few disruptions to the employees. You have a very professional and reliable crew. Please pass on my sincere thanks for their outstanding work. Have a Merry Christmas!"
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Susannah T. Finch
P.E.