Item 8D
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1~AY 22, 2®®6
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Hurricane Protection for Commission Chambers
SUBMITTED BY: Rick Carper, P.E., Director of Public Works
DATE: May 5, 2006
BACKGROUND: During budget workshops last summer, Staff proposed to acquire
commercial products for protection of the Commission Chambers during
hurricane conditions. The Commission approved in concept but because
of concerns over the changing technology, requested Staff evaluate
additional products and bring a proposal, along with comparisons and
evaluations, back to the Commission for final approval.
Staff compared two products, Windshield HPS, a high strength,
low weight, translucent solid covering and Armor Screen, a fabric netting
system. Windshield HPS is available in 10-mil and 16-mil thickness; with
either a Textron bolted fastener or a dual lock fastener (super velcro)
system. The 16-mil panel with Textron fastener fully meets the Miami-
Dade County wind requirements and is Florida Building Code (FBC)
approved. Use of the Textron fastener would result in permanently
installed screws around every protected window, resulting in a safety
hazard. The dual lock fastener is not FBC approved because it is glued to
the window frame rather than being mechanically fastened. Both
Windshield and Armor screen systems pass the missile impact tests for
the 120 MPH wind zone Atlantic Beach is located in. Because it is netting
rather than a solid covering, the Armor Screen system allows full visibility
through protected windows or doors. The Armor Screen fasteners are
removable'/2" stainless steel eyebolts.
A third type of protection, aluminum storm panels, had been
investigated after the 2004 hurricane season. This system was not
pursued, because it allows no light passage into the protected space.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends procuring the Windshield HPS system with the
dual lock fastener system. Because the Commission Chamber
window frames are inset inside cedar outer frames, the panels
would be protected from wind shear behind pushing them out.
The dual lock system is available in a black or translucent color
and would be the- least noticeable.
ATTACHMENTS: 1) Windshield HPS and Armor Screen Frequently Asked
Questions
2) Cost Comparison
3) Pictures of Installed Products
BUDGET: There is $10,000 allocated in Account 131-0000-519-64-00 for
Commission Chamber hurricane protection in FY 2006.
RE\/IEQIVED BY CITY MANAGER:
May 22, 2006 Regular Meeting
~~E~DA I~'~1Q~ ~~
19~I4.~' 22, 2~®~
Commission Chamber
Wind®~r / ®®®r Pr®tecti®n C®st C®mparis®n
S stem T e C®st
Windshield HPS Translucent anel $8,700.00
Armor Screen Nettin $14,000.00
Aluminum Storm panels (quote
dated 10/2004 Opaque panel $9.726.00
May 22, 2006 Regular Meeting
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1VI~Y 22, 2®®~
WIN®SHIEL® HPS FI2IEQUENTLY ASI~CE® C~UESTI®NS
1. What is Windshield?
Windshield I-IPS is a revolutionary new system for protecting windows and doors
from damaged caused by flying debris during a storm.
The system consist of three (3) basic components: The rigid ultra-light sheeting
serves as the panel that stops or deflects flying debris. Positive mechanical
fasteners attach the. panel securely to the window or door opening. The nylon tie-
on-base loop makes it simple to remove the panel for storage.
'Unlike many other storm protection products, Windshield HPS is a protection
system and as such is measured, cut and pre-installed by our professionally
trained representatives.
~" Windshield is not a film. It is a strong rigid lightweight panel capable of stopping
or deflecting projectiles before they strike the glass.
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~' 2. What is the process?
Once you have selected the Windshield HPS, a representative will arrange to
measure the windows and doors you wish protected.
~' During the measuring process a small permanent window identification label will
be installed on the frame, usually in the lower left corner of the opening.
Your panels will be precision cut to fit and marked in the lower left corner with
'~" their corresponding window identification label.
Each panel will then be installed in its designated opening and left in place for at
least 24 hours to allow the adhesives to cure.
After curing the panels can be easily removed and conveniently stored.
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3. How much does it cost?
The price depends on the size opening and whether it is on the ground or upper
floor. We invite you to contact us for a free quote for your particular needs.
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4. How long does it last?
Each of the three primary components has been utilized successfully in other
~, many applications and individually would last indefinitely. When combined to
form the Windshield HPS it would be safe to assume that the panels, unless
damaged in the act of stopping or deflecting substantial flying debris, should last
~, for many years: The fasteners should also last through many applications.
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5. Can I do it myself?
~. Yes, although we recommend that one of our trained representative perform the
installation.
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6. What are the benefits and advantages?
Extremely light weight
"' Translucent, allows light to enter
Panel is extremely strong, more resistant to damage than ordinary plywood
Will not crack, split or warp
~""" Easily removed
Requires no tools to install
Installs in minutes
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7. How long does it take?
Depending on our workload you can expect a Windshield PIPS representative to
measure your home within a few days of your request. Your panels should be
pre-cut and ready for their initial installation within a few weeks of placing your
order.
The pre-installation will take two or three hours depending upon the size of your
home. Once installed you should allow at least 24 hours for the adhesives to
properly bond before removing and storage. In time of need the homeowner
should be able to re-install each panel in just a few minutes.
~. I have my Windshield panels in storage. Can I hire Windshield to re-
install them prior to a storm?
~„ If time permits we will be happy to fill your request. Rlormally this will be
scheduled on a first call basis unless we have a prearranged or absentee owner
agreement in place. Please call for details.
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AI~1161®R SCREEN I'REQUENTLY ASI~E® t~IJEST'I®NS
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How does Armor Screen compare in cost to other systems?
A basic Armor Screen system is priced competitively at the low to medium price
range compared to other methods of hurricane protection. There are many
factors that can influence the installed price of a system.
~"" Armor Screen is a versatile product, often used to provide other benefits such as
sun screening and daily wind reduction. Consequently, site conditions vary
immensely and may affect price. Other factors such as color, geographic
location, optional mounting accessories such as track and roll-ups affect the
price. Even the standard of protection requested can vary.
""~' Is Armor Screen available in stores?
Armor Screen is a custom product installed by skilled dealers. We feel the many
benefits of the product are best made available by trained dealers.
Can I install Armor Screen myself?
The mounting systems for Armor Screen are important to it's strength and they
must be installed according to our specifications depending on the architectural
issues and constraints. Also, each screen is custom manufactured to fit each
,~ opening. As a result, we only allow qualified Armor Screen Dealers to install our
products to ensure your safety.
~, 1lVill Armor Screen stop wind-driven rain from penetrating my windows and
doors?
Yes! Wind-driven rain is one of the biggest problems in a storm. Doors and
~, windows are not designed to withstand the onslaught of water with that much
wind pressure. Armor Screen reduces the wind and water by 95%.
We even have a report after Hurricane Ivan of Armor Screen successfully
~ protecting a condominium from 6 hours of "green water" waves crashing onto an
Armor Screen protected porch.
~, How difficult is it to deploy and how long does it take?
All Armor Screen systems are easy to deploy. The screens are light weight and
the mounting systems typically require no special tools or devices. Because we
offer such a wide array of mounting systems it's impossible to estimate how long
your system will take to deploy.
Some systems are pulled across on a track and attached in a couple of minutes.
~- Others are stored in bags that must be retrieved from storage and attached.. But
even this type of system can be deployed easily and quickly. Whole office
buildings can be protected in a few hours with a small crew. Most homes can be
fully protected in less than one hour by one person.
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I9~Il~`Y 22, 2®®6
~"' What anchors are instailed into my building
Anchors can be installed in an inconspicuous manner and designed to not
detract from the aesthetics of your structure. If desired, anchors can be
'""" removable from the skin of your building. Color matched caps can be supplied to
cover the threaded insert.
Stainless steel is the heart of our anchoring system. All anchors are corrosion
~' resistant and are protected from electrolysis. Ground anchors in grass are
installed below ground level into a plastic receptacle (somewhat like a putting
cup) and can be mowed over.
UVhat kind of maintenance does your system have?
Armor Screen is designed to be maintenance free. The basic system has no
moving parts to clean, lubricate, or jam just when you are deploying in a
hurry. The fabric is practically impervious to the elements. Traditional rigid
'~ systems, of all types, often must be replaced if they are hit with flying debris.
Armor Screen just bounces back. Maintenance free savings add to the value of
Armor Screen.
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AGENDA ITEM 8D
MAY 22, 2006
AGENDA ITEM 8D
MAY 22, 2006
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AGENDA ITEM SD
MAY 22, 2006
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