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Features

Building Security

Alarm-activated rolling closures offer protection and enable swift evacuations
A grill door
A grill door combines the benefits of visibility with intelligent design for an emergency response. Photos courtesy Clopay Corporation

At its most basic level, the primary function of any building is to protect the people within it—to provide shelter. As society has evolved, so, too, have shelters. The metal industry has made advances in materials, affording architects and designers much more freedom to design buildings with enhanced safety. That said, as threats evolve, so, too, must the technology used to combat them.

Today, notable innovations, specifically in security grilles, are enhancing safety in everything from schools to offices. With their rugged steel and aluminum structures, these grilles are a testament to the strength and resilience metal components bring. Their curtains are often constructed with lightweight-but-strong aluminum rods and links and a heavy-duty extruded aluminum bottom bar, ensuring both durability and tough-to-breach performance for enhanced protection against various threats.

While the metal composition offers robust protection, one key innovation in today’s evolution of security grilles lies in their advanced tech: a sophisticated alarm-activated rolling system that balances mechanical practicality and technological ingenuity. Engineered to bridge the gap between rapid response and safety during emergency scenarios within a facility, alarm-activated rolling doors or grilles provide key safety features to secure internal points of access.

During intruder-based threats, these rolling doors or grilles are designed to deploy and create lockdown zones within a building, preventing an intruder from accessing other points of the building. Metal doors are particularly effective in this regard due to their sturdy and resilient nature, which makes them highly resistant to forced entry attempts, thereby enhancing the security of the enclosed spaces. During fire emergencies, they open, facilitating freedom of movement for fast evacuation routes. This nuanced response is a product of customizable controls, determined by end-user protocols and tailored to a building’s design and emergency management blueprints. Such features are invaluable assets for sensitive environments such as educational and government facilities, where the dual objective of restricting intruders or enabling rapid evacuation is paramount.

Solid galvanized steel curtains
Solid galvanized steel curtains provide enhanced visual prevention and advanced security. Photo courtesy Clopay Corporation

One of the key advantages of this technology is its adaptability, particularly reflected in its unique
wiring system programmed to respond automatically to fire and threat alarms differently: closing for threats and opening for fires. Unlike conventional products in this category, which typically only permit a door or grille to close upon alarm activation, this innovative solution enables an operator to seamlessly switch between alarm inputs. This capability significantly aids response teams in real-time threat management, adapting to the specific nature of the threat at hand. Such a level of customization extends to the grille or door movements, aligning with specific needs and adding a layer of design flexibility for all points included in a response plan.

This modern safety tech does not just stop at functionality; it takes a leap into enhancing emergency response. A key override feature is in place for staff and authorities to adeptly manage any alarm condition. Moreover, the operating system—designed with dual alarm inputs and a self-contained backup power supply—ensures the door or grille remains operational during power outages, thereby enhancing the reliability and resilience of the safety measures within the facility.

In a landscape where safety and security are of the essence, alarm-activated rolling doors embody a comprehensive approach to building security. They meld technological innovation with practical utility alongside highly customizable aesthetics. This blend not only elevates the bar in building security but also sets a new standard on how facilities can be both secure and adaptive amidst evolving threats. Through this lens, general contractors and metal construction installers are equipped with a robust tool, initiating a shift toward a safer and more responsive architectural landscape.

These alarm-activated rolling metal doors symbolize a stride toward a future where architectural designs are deftly intertwined with safety and emergency response protocols. It is not merely about reacting to emergencies; it is about doing so intelligently and efficiently, safeguarding the well-being of the occupants while preserving the structural integrity and operational efficiency of the building.

With 16 years of experience in manufacturing and building materials, Heather Bender currently serves as the director of commercial product marketing at Clopay Corporation, Mountain Top, Pa. Excelling in product management, she adeptly handles product inception to commercialization. Her role involves finding unique solutions for building owners and designers, highlighting her strategic and innovative approach to complex industry challenges. She can be contacted at hbender@clopay.com.