When specifying a high-performance door, many building owners and managers focus on speed, security and durability. But one feature can have an outsized impact on safety, maintenance and the overall aesthetics of your facility: the windows.
Whether it’s in an auto dealership, parking garage, or government building, vision panels do more than let in natural light. They improve visibility while still providing security, create a better experience for employees and visitors, and enhance your building’s overall aesthetics.
The challenge is finding a window that can withstand the same demanding conditions as the door itself. That’s where LEXAN™ vision slats come in.
The Shift Toward High-Performance Materials
As facilities evolve, so do the materials used to build them. Today’s building owners and managers are looking beyond traditional glass to advanced materials that deliver durability and long-term value.
This means choosing materials that:
- Resist damage and wear
- Require less maintenance
- Improve safety
- Last longer
- Support sustainability
That’s why LEXAN polycarbonate vision slats are standard on Rytec Spiral® FV® doors. LEXAN is a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic that’s tough enough to withstand significant impact yet versatile enough for everyday items like reusable water bottles.
Better Visibility. Better Buildings.
Natural daylight has become an important part of commercial building design. Brighter spaces and improved visibility create safer environments and contribute to a more welcoming experience for employees and visitors.
LEXAN vision slats are formulated with pure resin to maximize optical clarity and light transmission. They come in two options:
- Clear panels for maximum visibility
- Translucent bronze- or gray-tinted options to reduce solar heat gain
Both can help reduce daytime lighting demands by allowing natural light into your building.
See-Through Safety
Vision slats help maintain safety and security within your facility. For example, the Spiral FV door has clear anodized aluminum-framed slats that provide visibility on both sides of the door, while maintaining the security of a rigid high-performance door.
Other rigid rolling doors can be outfitted with vision slats to give users a clear view into an adjacent area. These slats can be incorporated throughout the entire door for a full view of the other side or installed only at eye level to improve visibility while maintaining privacy and security. Additionally, they can be mixed with solid or ventilated slats to create a customized look.
Built for High-Traffic Environments
High-performance doors undergo thousands of cycles every year – and their windows need to tolerate this heavy use without becoming scratched, cracked or cloudy. Rytec’s LEXAN vision slats are engineered to withstand vehicle traffic, harsh weather, and exposure to dirt and debris.
Exceptional Impact Resistance
It’s important to note that Lexan is not the same as acrylic, also called plexiglass. While both are clear plastic alternatives to glass, acrylic panels are stiffer and more brittle than LEXAN, making them more susceptible to cracks and breaks.
Traditional glass and acrylic windows can crack or shatter when hit by a vehicle or debris. LEXAN delivers 30 times the impact strength of acrylic and 250 times the impact strength of glass while remaining lightweight – perfect for high-performance doors. The result is fewer broken windows, reduced maintenance and improved safety in busy environments.
Designed for Long-Term Performance
Many building owners are starting to evaluate investments in their buildings based on the total cost of ownership rather than only upfront costs. LEXAN vision slats are designed with long-term performance in mind. They’re backed by a 7-year limited warranty covering breaks, coating failure, excessive haze, excessive yellowing and loss of light transmission.
Advanced Surface Protection
Each LEXAN vision slat on Rytec’s doors features a proprietary MARGARD™ coating on both sides of the panel that protects against scratches, abrasions and everyday wear. The coating also provides excellent resistance to UV exposure, helping prevent yellowing, hazing and other signs of weathering that can reduce visibility over time.
Requires Less Maintenance
LEXAN vision slats with MARGARD coating stay cleaner longer, resist damage and require less upkeep throughout their service life. They resist paint, adhesives and other contaminants, making graffiti easier to remove while minimizing staining. Even if damage does occur, individual vision slats can be replaced to reduce downtime and repair costs.
Elevated Design Meets Everyday Performance
Full-width LEXAN vision slats can be configured in multiple layouts, creating clean sightlines and a modern appearance for any building style. They can be combined with ventilated slat options to improve airflow in parking structures and other facilities. These design options allow architects and building owners to create entrances that are as attractive as they are functional.
A Smart Investment for Modern Facilities
The right vision panel does more than improve visibility. It supports safer operations, enhances aesthetics and lowers maintenance costs of your high-performance door.
Contact Rytec High Performance Doors today to discuss your facility needs.
