Good solutions (Existing buildings)
The aim must be to eliminate known traps and to identify potentially dangerous glass fronts. For private houses there is a series of efficient and rather cheap solutions. For commercial or public houses, this task is more demanding because long-lasting solutions with good aesthetical qualities should be found. Such solutions are much easier and cheaper when implemented during construction. Thus, good architects take an effective prevention into account already during the planning stage. In any case, panes with a high reflection degree should be avoided.
What sort of problem is it?
Reflection: Trees and the surrounding
are reflected in the window | 
Transparency: Trees and the surrounding
behind the window can be seen. |
Reflection:- Only markings applied across the whole surface and contrasting with the surroundings are effective.
- 2 cm wide stripes of adhesive tape applied vertically at maximum 10 cm apart (or 1 cm wide stripes at 5 cm distance) are very effective, as well as grids or nets etc.
- Markings should absolutely be applied on the outside, thus demanding a high and weatherproof quality.
Transparency: - In principle, the problem - and the solutions - are similar to those described for noise barriers and transparent walls.
- 2 cm wide adhesive tape applied vertically at maximum 10 cm apart (or 1 cm wide strips at 5 cm distance) are very effective, as well as grids or nets etc.
- As often combinations of reflection and transparency problems occur, markings should wherever possible be applied on the outside, thus demanding a high and weatherproof quality.
- In cases with purely transparency problems one can also prevent collisions by using opaque walls, curtains, decorations etc. inside.
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Examples Reflection
On a normal window or glass door you can apply a mosquito net. There are also nets on the market fixed in frames or working like sun blinds, see e.g.
www.neher.de,
www.windhager.at,
www.tesa.com They reduce the reflection quite well, but snow and ice during winter may cause problems.
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Stripes of a good quality (2 cm wide, 10 cm apart) mark the surface of this door. As they are bright they are also effective during periods of poor light conditions.
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Films with dots may be a good solution from the aesthetical point of view. However, they are less effective and reduce the entering light quite markedly.
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Artistic decoration of a conservatory. Applied in such a density this solution may be quite effective and easily removable. On can use different colours, e.g. window colours or spray cans.
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Decoration with plastic flowers outside a glass door. The density of the items is not sufficient. Winds may blow the cords against the glass pane.
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Big colour dots attached to the outside of windows. May be effective, but the density should be increased.
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A simple and fully effective measure is to leave the shutters down in a horizontal position. However, this reduces the entering light markedly and affects the view strongly.
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Alternatives
A quite simple and cheap, but effective method if you don't bother to nail into your wooden frames. You should use a conspicuous and not too thin nylon cord.
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Description Birdscreen >
www.birdscreen.com effectiveness
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Examples Transparency
Stripes of a good quality (2 cm wide, 10 cm apart) mark the surface of this bus shelter. As they are bright they are also effective under poor light conditions.
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This building was coated with glass years after its construction. To prevent collisions on the transparent edges, the usual stripes (width 2 cm, 10 cm apart) were mounted.
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Bright curtains may be very effective, e.g. in a conservatory or at a balcony. However, when suspended inside, some reflections may remain.
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Crystal decoration on a window (width about 60 cm) in a restaurant garden. Looks exquisite, but there is too much unmarked surface around the water lily.
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Such strip curtains may be used e.g. in conservatories or in walkways. They protect against the sun. Their effectiveness depends on their position.
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