Security Window Films: An Important Part of a Layered Defense Plan
Security window film retrofits should be considered as part of any safety plan where ‘forced entry’ mitigation is identified as a priority. Installed properly on existing glass, security window film impedes entry into a building, home or storefront through windows and doors providing for enhanced reaction times. “Buying time” with secured glass leads directly to increased occupant safety and reduced loss of inventory & critical assets.
Film Basics & Professional Recommendations: Security Window Films 101
In general, “safety” or “security films” use tough layers of high-grade polyester to create a thick laminate of 4 to 14 mils. Installers apply the films on the interior surface of existing glass, adhering them with a strong, glue-like backing. The application process resembles wallpapering, but on glass surfaces. Technicians use a water and soap solution—not paste—and films take 30 to 60 days to fully cure and dry.
Manufacturers add UV inhibitors to most security films to guard against the sun’s harmful radiation.
These inhibitors protect the film laminate and adhesive backing from long-term degradation. Most film manufacturers offer strong product warranties of 10-15 years when installed by a certified technician.
Applied on the interior surface of window, door and lobby glass, these films are safe to clean with commercial cleaners and are available in clear (near invisible) and tinted versions.
Tinted security films offer visual security as well as physical protection by creating one-way visibility through glass from the interior view (see below image).
During the daytime, building occupants can see out through doors and windows. People outside cannot see in.
Installation Cost
Certified professionals can install high-quality security films for as little as $6–$10 per square foot of glass treated. Costs vary depending on film gauge, use of an attachment or anchoring system, and project size and scope. Security film with anchoring systems costs between $10–$18 per square foot. Turn-key crews can typically install these systems off hours and complete the job within a day or two.
What Security Films Will Not Do:
Security window films will not strengthen, keep from breaking or make glass ‘bullet proof ‘. The best way to describe the performance of installed security window films is to compare the results to the performance of a broken windshield after a car collision.
Upon impact, the glass breaks. But the lamination process keeps the shards together—often holding them in place. This helps protect occupants from dangerous glass fragmentation.
For forced entry events, security window films significantly slow access through glass, buying occupants valuable time to respond. Often, criminals confront secured glass and flee once they realize entry is unexpectedly impeded (see videos).
Maximum Protection Window Film Systems
For enhanced protection, Window Film Depot recommends that clients and security professionals have security films anchored to the window frame with either a structural caulk, like 3M’s IPA system or a mechanical attachment system, like the ‘no-bar’ system developed by Hanita Coatings from Israel.
The film-with-anchor system increases performance by making it much harder to enter through shattered windows or doors. This two-part system fastens the broken glass with security film to the frame. It makes gaining access to the space considerably more difficult.
When considering security window films as part of your safety plan, it’s critical to understand the benefits as well as the limitations of these important products. The best designed system retrofitted properly to your existing windows and doors is an important layer of defense effective at its primary purpose – buying time.
For more information, please contact:
Jeff Franson, CEO, Window Film Depot 404-313-1291
