Category: Product Highlight

In the wake of school shootings, governments at the local, state, and federal levels have put significant attention and resources into making schools safer to avert future tragedies. All too often, however, these critical resources are leveraged to integrate more rigid security measures in schools, such as hiring school resource officers (or “SROs”), installing surveillance systems and security devices, and even arming educators and faculty with guns.

While the emphasis toward both visible and physical safety measures is a reasonable approach in the aftermath of such devastating tragedies, the adoption of these measures to prevent school shootings have not been proven to advance safety in education institutions. Additionally, measures like recruiting SROs and installing metal detectors create a less welcoming environment for students.

It is therefore important to look beyond conventional security measures and invest in proven, evidence-based solutions to make school safer. While approaches like violence prevention programs, peer mediation interventions, and teacher training are vital cornerstones, infrastructure improvements can also help prevent school shootings and keep students safe.

Rethinking and Renovating How Schools are Designed

Four years after the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, administrators and architects have evolved their thinking as to how schools are designed. In 2019, a story about a $48 million upgrade of west Michigan’s Fruitport High School went viral due to the design’s emphasis on school shooting prevention. While the renovation won’t be complete till 2021, the new design emphasizes curved hallways that are intended to reduce sightlines for shooters. Additionally, jutting barriers throughout the school are designed to help provide shelter in the instance of an attack. 

“If I go to FPH and I want to be an active shooter, I’m going in knowing I have reduced sightlines,” Fruitport Superintendent Bob Szymoniak told The Washington Post about the curved hallways. “It has reduced his ability to do harm.”

Every school will prioritize a safe environment before it can be a place for learning. However, in an era when educators are strapped for school supplies and have to raise money on their own means, the reality of tighter budgets will call for more financially approachable investments. 

Securing the Most Vulnerable Point of Entry: Glass Windows and Doors

There’s no question that glass windows and doors are the most vulnerable point of entry in schools. Over the years, there have been many developments to help reinforce glass and prevent unwarranted, forced entry. The most advanced of these solutions are products like DefenseLite™ and BulletShield™.

DefenseLite is a retro-fit security shield that’s mounted onto existing window glazing, which provides significant protection against forced entry attempts. DefenseLite is a heavy-gauge architectural-grade polycarbonate and extruded framing system that’s 250 times stronger than glass alone. It’s been independently tested with a number of blunt force objects like hammers, batons, and hatchets with amazing results.

DefenseLite blends seamlessly with the existing window glazing, making for an invisible layer of protection without moving parts or unsightly reinforcements. While this infrastructure upgrade can certainly improve the level of protection in schools, DefenseLite’s ballistic counterpart BulletShield delivers the ultimate solution.

In addition to keeping intruders out, BulletShield is designed to keep bullets out as well. It’s a UL rated retrofit ballistic shield that’s designed to protect against both natural and human disasters. Unlike other bullet-resistant window treatments, BulletShield has become a leading security glazing solution for schools, as well as other vulnerable applications like courthouses, government buildings, and police stations. It’s been independently tested to provide UL 752 ballistic ratings, preventing breach against 9MM, .44 Magnum, and AR-15 bullets.

Barricading Systems and Lockdown Solutions

Alongside reinforcing glass windows and doors, barricading these points of entry offers additional protection for schools and educational institutions. In fact, The Department of Homeland Security recommends having systems in place to lock and barricade doors when sheltering in place against active shooters. The fact of the matter is, not all barricade systems are created equal.

There are a number of emergency lockdown solutions on the market today, such as The Sleeve from Fighting Chance Solutions as well as Nightlock’s Lockdown units which affix to door frames to prevent access. These systems are effective in deterring forced entry on inward or outward swinging doors, on doors made of both wood or metal. Not only do these barricade systems withstand tremendous force from anyone attempting to enter, but they can be integrated along with additional reinforcements like DefenseLite and BulletShield.

If you’d like to learn more about how to prevent school shootings with infrastructure improvements like DefenseLite and BulletShield, reach out to use via our Contact Page, or give us a call at (866) 933-3456.

As a home or business owner, the safety and security of your property and its occupants is important to you. While there are many ways that you can safeguard doors and other access points, glass windows will always be the most vulnerable point in its security. 

In catastrophic situations, broken glass from smashed windows becomes a hazard by turning into razor-sharp projectiles. This is where safety and security window film products can offer a protective element to help mitigate such threats.

But when it comes to fully preventing breakage and shatters, does window security film really work? Below we delve into this important question and what customers should expect from their investment.

How Does Safety and Security Window Film Work?

Normally, when conventional glass windows break, the glass shatters into pieces with some falling to the ground and others remaining attached to the frame. In extreme situations, the loose pieces may fly off and potentially hurt someone or cause further damage. 

Safety and security window film is made up of a thin, micro-layered and tear-resistant plastic film that is applied over the surface of the windowpane and is designed to hold the glass in place when it breaks. Rather than separating into individual pieces, the windowpane stays in place. The film also provides extra strength and resilience to the windowpane which can help stop it from breaking in the case of less severe impacts.

An example of this type of product is 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film, which provides a budget-friendly solution to help minimize damage caused impacts or forced entry. While such safety and security window film provides a high level of glass protection, it’s debated whether or not it’s enough protection for extreme situations. 

Another product is 3M™ Impact Protection Attachment Systems which securely attach the film-coated window to the frame to stop it from being popped free. This is an essential feature as the window will often become flexible when it breaks. While the glass pieces would still be held in place by the film, the windowpane could potentially be pushed inward and freed from the frame giving an intruder easy access. The attachment system prevents this from happening.

Is Safety and Security Window Film Unbreakable or Shatterproof?

While these products from 3M™ offer adequate safety for most naturally occurring threats, the question remains: are these security window film products completely unbreakable and shatterproof? 

The short answer to this question is no. Although 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film and Impact Protection Attachment Systems are effective in minimizing breakage threats and delaying forced entry attempts, they do not make glass 100% unbreakable or shatterproof.

A stronger and more reliable solution to better prevent shatters and breaks is DefenseLite™, a window glazing solution that’s 250 times stronger than glass alone. DefenseLite™ is not an applied security film, but rather a heavy gauge architectural grade polycarbonate and extruded framing system that’s designed as a retro-fit security shield which mounts onto existing glazing.

DefenseLite™, along with its more advanced ballistic option known as BulletShield™, effectively transforms glass windows and doors into impenetrable shields. While most security window films can delay forced entry for about 30-45 seconds, DefenseLite™ has been engineered to prevent vandals, smash and grab threats, and forced entry attempts. It’s been independently tested with many different blunt force objects ranging from batons, hammers and hatchets with amazing results.

If you’re looking to make glass fully shatterproof and unbreakable, we recommend DefenseLite™ and BulletShield™ as reliable solutions for glass protection. These security window glazing solutions are optimal for schools, educational institutions, government facilities, and other buildings that may be vulnerable to armed intrusion, bomb blasts, and other outsider attacks.

What Situations Does Security Window Film Protect Against?

Although DefenseLite™ and BulletShield™ are the most dependable options to fully prevent breakage and shatters, security window film still has a place for many different applications. Here are a few situations where security window film can help protect your windows, your possessions, and your family from harm.

Vandalism, Break-ins, and Forced Entry Attempts

Burglars are always on the lookout for easy targets to rob. Windows provide easy access to the average home or business premises with a burglar just needing to smash the window and climb right in. By installing security window film, you make your windows a lot harder to break to provide an easy entry point for a robbery. This makes your home or business a much higher risk for the average burglar which means they will likely give it a miss and try to find a more viable target.

While riots and other forms of civil unrest aren’t a common occurrence, they do still happen. Vandalism is a far more common threat, particularly for businesses with large window fronts. In both cases, regardless of the intent of the person who caused the damage, your window has now become an open access point for anyone to enter your property and steal your possessions or business inventory. By installing security window film you limit the chance of your windows shattering entirely and leaving your property unprotected as a result.

Severe Weather and Accidents

The weather can get unpredictably intense at times, with abrupt windstorms and hail being a threat to the integrity of glass windows and doors. A tree branch blown against your window by a strong gust of wind can easily shatter it and send shards flying inside. This leaves the window open to the elements until you can get it repaired.

Accidents around your home can also be a threat to your windows. A backyard game of baseball or a similar sport can quickly get expensive if the ball goes through your window.

In addition to holding your window in place if it gets accidentally broken, safety and security window film can also provide added protection to potentially stop your window from breaking to begin with. A bit of extra strength and resistance can sometimes make the difference between temporary deformation and breakage.

Catastrophic Events

If you live or operate a business in an area that’s prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, and other catastrophic events, then one of your fears might be that such occurrences can result in window breakage in a severe way. This also includes mitigating blasts from human causes, such as riots or terrorist threats. Safety and security window film can help alleviate this concern as reinforced glass is less likely to turn into flying shards if your home is susceptible to violent catastrophic events.

Regardless of any other measures you may take to protect your windows, an extra layer of protection in the form of security window film is a smart investment to make. In addition to providing more protection against damage and theft, adding an advanced form of window protection film will likely help reduce your insurance premiums. Your windows will always be the weakest link in your building’s security chain, so every extra bit of protection you add helps keep you and your building safe and secure.

Retail smash and grab events are occurring more and more often these days. Amidst times of pandemic and civil unrest, the prevalence of these events can escalate at alarming rates. 

Many types of businesses are at risk fir smash and grab occurrences, however retailers are especially vulnerable. A vast majority of these crimes happen through glass windows and doors. Within a matter of minutes, valuable possessions like computers, inventory, and even private information can evaporate. The idea that this could happen to any retail store is quite unsettling. Fortunately, there are measures that can help protect and reinforce glass windows and doors, and effectively prevent unwarranted entry.

Smash and Grab Prevention Solutions for Retailers

Various types of businesses around the country have invested in window film for its many benefits, including energy savings, enhanced customer and employee comfort, and protecting against the sun’s damaging UV rays. But now more than ever, optimizing the safety and security of a business, its occupants, and its inventory has become a critical priority.

At Window Film Depot, we offer proven products and solutions to prevent smash and grab burglaries. Not only can we recommend the best smash and grab prevention solution, but certain products can also deliver on the various benefits mentioned above. In short, it’s an investment that pays for itself in more ways than one.

What are the best smash and grab prevention solutions for retailers? Below are three different products that we stand behind.

DefenseLite™ Forced Entry Glazing Solution

DefenseLite is an advanced forced entry glazing solution that’s designed to protect against intruders and minimize damage from break-ins and vandalism. Tested to be 250 times stronger than glass alone, DefenseLite is engineered using unbreakable, UV-coated polycarbonates and a proprietary anchoring mechanism that can be mounted onto existing window glazing. 

DefenseLite has been independently tested with several different blunt force objects, including batons, hammers, and hatchets. Common applications include schools and universities, corporate offices, retail storefronts, governmental agencies, and other buildings exposed to large populations of people. For a bullet-resistant version of DefenseLite, there’s BulletShield – an impenetrable layer of clear glass protection. 

3M™ Safety & Security Window Films

When it comes to warding-off theft and vandalism, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Films is the best solution for retailers with vulnerable points of entry, such as glass doors and storefronts. In terms of anti-smash and grab window film treatments, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film is the best measure next to DefenseLite™. 

Not only does it effectively prevent smash and grab attempts, but it mitigates hazards from shattered glass while holding windows and doors in place. In turn, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film can significantly deter unwarranted entry, stolen products, and further harm to the premise or its occupants.

3M™ Impact Protection Attachment Systems 

3M™ Impact Protection Attachment Systems essentially “attach” the security window film to the frame of the door or window. Not to be used as a standalone smash and grab prevention solution, Impact Protection Attachment Systems bind together the glass, film, and frame to form a single, secure unit that’s designed to withstand repeated assaults.

Like other window film and glazing solutions, there are a variety of Impact Protection Attachment Systems available. Selection of the right attachment system is determined by your glass, frame type, and threat.

Protect Your Business and Its Assets

Whether a building demands anti-smash and grab capabilities or more advanced forced entry protection, there are a number of treatments that can reinforce glass against forced entry. For more information about suitable products and installation services, contact us at Window Film Depot or call us at (866) 933-3456.

With the various types of sun control and energy saving window films available, what is the best UV blocking window film? Well, that depends. 

Most residential and commercial window films are equipped with some degree of UV protection. However, some products (like those from 3M™) offer additional benefits for enhanced appearance, heat retention, or privacy. 

Most 3M™ sun control window films block 97% of harmful UV rays, several of which also block heat and prevent dramatic temperature swings. But when it comes to determining the best UV blocking window film, the choice often depends on what additional features are desired. To help shed healthy light on which product is best for your needs, below are several types of sun control and UV blocking window film products worth considering from 3M™.

3M™ Traditional Series 

As a commercial-specific window film for office buildings, retail storefronts, and other business applications, the Traditional Series from 3M™ is a UV blocking sun control film that’s designed to save energy, improve privacy, and enhance aesthetics – all on a budget. The Traditional Series includes P18 Classic silver and Affinity commercial-grade films. The darker tint options further helps reduce glare and eye discomfort, while the increased reflection of this film helps enhance daytime privacy and can create a more uniform exterior appearance.

The Traditional Series for Commercial blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays and provides energy savings resulting in potential paybacks in less than three years. It also can be applied to over eight different LEED Certification credits.

3M™ Neutral Series 

With options available for both commercial and residential applications, 3M™ Neutral Series significantly blocks the amount of harmful UV rays while delivering ample heat rejection, energy savings, and improved comfort. This UV blocking film is also available in a variety of glare-reducing tint levels to better suit your preferences. Its soft hues give this film an attractive look that’s fitting for both residential and commercial windows.

3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Series 

3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Series is one of the most popular window film products for both commercial and residential applications. For buildings exposed to four season climates, 3M™ Thinsulate™ delivers insulating and temperature control capabilities. It also provides an effective and affordable alternative to replacing inefficient, single-pane windows, which is a common scenario for older homes and historic structures. 

3M™ Thinsulate™ can improve the sustainability, comfort, and appearance of new office towers, registered historic buildings, and every sort of building in between. With its UV blocking capabilities, it provides adequate fade protection while remaining virtually invisible. In short, its neutral appearance will not dramatically change the look of glass windows – inside or out.

3M™ Prestige Series

3M™ Prestige Series window films uses industry-leading, spectrally-selective technology that’s designed to keep building occupants cool, comfortable and protected. It’s available for residential and commercial applications, as well as a Prestige Exterior Series that delivers advanced Visible Light transmission.

The 3M™ Prestige Series uses non-metallized, multi-layer optical film and nano-technology to block up to 60% of the heat and 97% of the sun’s infrared light coming through your windows. As one of the best UV blocking window films, they also reject up to 99.9% of damaging UV rays to effectively reduce fading of your furnishings.

Prestige Series window film provides low interior and exterior reflectivity that enables occupants to enjoy views from inside, all while maintaining an attractive look from outside. Unlike other UV protection and sun control films, they can become carbon negative in as short as six months from install.

3M™ Ceramic Series

3M™ Ceramic Series window film is a non-metallized film that comes in a natural tone to provide optimal clarity. In addition to blocking 99% of UV rays, the Ceramic Series is also proven to keep occupants cool by rejecting up to 80% of the sun’s heat-producing infrared rays. It’s a popular window film when aesthetics and natural appearance is just as much priority as UV and sun protection.

Advanced ceramics allow these UV films to maintain their color and appearance over time. They’re designed with a scratch-resistant coating to ensure clear, unobstructed views for years, and they’re manufactured for both commercial and residential applications.

3M™ Night Vision™ Series 

3M™ Night Vision™ Series has been specially designed to deliver improved savings and comfort while providing enhanced sight at night. While not limited to nighttime hours, the Night Vision™ Series helps block the sun’s damaging UV rays, minimize glare, and reject up to 71% of the sun’s heat. 

Night Vision™ Series films allow 15% to 35% of the natural light into your rooms by day, and thanks to a low interior reflectivity, occupants can still enjoy a clear view by night. Also designed using 3M™ nano-technology, the film’s color stability is greatly enhanced so no distortion in outside view is evident. You can find this window film available in commercial and residential-grade options.

Honorable Mention: CoolVu Transitional Film

While all of the UV blocking films above are from 3M, we couldn’t conclude this post without mentioning CoolVu Transitional Window Film. These are some of the most functional, attractive, and advanced solar window film options on the market today. CoolVu Transitional films are known for their ability to adapt to the intensity of sunlight, dynamically optimizing your indoor environment.

In essence, CoolVu activates from a clear to a tinted state when exposed to sunlight. By adapting to the amount of sun exposure, CoolVu Transitional Films provide much needed sun control only when occupants really need it. They deliver 99% blockage of UV rays and up to 80% reduction in solar-induced heat gain, but without compromising the sun’s natural light. To learn more, visit our page on CoolVu Transitional Window Film.

These are some of the best UV blocking window films for both energy savings and solar protection against fading. For more information about these window film products, how much they cost, and other options, contact our experts at Window Film Depot.

In the world of window films, decorative film is one of the most popular categories. In addition to being high in demand, the spectrum of decorative glass film is vast, spanning from various applications (i.e. glass doors, walls, interior and exterior windows) to an endless array of types, such as frosted privacy film, perforated graphics, architectural films, and many more. To highlight some of these various styles, below we share seven different types of decorative film for interior and exterior applications.

1. Frosted Glass Film

Ideal for windows, glass walls, and doors, frosted glass film can add a layer of privacy while still allowing natural sunlight to illuminate rooms. Frosted films come in many different styles and offer endless design possibilities. They can be partially or fully-concealed and integrated with distinct patterns, gradients, and custom designs. While often used to create private spaces for homes, offices, and other facilities, they can also complement the beauty of architectural and interior design styles. 

Frosted glass film is a popular choice for both interior partitions and exterior windows. For interior applications, the 3M™ FASARA™ series offers a number of distinctive styles well-suited for both commercial and residential living spaces. In addition to providing products and installation services, we help customers explore options within this decorative film category and pinpoint the ideal match for their project needs, in both feature and aesthetic. 

2. Textured and Gradient Decorative Film

Both gradient and textured decorative films can be a visually pleasing and practical pairing of gradual transitions and minimalist style. There’s no hard choice between coverage and obvious sightlines. Textured and gradient window films make it easy to emphasize the attractive qualities of space and what needs to be disguised. 

With gradient window film, customers can choose from a wide range of geometric and organic patterns, or have a window film installation professional orient gradient opacity from different angles, depending on the desired effect. 

Like specialty glass and some types of gradient films, textured decorative film provides ample privacy while adding an elegant accent to both interior and exterior spaces. Not only are such decorative films tasteful alternatives to window blinds, shades, and drapes, but they permit natural light and cater to stunning design possibilities.

3. Architectural Film

Architectural films are a style of decorative glass films that are used for decor, functionality, or both. Architectural window films typically provide the energy saving and UV blocking benefits that sun control films offer but with added aesthetics and design possibilities. Although mostly common in offices and commercial spaces, architectural films can also add character to the interior and exterior of homes.

Architectural films allow customers to create stunning interior environments as well as creative exterior environments by incorporating unique characteristics and mood perspectives. From frosted and matte finishes to alluring color spectrums and geometric patterns, decorative glass window film offers both creative design ideas and advanced sun control capabilities that some customers require.

At Window Film Depot, we offer a wide range of architectural decorative films from 3M™, including products from the FASARA™ series of glass films, DI-NOC vinyl wrap finishes, and Dichroic Films for architectural laminated glass.

4. Perforated Vinyl Film

Ideally suited for custom and commercial applications, perforated vinyl film offers a whole world of possibilities. From transforming glass doors and windows into prime advertising real estate or adding an alluring aesthetic to storefronts or restaurants, perforated film is applicable for both short-term and long-term needs. 

Popular for storefront signage, window displays, promotions, and other visually-centric applications, perforated vinyl film in can allow for one-way viewing from interiors or may be used on storefront glass to promote a business. Truly decorative in their very nature, perforated films offer creative possibilities for branding and marketing.

In fact, advertising and marketing agencies often work with installation teams like Window Film Depot to help them actualize campaigns that feature head-turning window graphics, displays, and other indoor and outdoor media. When it comes to custom perforated vinyl film, we can design both decorative and intentional concepts, as well as handle the printing and installation of the finished product.

5. Patterned Decorative Film

Trending on the side of custom window film and specialty glass, patterned decorative film can offer a refreshing vibe that adds style and originality to a space. While not limited to commercial applications, the sophisticated styles of patterned window film bring both personality and privacy to any space. They can create distinct moods and levels of coverage by skillfully balancing transparency, matte areas, and surface finish.

Similar to textured, gradient, and frosted films, patterned decorative film can add an inspired accent to any project. From geometric patterns, contemporary barcode stripes, and etched sparkles, patterned glass film is a true complement to an interior’s creativity. 

6. Specialty Decorative Film

The category of specialty decorative film is often used to describe a very diverse collection of unique films that render different colors, moods, and perspectives. These distinctive films can be used to customize both interior and exterior glass to create style and character.

Specialty decorative films are often translucent, colorful hues such as blue, green, red, and yellow tints. These films add color to glass and illuminate when light passes through. They can be installed alone or in combination with opaque white and black film to produce a number of different effects.

7. Custom Decorative Film & Window Graphics

Many customers require custom window graphics and films to accommodate certain initiatives. While most common in commercial applications, custom window graphics can help actualize compelling marketing strategies to grab the attention of target customers. Not exclusive to retail shops and storefronts, window graphics offer limitless creative potential to develop impactful ideas for both large and small scale projects. 

Custom decorative films and window graphics can be used to showcase sales and promotions, feature new inventory, make announcements, or leverage as signage and long-term applications. They can also be used to enhance interiors with new moods and perspectives. Imagine transforming a modest storefront into head-turning marketing tool with creative, properly placed window graphics. Or envision a newly-inspired office space that’s been rejuvenated with color, imagery, and other alluring graphics. With custom decorative film and window graphics, the boundaries are limitless.

For more information about decorative window film for either interior or exterior glass, contact Window Film Depot for product assistance and a free estimate. 

Transitional and switchable film may seem similar on the surface, but both options offer very different features and functionalities. Both are some of the industry’s most advanced window films that offer dynamic, transformational capabilities, however, when looking at how each of these window films function and what benefits they provide, switchable film and transitional film each cater to very different needs.

The good news is this makes the decision between transitional film and switchable film fairly easy for most consumers. In short, prioritizing privacy or sun control is often the determining factor. Below we share information about the core capabilities and differences between transitional and switchable film, and which type is more fitting for certain applications.

Switchable “Smart” Film

Switchable film, commonly called “smart film,” uses electrochromic technology to allow users to manually switch glass from a transparent to an opaque state. Switchable glass film is often applied to interior glass walls, windows and doors, as it provides a dynamic layer of privacy when needed. It can also be used as a backdrop for projectors and other means of collaboration.

From brands like Gauzy, Smart Tint®, and Intelligent Glass, there are a number of different switchable films on the market. Although some of these options do not require professional installation, the features these products offer can greatly vary. For example, one of the biggest drawbacks in certain “smart film” solutions is the inability to reduce solar heat gain and protect against UV transmission through glass. Similarly, most switchable films are battery operated, thereby requiring added maintenance over time. 

Most projects involving switchable film are interior glass applications, such as commercial office buildings, governmental agencies, and educational facilities. While these unique films provide transformational qualities required for privacy, they often lack the sun and temperature control capabilities that transitional film delivers. At Window Film Depot, we educate customers about switchable smart film and which products are ideally suited for their needs. 

Transitional Film

As the name implies, transitional film changes from a clear to a darker tinted state, but only when exposed to the sun’s UV radiation. By effectively adapting to the amount of sunlight coming through glass windows and doors, transitional film delivers concentrated levels of sun control, only when needed.

The most popular product in this class is CoolVu Window Film. This film uses a proprietary method to create a stable photochromic reaction in the instance of UV transmission. One could argue that transitional window film is inherently more intelligent than “smart film” because it automatically adapts based on the level of sun exposure it’s receiving. 

Perhaps the most compelling quality about CoolVu Window Film is that it selectively filters solar energy, blocking out 99% of the sun’s UV radiation and over 80% of the infrared heat gain through glass. In turn, most CoolVu installations can pay for themselves within 3-5 years, depending on a building’s design and the climate in which it’s located.

Which Window Film is Better?

When it comes to sun control capabilities like blocking the solar heat gain and damaging UV rays, transitional film is the obvious winner. In the context of privacy, switchable “smart film” may be more appropriate. However in some cases, using both transitional and switchable film can actually make sense. For more information about these types of window films and other glass treatments, contact Window Film Depot to get a free estimate.  

3M™ window film is one of the most popular choices of window films currently on the market. It provides a multi-layered optical, thinly coated film that utilizes nanotechnology and is resistant to abrasion. Naturally, one of the chief concerns that buyers have is the 3M window film price. This post will estimate the typical 3M window film cost and analyze how this price is calculated.

How Much Does 3M Window Film Cost?

While there isn’t a one size fits all approach, there are definite guidelines as to what you should reasonably expect to pay. The final price will typically depend on the size of film required, the scope of the work, the specific type of window film, and how difficult the installation is. 

We’ll break down each of these to give you a strong idea of what you should expect to pay. In general, you can expect to spend $5-$8 per square foot. However, luxury options like the 3M Prestige window film price will likely end up at $10-$12 per square foot.

Cost per Square Footage

As with most jobs in the window film industry, the cost of 3M window film is primarily based on square footage. Like the concept of bulk orders, larger projects can often be installed at a lower cost per square foot than smaller counterparts despite having an overall higher cost. However, in the context of residential projects, homeowners will often find themselves paying approximately $5-$8 per square foot range identified above.

After this, factors like warranty, longevity, tax credits, and product clarity can all impact the cost of 3M window film as well as future ROI. Additionally, the quality and professionalism of the installation can also impact the upfront cost of window film but also the longevity of the product. That said, paying more up front can often lead to a decrease in repair and maintenance costs on the backend.

Installation Cost of Window Film

The other main factor in determining the price of 3M window film is the installation cost. You’ll definitely need to consider the cost for a clean and professional installation, which is usually paid by the hour. As a point of reference, a standard job with around 2-3 glass panes is typically completed within 1 hour.

The frame type is also a major consideration as newer wood frames will typically cost more than their vinyl counterparts. If your windows are larger than average or you require a 2nd or 3rd story installation, the cost is also likely to increase. Although it depends on the scope of the work, the installation cost still won’t typically take you over $6 per square foot. 

Value of 3M Window Films

At these numbers, you’re probably wondering, ‘Am I getting a good deal?’ The value of 3M window films doesn’t stop after the installation process. First and foremost, you’ll start to enjoy substantial savings on your heating and cooling bills. You’ll also remove glare that can lead to fading on your floor and furniture. 

These window films will typically provide 20-30 years of reliable protection, making them an excellent tinting option. With most 3M window film prices coming in at just $5-$8 per square foot, this can provide substantial long-term value.