If you want to make your windows safer you could replace your existing windowpanes with double-glazed ones. These will make the windows more resistant to impact but will also drastically drive up your budget. If you want to avoid a costly undertaking, consider security window films. They are a less expensive alternative and can make your windows more secure.
How Effective Are Security and Safety Window Films?
Homeowners have security window films installed for an array of reasons. They not only increase the security of regular windows but also provide several other benefits such as:
- Delaying or preventing burglary
Since the security window increases the strength of regular window glasses, it will take more time for burglars to break or cut through the windows.
- Reduce the risks of injury
Whenever windows shatter, they send thousands of tiny glass shards flying in every direction. If a security window film is applied to the glass, on the other hand, the glass will not fly everywhere even when shattered. Whether it’s an accident, a bomb blast, a natural disaster or an act of vandalism, the film will keep them stuck together.
- Window tinting
Window films do not come in only one color. There are several types of window films that come in a wide range of color. In addition to conferring additional security, they can also be used to make windows more aesthetically pleasing.
- Heat reduction
Window films can reduce the amount of heat entering a room because they add an additional layer to glass windows through which heat will also have to pass. Moreover, some window films can reflect backlight and heat and can contribute to maintaining the temperature in a room at a comfortable level.
- Reduce the amount of UV light entering through the window
Since the film that adheres to the glass windows are dark and increases the thickness of the windows, the sun’s ultraviolet rays passing through the window will significantly decrease. This reduces the amount of damage that UV rays can cause to furniture and fabric. The damage can range from discoloration to fading.
Hence, security window films not only significantly mitigate hazards from shattered glass during breaking-and-entering crimes, spontaneous breakage, or ‘smash and grab’ events. It’s true that with its ability to secure the broken glass in place, it can help prevent flying shards from harming occupants or causing further property damage. But window films can also serve another purpose: They can add supplementary protection against human intrusion.
Types of Security Window Film
There is not just one type of security window film on the market. Certain types, for example, consist of one or more layers of polyester film that are laminated together with special adhesives. It involves laminating multiple thin layers of film together to construct a thicker layer. The types of adhesives and films used vary from one product to another.
The thickness of security window films can, therefore, vary from one type to another. Generally, the thickness ranges from 100 microns to 350 microns. Some can even go higher than 350 microns! Obviously, the thicker the films, the stronger they are and the more secure they are. With each increase in thickness, the degree of break strength, tear strength, and puncture strength also increases. Films that are thicker tend to be more expensive and tend to take more time to manufacture. This is mostly because the amount of materials used is greater, resulting in greater cost and longer manufacturing time.
Each type of window security film is used for a specific purpose. Films that are 8 mils to 14 mils thick are the most common types of films used. For low threat environments, even thinner films can be used. Thinner films can also be applied when the primary reason for installation is tinting or solar protection. In higher threat environments where additional security protection is needed, thicker films are installed. Below we outline other types of films used:
- Anti-Smash & Grab
Anti-smash and grab security window films are used to fortify doors and windows. These can provide additional resistance against intrusions and forced entries. This type of security and safety window film is more appropriate in vulnerable entry points.
- Active Shooter Mitigation
Safety window films can have added advanced ballistics characteristics that provide an added resistance against bullets. This can deter an active shooter’s attack and can also hinder forced entry.
- Blast Mitigation
Films that are meant to mitigate blasts and explosions, whether accidental or intentional, can protect people and property in the blast zones. It reduces the harm that can occur from flying shards.
- RF Attenuation
RF attenuation and security window films are usually used by the government and in commercial buildings. This type of window film is the solution adopted for the secure handling of sensitive or classified information.
My cousin has been thinking about getting some better windows for her home to help her feel more secure. She would really like to get some security film installed by a professional. I liked what you said about how they can secure breaking glass and reduce damage by preventing human intrusion.
Thanks for helping me understand that every window security film would be used for a specific purpose. With that in mind, I should consult with a professional to get the right type for my windows. I just need to have some parts covered, but not completely because our house is on the corner of the street that is why we feel exposed most of the time with the passersby.
I liked it when you shared that it is important to consider installing security window films that come in a wide range of colors. In this way, you can deter or prevent intruders from gaining access to your property. I would like to think if a company needs to install security window films, it should consider hiring a reliable service that can help to do so.
Getting security film installed in the proper color would really help our home protect itself. Picking out the color we want could also add some level of aesthetic beauty to the place, something I feel like it has needed some improvements on for a while. I’ll go and look for any window security experts in the area that could help us out with getting something like this right away.