The main purpose of security window films is to cover the vulnerability of glass in windows. Since the past, glass windows has been the most preferred material for windows as it transmits and refracts light while adding an aesthetic value to the building. Since glass has the drawback of being easily broken and shattered, possible options to reduce this have been researched for years. The creation of security films is one such achievement. Not only the additional strength but there are also many other advantages of these security films. Let’s investigate all these facts about window protective film.
Table of Contents
How Are They Made?
Several layers of polyester film are laminated together using special adhesives to create this security film. The thickness would vary from 4 to 15 mil or more. When the film is thicker, it is more durable and less likely to be broken or damaged. Solar protection and tinting are done using thinner films. There are also thinner films that have good strength, but the problem is they are more costly than normal films. There are some thin nano-layered films of thickness 8 mil. These are as good as a 15 mil standard security film. The tear strength of these nano-layered films is very high than normal films and stand even bomb impacts.
Do They Really Work? And How?
Yes, they do really work. Just as the other window films, security films also have the same mechanism of working. When an impact occurs, the binding nature of the film tends to keep the glass together, without allowing it to break or shatter. It makes the windows very difficult to break by intruders. There are two layers of glass in laminated security glass. There is a layer of PVB in between these glasses and glued together by pressurizing in an autoclave tank. However, you don’t need to replace your normal window glass with this security glass. Instead, you can use a security window film on the window glasses, as it provides the same security.
Benefits of Security Window Film
In addition to resisting impacts and providing security, there are many other benefits of security films. Let’s have a glance at these factors.
Visibility
These window films are thin, clear, and barely noticeable. Therefore, proper visibility through the window is maintained unlike when using tinted films. So, you don’t need to use additional light and increase your electricity bills as it allows natural light to illuminate your place. You can enjoy an unobtrusive view from your window and lift up your mood. Researches show that abundant natural light in an environment increases the productivity of occupants. Nevertheless, if you need transparent windows with added security, you also can go for Laminated Windows.
Privacy
There are also privacy options in security films. These are mostly used for buildings facing streets and public areas, in order to secure the property from any possible onlookers. This is necessary as most robbers re-plan their plots by looking through the windows for identifying valuables and these clearly observable places become easy targets. If intruders continuously observe any empty places or where people are living alone, then there is a very high probability of getting robbed. This is why privacy window tints are necessary, not to become easy targets for observers and intruders. You can also use these dark security films for decorative purposes of your building as well.
Security
Installation of security films on your window glasses makes it difficult to breach. Therefore, this delays intruders from breaking in by up to three minutes. Hence, this would catch the attention of the owners and give them some time to take necessary measures.
Shatterproof
Even when the window is broken, the glass fragments would be held together by the security window film. This reduces the shards and any possible injuries caused by sharp edges of broken glass.
Natural Disasters
Some areas have common occurrences of thunderstorms, tornados, or heavy winds. In addition to the gushing wind, this would bring flying debris of branches and stones that hit on the windows. Security films provide strength to the windows to avoid the breaking of glass. The occurrence of earthquakes and fires can blow out normal windows. However, if security films are installed, this risk of possible injury and damage will be reduced.
Solar Control
Security films with integrated tinting provide direct sunlight blocking ability. This would decrease the heating up of buildings in summer and warm climates. It can also work the other way round, to keep the buildings warm during colder seasons. This reduces electricity charges used up for air conditioning and heaters.
UV radiation is harmful to both people and property. UV exposure for a long time causes damage to the eyes and creates possible skin cancers. These rays also fade and depreciate the fabrics and furniture. The security film for windows can also block these harmful rays and prevent the discoloration of your property.
Are They Bullet Proof?
In reality, there are no bulletproof window films. There might be many advertisements that mislead people with such graphical creations. The only bulletproof facility is obtained by using bullet-resistant glass that is used for ballistic protection. There are different levels of security ratings for security films are ballistic glasses. The bullet-resistant glass resists certain types of bullets depending on the velocity, grain weight, and other similar factors. These cost more than security films. The cost of these glasses can be up to hundreds of dollars per square foot which is way more expensive than security film for windows.
Window Security Film Installation Cost
The average cost would be from $7 to $15 per square foot or even higher. This would mean that a 3 by 5 window would cost something between $105 and $225 and this might vary depending on the installation. The window security film installation cost depends on certain factors. Let’s identify them now.
Type of film
There are various types of window films that are created for different necessities of the consumers. These vary from simple solar blocking films, weather-resistant films to high-security films that are anti-intrusive.
Dimensions
The size and thickness of the film also matter. Thicker films are more costly as more material is required in its manufacturing process. Similarly, nano-layered films are even more expensive due to their precise manufacturing technology. As the length and width of the window increase, the cost also increases as more film is required in the installation.
French Panes
The windows without dividers are easy to be installed. However, small French windows are more labor-intensive and will need more time to complete the installation. Therefore, this increases its cost.
Working Conditions
Depending on the difficulty level of working conditions, the cost of labor may fluctuate. If the windows are cluttered, require ladder work, and cannot be accessed easily, the cost may increase. If removal of the existing film also needs to be done before the new installation, an additional cost would be charged. If you have your furniture moved and create easy access for the window film installers, and additional expense on the company’s labor cost can be saved. If the windows are to be reached with access equipment such as scaffolding, scissor lifts, boom lifts, or swing stages, then an additional cost would be charged.
Distance to Site
If the installation company workers need to travel a long distance for the installation of your window films, then they would need to charge for travel and accommodations. Sometimes, due to a large number of windows to be installed, they would have to stay over. However, not all companies would dedicate themselves to traveling a long way and spending their time, despite the advertisements. However, since you don’t want to take any risk of intruders, make sure to get assurance from the installation company of DOJ clearance of the installers that visit you.
How to Choose the Right Security Film?
Your ideal film the one that offers you the maximum benefits for the amount you invested. This depends on what you expect from your window film. If you are expecting only to avoid entry of intruders and burglars, then you can choose the respective security film. However, if you need added conditions such as privacy and solar control, then these too will be provided as you need. If you are a renter and need to get a security film, there are also temporary window films. They can be removed, but not reusable. You can install these with the permission of the landlord.
Research on all products and determine the best type for your building. You can check out more on the best window tint for your home from Residential Window Tinting. If you need to ensure the security of your commercial building, visit Commercial Window Tinting.
Alternatives to Window Security Film
Until you get the security window film installed, you can follow some alternatives to ensure your safety. Let us share some of these with you.
Cover your windows with blinds or curtains so that potential thieves cannot observe the inside of your home. Blocking the view is an easy security measure that can keep anyone from noticing the valuables inside your building.
Make your windows hard to reach by planting some thorny shrubs or bushes underneath. However, this would be against the building codes in some areas as windows are used as a means of exit during an emergency.
Install window guards or security screens as they do not allow intruders to break in. Keep the keys of window guards in a place to grab easily during an emergency evacuation. It is advised to have all window guard keys to be attached together so that you won’t lose them. However, the use of window grills and bars is not so attractive and lowers the value and appearance of your place.
