Window film for commercial buildings

Introductory Guide to Security Window Film Are you worried about the security and safety of your commercial property? With rising incidents of crime in suburban neighborhoods, beefing up your business security should be your top priority.

What are security window films?

Commercial security window film is simply a clear or tinted polyester film that is installed on the glass window of offices or commercial properties. It helps prevent the glass from shattering when a burglar tries to break it to gain entry into your commercial property.

Benefits of security window film v Use of this film reduces the chance of injuries due to flying glass when the glass is completely shattered. Glass may shatter due to an impact from a natural disaster, accident, bomb blast or an act of vandalism. v Security window films fortify the window panes. It prevents or delays entry of unauthorized persons. v It is important to understand that some types of security window films provide benefits that are not directly related to security such as the reduction of glare, UV rays and heat.

Types of security films These window films are inclusive of one or more layers of polyester film. Typically, window films used in various commercial properties range from 4 mils (100 microns) to 14 mils (350 microns). The degree of break strength, tear strength and puncture strength increases with the thickness of the security window film.

Due to a greater amount of material used, thicker security window films of 8 mils to 14 mils in thickness are mostly used in any security application. When the primary reasons for installing protection film is for solar radiation reduction or tinting, thinner films are used.

Different installation methods It is usually installed on a retrofit basis on the inside of existing windows. Installation often involves applying and cutting the film to the surface of glass of each window. Installation must be carefully carried out, in order to eliminate air bubbles and creases. “Daylight� is the most commonly used method when installing security window films to glass.

In this method, the film is carefully installed to the surface of glass leaving a very slight gap between the window frame and the edge of the film.

The anchor method of installation is used when an increased degree of protection is needed.

There are two methods of anchored installations - Mechanical and wet anchored. If the daylight method of installation is used on tempered glass, the windows will shatter into small pieces when broken and the glass and film can fall out of the frame. Being that the daylight installation is ineffective on tempered glass, it is recommended that you use either the wet anchored or mechanically anchored installation method.

Installation tools used for security films

Installation tools used to install security films are slightly different from the basic flat glass tools used in the installation of standard window film. Select an OLFA knife and heavy-duty knife to use on the thinner and thickener films respectively. Scrapers used in installation of window security film are the same as used in the installation of any standard window film.

Importance of comprehensive security assessment The decision to use security window film should be made after conducing proper security assessments. Comprehensive assessment also helps in establishing the types of security films to be used.

Do not install security window films when primary reason for installation is style and privacy.

Instead, opt for decorative window film that can be purchased at a fraction of the price of etched glass.

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