We’re passionate about the ways that window films can add value to nearly any space. From residences to commercial buildings, films bring energy efficiency, reduce glare, and add style for a cost-effective price. However, one of the lesser known benefits of window films is their security-enhancing features. Though they are installed on existing windows by professionals with minimum disruption, security window films pack some serious benefits that can enhance any security strategy your home or commercial facility has in place. In this article, we summarize 3 key benefits of security window films.
3 Key Benefits Provided by Security Window Films
Harder for Burglars Gain Entry – Windows and glass doors are some of the most common places for burglars to target. The website Alarms.org even reported that 95% of all home invasions involved a forceful entry, almost always breaking a window or kicking in a door. And with burglaries happening once every 23 seconds in the United States, it’s a serious business to protect your property from theft and damage. While the glass can still be broken, properly installed security window film will make it more difficult for the burglar to gain entry through the glass. We always recommend a layered approach to security. Combining an properly set up alarm system with a security window film will allow the alarm to sound while not allowing easy access. Often, by making it much harder to access the space through the glass will cause the burglar to flee in search of an easier target. Protecting your windows with a security film is an easy way to make it that much harder for a criminal to enter your property.
Reduce the Negative Effects from Blast Events – Another area of concern are blast events. This can take the form of either bomb attacks or unforeseen explosions. Whether it’s man-made act or an unfortunate accident, a blast turns the weakest point of a building (the glass windows) into dangerous projectiles hurtling through the air. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that lacerations from flying glass are a significant portion of all injuries from explosion incidents. However, a professionally installed protective security window film can create a barrier of protection. The film acts to hold the broken glass in place and reduce the risk of injury from flying shards.
Maintain Building Envelopes and Reduce Risk in Natural Disaster Situations – Though an explosion like we discussed is fortunately an uncommon occurrence, natural disasters can affect all of us. Shattered glass during a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake poses a huge risk to your safety, especially for those taking shelter inside. Just like we mentioned above regarding protection in the events of a blast event, security window films can provide a protective layer that keeps a building envelope intact and reduces flying glass shards. Having the majority of the glass remain attached to the film also makes it safer after the event when rescue and cleanup efforts begin.
We hope that this article gives you some insight into the key ways you can increase safety at your facility utilizing these films. If you have questions about security window films, contact us today by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing these films into your Orem, Utah area space.
“There are two options: install new low-E windows or retrofit the existing windows with energy-saving film. A total window replacement with solar-control low-E windows does provide good energy savings; but is a relatively poor return on investment due to high material and installation costs. As a result, the return on investment for window film is faster than installing low-E windows.”
ment in home improvement, it only makes sense that you would want to protect against sun damaged floors and furniture. This article is designed to explain the true causes of sun damage and why window films retrofitted to your existing windows can be a good solution. If you don’t want your new floors or furniture to end up looking like the floor above or to the right, check out the information below.
Increased Home Comfort – Window films work to block excessive heat and glare from entering your home through the glass. Most homes have some windows that get a lot of sun throughout the day. In these areas of the home, there can be hot spots from the heat entering which is often accompanied by irritating glare. Often, in an effort to keep these areas of the home comfortable, your need to adjust your air conditioning. The problem then becomes that the home is often too cool in other areas where the sun is not shining in. By using window films on these specific windows, you can reduce the heat and glare specifically where the problem lies without covering the window with a blind, shade or drapery.
Preserve Floors, Furniture. and Furnishings – Our guess if that other things on your home improvement list may be things like new flooring, furniture, artwork, etc. If that is true, you want to be sure to protect those things from premature fading and sun damage. The primary sources of sun damage and fading are UV, Heat and Visible Light. 
Many schools have already utilized state and federal funding for security window films, but this latest round of funding enables them to enhance the work that may have already been done. We know that windows and glass door are often a main security vulnerability in school facilities. In another article entitled “