Security Film FAQ’s
If we are only installing one layer of Security Film, it is typically installed on the interior. Sometime we may recommend putting an additional layer on the outside of the window for added protection. The film is installed much like typical window tint. We clean the window, wet it with water, put the security film on, push the water out and cut in place.
Security film is typically clear. We like to recommend 7mil for residential applications, as this is as thick as the film can get before it starts to get slightly distorted. It is important to know that no window film installation can ever be perfect unless it is performed in a “clean room.” Since security film is much thicker than normal window film, small dust particles may appear larger then they actually are. We install security film that surpasses the window film standard of the NWFA.
Yes. However it is a special order item and may cost more.
Yes. It is very difficult and time consuming to remove however and we recommend it be done professionally.
Our interior residential security film applications come with a lifetime warranty. Exterior applications come with a 2 year warranty.
We strive to be very careful that we don’t mislead our customers into thinking that security film will STOP burglars. We don’t know what effort each individual thief will put forth to get into a house as it must vary. Security film adds a layer of protection to your windows, but it too can be compromised with enough effort. In our experience however, typical smash and grabs are not carried out by serious thieves. Rather, often times they note that nobody is home, they grab a rock or a brick, throw it at a large window that breaks with minimal effort, and are in and out in seconds to just a couple minutes. It is our goal with security film to require a lot of noise and a concerted effort to get in, causing the thief to quickly give up and move on.
It is true that rather than layers of plastic, the 3M Ultra series uses a woven product that increases its tensile strength. This means that it is harder to tear. However, glass doesn’t “tear” and since these films have very similar adhesives, they will fail with the same amount of force. In fact, many bomb blast tests have been and both films fail at the same time, since a security films weakest point is its adhesive. The woven properties of the Ultra series also come at a price; this film has a blue haze that never goes away when the sun is on it. Bottom line: Is 3M Ultra600 or 3M Ultra400 a great film? You bet it is! But, don’t be fooled into thinking it is better than the competition.
Absolutely. The first thing we have seen work very well with security film is glass breakage sensors. They are cheap, and typically make a lot of noise before the thief can even get inside. We also recommend strengthening your deadbolts with a metal plate. An attachment system will also strengthen the security film (See below).
When installing commercially, strength is of the utmost importance. Various attachment systems are used to increase the strength of the security film. This may be possible on certain residential applications as well, though designed for commercial use. When attachment system can’t be used, we often recommend an exterior security film applied in addition to the interior one.
An attachment system is something designed to attach the window film to the frame of the window. This greatly increases the strength of your windows. The most common attachment system for residential is a structural adhesive caulking. These only come in black and white however. This caulking needs to be generously applied to achieve maximum benefit (3/8” – ½” on both the glass and the window frame.) For this reason, many residential customers choose not to use this, so as to keep their windows as cosmetically appealing as possible.
Depending on square footage and varying circumstances, security film can cost anywhere between $7 per sq ft installed to $20 per sq ft installed. Call us now for a better ballpark!
