As autumn arrives and the evenings begin to get darker, home security often moves a little higher up the priority list.
Doors and locks are usually the first things we think about, but windows and glazed doors can also be vulnerable areas of a property — particularly where there are large panes of easily accessible glass.
Replacing existing glazing with specialist security glass is one option, but it isn’t always necessary.
Security window film can be professionally applied to suitable existing glazing to add an extra layer of protection without replacing the glass.
How Does Security Window Film Work?
Unlike privacy or solar control films, the primary purpose of security window film is to help strengthen glazing and hold fractured glass together if it is broken.
The film bonds to the surface of the glass, helping the pane remain together following an impact rather than immediately breaking apart into loose pieces.
In the event of an attempted break-in, this can make gaining access through the window more difficult because the damaged glass is held together by the film.
It can also reduce the danger caused by flying or falling shards of glass following an accidental impact.
Shades Window Films supplies security films in different specifications, including clear 100 micron and 175 micron films, depending on the application and level of protection required.
Can You See Security Film on the Window?
One concern customers sometimes have is whether adding security film will noticeably change the appearance of their windows.
It doesn’t necessarily have to.
Clear security window films are designed to maintain high levels of visible light transmission and can be extremely discreet once professionally installed.
Shades’ clear 100 micron security film, for example, is described as practically invisible to the naked eye.
That makes security film particularly useful when additional protection is wanted without substantially changing the appearance of the property or blocking natural daylight.
Where Can Security Window Film Be Used?
Security window film can be suitable for both residential and commercial properties.
Around the home, potential applications include:
- Ground-floor windows
- Glazed entrance doors
- Patio and French doors
- Large areas of accessible glazing
- Side windows alongside entrance doors
- Other vulnerable or easily accessible windows
It can also be used in commercial premises where protecting occupants, stock, equipment or other contents is a consideration.
The correct film will depend on the existing glass, its location and what the customer is trying to achieve, so the glazing should always be properly assessed before a film is specified.
More Than Protection Against Break-Ins
Security isn’t the only reason for strengthening existing glazing.
If glass is accidentally struck and breaks, keeping the fragments together can help reduce the risk of injury to people.
This can be particularly valuable in locations where accidental impact with glazing is more likely.
Certain safety and security films can also provide additional benefits such as UV reduction. Shades’ current 100 micron clear film, is specified as screening approximately 98% of UV radiation while retaining high optical clarity.
So while security may be the main reason for installation, there can be other practical benefits too.
Do I Need to Replace My Existing Windows?
Not necessarily.
One of the advantages of security window film is that it can provide a retrofit solution for suitable existing glazing.
Rather than removing otherwise serviceable windows and installing replacement security glazing, the appropriate film can be professionally applied to the existing glass.
That can make it a practical option where large-scale glazing replacement would be costly or disruptive.
However, window film isn’t a substitute for good overall property security. It should be considered as one additional layer of protection, alongside appropriate locks, doors, alarms and other security measures.
Choosing the Right Security Window Film
As with any specialist window film, there isn’t one product that’s suitable for every window or every property.
The thickness and type of film required will depend on factors including the existing glazing, its location and the level and type of protection required.
Shades Window Films offers a range of safety and security films, including different thicknesses and internal and external products.
Having the glazing professionally assessed means the appropriate film can be specified rather than simply choosing a product based on thickness alone.
Add Another Layer of Protection to Your Glazing
As the nights draw in, it’s a good time to take another look at the security of your property. And that includes the windows.
Security window film provides a discreet way to strengthen suitable existing glazing. Thereby helping to hold broken glass together and making access through a damaged window more difficult.
Clear security films can be virtually unnoticeable once installed. This means that additional protection doesn’t have to mean changing the appearance of your home.
If you’d like to find out whether security window film is suitable for your property, contact Shades Window Films.