Crash. Boom. BAM! It doesn’t take long to break into a building through the glass. It’s the weakest point of any structure. Security solutions come in all shapes and sizes and security window film is no different. If you are interested in or are pursuing business window protection this is the article for you.
There are various levels of security film and systems currently being offered. As the industry continues to grow and expand, improvements are introduced accordingly. To discover recent developments in security film – read on. We will educate you on the latest and greatest so that you may make the best choice for your commercial building or business.
Commercial security window film
Safety and security window film is composed of one or more laminated layers of polyester film. It ranges in thickness, from 4 mils to 15 mils in general. (For reference, 1 mil = 0.0254 millimeters.) However, thicker options are available for more intensive security window film systems which we will also cover here. Ultimately, the thicker the film, the more durable it is.
3M™ is the leading manufacturer of window film in the United States. Currently, they produce four prevalent grades of security film for commercial buildings. With each added layer of thickness, your business is further protected. The number of each type of film refers to its thickness. Descriptions of these safety and security films are as follows:
- Safety S40 is 4 mils of thickness.
- Safety S70 is slightly thicker, at 7 mils of thickness.
- Safety S80 is 9 mils thick.
- Safety S140 is a three-layer product that is 14 mils thick.
Benefits of security film for glass
- Lower chance of burglary
- Protection against shattering due to accidents, or storms
- Reduced UV damage to your furniture and floors
- Reduce interior temperature
Anti-intrusion
Anti-intrusion window film is an obvious choice for most business owners. It sounds like exactly what you need most. Preventing break-ins or smash-and-grabs is what most of us are looking for as property owners. The good news is these films actually offer more.
NGS’s forced-entry protection system, TRI-SHIELD™, is a highly respected anti-intrusion option. An exterior high-puncture strength fragment retention film is applied with an interior high-elongation spall prevention film. In addition, a structural glazing sealant is used for extended emergency response times.
This system packs a powerful punch. TRI-SHIELD™ has been lab tested and field proven to be effective at resisting an attack by delaying, or in most cases, stopping an attacker’s entry entirely.
Benefits
- Deter burglars from entering your building
- Provide added protection to property from smash-and-grab burglaries
- Protect your occupants from broken glass hazards
- Offers 99% UV protection
Anti-scratch window film
Graffiti occurs most often in inner-city areas but has become a trend in rural areas as well. It isn’t just spray painting, but gauging and scratching windows or glass in a way that grossly defaces the property. Whenever and wherever it happens, it is a substantial expense to cover up, especially if you have to replace windows and doors.
3M™ Anti-Graffiti Window Film is readily removed by our professionals. Replacing the marred anti-graffiti film with new is a streamlined process that is both cost-effective and efficient. It’s a same-day project and is much easier than replacing glass doors or windows.
Benefits
- Surface protection against most scratches, acid etching, gouges, and tagging
- Easy removal and replacement
- 99% UV rejection helps reduce fading of furnishings or displays
Blast Mitigation
Accidental or intentional, blasts and explosions can do major harm. None of us want to experience that, especially if it can be helped. If your building or business is at risk, it makes sense to implement a blast mitigation strategy. Financial institutions, government buildings, schools, data centers, and controversial businesses may all want to consider blast mitigation strategies, including but not limited to anti-blast film for windows.
Riot Glass™ is a blast mitigation retrofit system that attaches to your already existing glass. Whereas nothing is 100% blast-proof, in the situation of an explosion, blast mitigation film holds the glass together. This helps to protect people and objects from flying glass shards, one of the most common blast-related causes of both injuries and fatalities.
Benefits
- Shield your property against blasts and explosions
- Help protect people and property against bomb blasts, chemical explosions, or other explosives
- Attachment systems help anchor the film to the glass frame, providing additional protection once the glass is broken
Storm mitigation
Weather can be brutal. Storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and high winds can and do, have a devastating impact on property and people’s lives. Storm mitigation window film provides that added protection to help minimize the damage and keep people and belongings safer.
Ultimately, there is no such thing as hurricane-proof window film. However, 3M safety and security films have been thoroughly tested at simulated wind speeds of up to 170 mph. Storm mitigation window films are helpful in storms and worth the investment.
Benefits
- Protection against storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and high winds
- Cost-effective solution to replacing windows as a result of bad weather
- Reduce risk of injuries from spall (flying shards of glass)
Business window protection
As you may have realized while reading… the right business window protection solution is waiting for you. It’s out there. If you are interested in the installation process, read our blog on 3M’s certification process.
Our experts are on standby to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process. And yes, if you have multiple needs, we can combine window film solutions with one application. It is time for a customized business window protection plan!
Feature Photo by Artem Gavrysh
