As Pittsburgh’s nationally experienced window film installers, U.S. Film Crew has seen successful window work on a diverse array of locations. With so many different kinds of commercial and residential properties, the applications of window films are virtually limitless.
One of the common throughlines we see across virtually all locations, however, is the need for security. Schools, government buildings, corporate offices, storage facilities, and even family homes all tend to turn to the same solution: a professional security window film installation.
What Does Security Film Actually Do?
Though many people are familiar with the concept of security window film, far fewer are actually aware of how and why they work. Like all other varieties of window film, security films are a thin layer that, when adhered to a glass surface, provide advantages in UV protection, privacy, and other features.
What differentiates these films from the rest is a makeup strategically designed to hold shattered glass in place and resist forced entry. Security film achieves this with several micro-layers of durable polyester, which hold glass together on impact without obstructing a clear view. This provides several advantages in terms of safety and security, including:
- Prevention of scattering shards when glass is struck
- Substantial obstacle to forced entry
- Extended response time to safety or security incidents
Whatever the situation, these films are an ideal investment for schools, businesses, homes, or anywhere prone to intrusion attempts or regular safety hazards. There are a few kinds of security films to choose from, which allow homes and businesses to customize their approach to security with additional privacy measures or more substantial protection.
Security Window Film Installation — Step By Step
It’s plain to see why so many institutions turn to window film for substantial security upgrades. Yet the question remains: what exactly needs to be done for such an installation to work? At U.S. Film Crew, we’re the leading installers of window film in our region, and we know the job forward and backward. Here’s how a typical security window film installation generally goes:
1. Precise Measuring and Cutting
As is the case with every kind of film, precision is essential for a successful security window film installation. The fact that so much hinges on a security film’s functionality is an even greater cause for caution. When preparing for an installation, therefore, measuring the glass is a step that demands time and care.
Once accurate measurements are taken, the film needs to be professionally cut to size with a slight additional margin. While other films may be cut with relative ease, security window film is far thicker and designed to resist breakage. This means it may take additional time, specialized tools, and professional techniques.
2. Thorough Cleaning and Glass Prep
Before the actual installation can begin, there are some preparatory measures that must be completed for the glass as well. It must be cleaned from top to bottom with great attention to detail. If the film installation is to be successful for long-term usage, the window must be entirely free from dust, smudges, and grease. Proper cleaning involves a gentle cleaning solution, squeegees, and even razors or scrapers for tougher marks and debris.
3. Preparing for Adhesion
With all the preparatory measures completed, it’s time to begin the installation process itself. There are a few key differences that distinguish a security window film installation from a solar or decorative window film. Security film is a much thicker material than most window film products, so it generally requires a specialized installer to manage properly.
As Pittsburgh’s most experienced security film installers, U.S. Film Crew excels in maximizing coverage — and thereby maximizing protection. While competitors often leave unsecured gaps, we assess the windows and adjust gaskets as needed to cover as much glass as possible.
The plastic liner, which protects the adhesive side of the film from dirt and dust while in transit to the job site, must be carefully removed without exposing the film to debris. Next, the adhesive surface and glass must be sprayed down with a gentle solution. For proper adhesion, both surfaces must be saturated to allow for proper placement of the film.
4. Alignment and Placement of the Film
While this next step is simple in theory, it demands the utmost precision and practiced skill for a successful installation. Once both the adhesive side of the film and the prepared glass surface are saturated in the solution, the film must be carefully aligned and placed, starting from the top and moving downward.
The installer must use a squeegee to meticulously remove all excess water and air pockets, ensuring complete adhesion. This job can be difficult, and inexperienced installers often find air bubbles and leftover water even after all their best efforts. Whenever possible, it’s best to go with an installer with proven expertise for a seamless finish.
5. Finishing Cuts
With the film applied and the air bubbles removed, it’s time for the security film to be trimmed down to the exact size. If the cutting phase was performed correctly, there should be a slight margin of overlap where the film meets the edge of the glass. This excess must be carefully trimmed away so that all edges of the film meet perfectly with the window gasket.
Once trimming is complete, any excess water must be removed from the edges. Finally, the film will begin to cure. While environmental factors like film thickness, glass type, temperature, and humidity can affect the curing time frame, it’s typically best to wait a minimum of 72 hours before attempting to open or clean the newly-filmed window.
6. Attachment Installation
Unlike most other varieties of window film, security window film often comes with an additional final step: a specialized attachment system to ensure maximum security. U.S. Film Crew uses DOW 995 — a silicone sealant that adheres the film’s edges to the window frame, ensuring the pane can’t be popped out of place by substantial impact. Our crew tapes the edges and tools the sealant, ensuring a flawless, low profile finish that is up to the standards that meet security requirements and maximize the efficacy of the film. For a perfectly seamless, perfectly secure finish, U.S. Film Crew is the only team for the job.
Take a Professional Approach to Your Security
While security window film installation is a complicated process, the results of a successful application are well worth the time, effort, and expense. If the steps of this process sound a bit intense, there’s good news: U.S. Film Crew provides top-notch installation services that countless locations across the nation have already relied on for sound security. If your windows could use the extra edge in security, get in touch with our team today.
Want to learn more about window film installation? Contact U.S. Film Crew today.
