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Architects and contractors face unending pressure to design buildings that are aesthetically pleasing, functionally optimized, within budget, and energy efficient. Yet in today’s world they also have another top priority: safety and security. Because of today’s need for increased safety, glass windows present both challenges and opportunities.
In this article, the experts at U.S. Film Crew break down how security film can reinforce glass, enhancing protection without compromising design. Here’s what you need to know to safeguard your people and property.
The Challenge: The Vulnerability of Glass
Glass, despite its beauty and practical function, can be a significant weak point in a building’s security because it is susceptible to intrusion, vandalism, accidents, and danger in natural disasters. Unsecured glass windows and doors provide an opportunity as an entry point for intruders, posing a threat to occupants and valuable property. Acts of vandalism, such as rock-throwing or graffiti, can easily damage glass, requiring costly repairs and potentially disrupting business operations.
Bad actors aren’t the only thing that can pose dangers to windows. Accidental impacts from moved furniture, objects, or sports equipment can break glass and result in injuries and disruptions. Hurricanes, hail, earthquakes, and high winds can shatter glass, causing significant — and often expensive — property damage.
The Opportunity: Film for Safety of Glass Windows
There’s one solution that can help to mitigate potential damage, harm, and costs that can come with glass: security window film. This high-performance, transparent film is applied to glass surfaces to enhance their strength and safety. Glass windows pose a far less dangerous threat when they’re protected by security film.
Window film comes in a variety of strengths and capabilities and can be installed in virtually any facility. It’s a proven, innovative solution that safeguards buildings that need the highest levels of protection, such as schools, banks, and even the government headquarters.
Security film transforms ordinary glass into a more robust barrier because it offers a multi-layered approach to safety through:
Impact Resistance
When subjected to impact, the film absorbs a significant portion of the energy, preventing the broken shards of glass from scattering into a dangerous shower of fragments. We call this “sacrificial” film because it’s designed to be removed and replaced after it’s been damaged.
Holding Power
If the glass cracks, the film – when paired with a structural silicone attachment – helps hold the fragments together, reducing the risk of injury from flying glass and slowing forced entry. Keeping the window intact provides significantly better protection for those inside.
Delayed Entry
During a break-in attempt, security film can slow entry, giving occupants more time to react and security personnel time to respond. Faced with resistance, intruders may choose to move on.
Reduced Property Damage
If vandalism occurs—such as etching or spray paint on glass protected by security or anti-graffiti film—the sacrificial film can be replaced instead of the entire window.
Beyond Security: Additional Benefits
Protection may be the primary advantage of safety glass windows, but security film can also come with other benefits as well, including:
Enhanced Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Solar security window film enhances occupant comfort and may also improve energy efficiency. By reducing heat gain and glare, it can lower cooling costs in warmer months, contributing to overall energy savings.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Solar security films can enhance the appearance of a building, allowing architects and contractors to integrate the film seamlessly into design. There are a variety of options for how window film can enhance a facility’s aesthetic appeal, giving it a purpose in both form and function.
U.S. Film Crew: Industry Leaders in Safety Glass Windows
Proper installation is an absolute must for security window film to work effectively. You want an installer who has the expertise and experience to apply the film correctly and efficiently with the proper security attachment to ensure optimal efficacy. Window film is only as effective as its installation.
At U.S. Film Crew, we have over 30 years of experience in installing high-quality security window film for a long list of commercial customers, from skyscrapers in Manhattan to schools and financial institutions in Pittsburgh. Our team can help you select the most appropriate film for your specific project and ensure professional installation.
By using window film to enhance your building’s security and safety, glass windows become an asset instead of a liability. You can create a safer and more secure environment for your property and people while improving the overall value and longevity of your building.
Contact U.S. Film Crew today to learn more about how security window film can enhance the security and safety of your next commercial project.
