Security & Earthquake Film

Security & Earthquake Film

How Do I Choose the Appropriate Film Thickness?

Where Are Security Films Installed?

How Are Security Films Installed?

How is Security Film Installed on Tempered Glass?

Should I Choose Tempered or Laminated Glass?

How Do I Maintain the Security Film?

All security films are safety films. Bonded to the glass by unique adhesives developed through years of research, even the thinnest of films form a tough barrier that hold broken glass in place. All security films are specifically designed and manufactured to provide the maximum in safety and protection.

These films act like and invisible shield, helping glass resist shattering due to accidental or deliberate breakage, and holding the fragments of broken glass together. They are optically clear and UV-resistant, have scratch-resistant coatings, and meet or exceed the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z97.1-84 standard for break-safe characteristics.

The key is thickness. Available in 4, 7, and 11-mil thickness, super-tough polyester security film is the right choice for applications where there are concerns about forced entries via glazed openings. Over 60% of burglaries start with an entry through unprotected or non-reinforced glass doors or windows.

Single-ply 4-mil film is used where the greatest danger is accidental breakage, not forced entry. it is available in neutral gray, clear, and reflective silver to cut daytime glare and overheating, yet still provides excellent daytime privacy.

Single-ply 7-mil film is the new standard in security films, recommended for all but the highest-risk areas. For the greatest level of protection, 2-ply 11-mil laminate film is recommended. It is commonly used to secure windows displaying high-cost merchandise, and windows in or beside doors.

Security films also block over 95% of the sun's harsh UV rays, which are the biggest cause of discoloration and fading of fabrics, carpets, furnishings, wood, and merchandise displayed in or near windows. All security films are highly scratch-resistant, and can be cleaned with any non-abrasive window cleaner and paper towels, soft cloth, or squeegees.

Because of the intended use of security films, they cannot be considered do-it-yourself products.

Security Film Facts

Purpose

Safety/security films are heavy, single-layer or laminated polyester films that are bonded to a glass surface to:

They are available in clear, tinted, or reflective varieties, and have a durable, scratch-resistant surface finish. Standard roll width is 60".

Choosing the Appropriate Film Thickness

Security films are available in three thicknesses: 4, 7 and 11 mil. 

The 4-mil films are generally considered to be safety films rather than true security films. They do an excellent job holding fragments together after one or tow hits or accidental damage, but offer little resistance to repeated blows. 7-mil film offers greater resistance to breakage, and is the standard security product, suitable for most applications.

11-mil films offer the greatest protection, and are recommended for high-risk areas, such as computer or electronics store windows, areas where money is being handled/stored, glass in or beside doors, and areas where there is a danger to persons as well as property. They also offer some level of protection in case of explosion.

Where Are Security Films Installed?

Security films are applied to the inside surface of the glass, opposite the side of impact. The film strengthens the glass by absorbing and dissipating the force of the blow, thus making it harder to break. Even if the glass is cracked, the film remains intact, making it harder to break through the window. In some situations, sandwiching a sheet of glass between two layers of film is appropriate. The result is a very strong glazing system, although the outer layer of film may experience premature weathering if it is outdoors.

How Are Security Films Installed?

Security films have a very aggressive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected by a clear plastic liner. The film is cut to exact size prior to installation, the glass is cleaned meticulously, and the film applied to the inside surface of the glass. The adhesive is activated with water and a surfactant (such as Johnson's Baby Shampoo). After the film is in position, the water/surfactant solution is squeegied out in several passes, each one harder than the previous. The combination of minimum soap and maximum pressure ensures the strongest possible bond to the glass. A visible border of 1/16" to 1/8" around the edges of the glass is typical , and does not appreciable affect the final strength - except with tempered glass (see below).

Installing Security Film on Tempered Glass

Tempered glass (which is used in most patio and commercial entry doors) is much harder and stronger than conventional float glass, but when it breaks, it shatters into thousands of tiny fragments. If there is security film on the glass, most fragments will still stay attached to the film, but unless the film is fastened to the window frame, there is little resistance to entry.

The best solution is to dismantle the door and remove the glass, then film the entire surface. When the door is reassemble, the film will be sandwiched within the frame, providing the necessary mechanical attachment. This procedure, or a similar one, is absolutely required for tempered glass - otherwise security film will offer next to no benefit in case of glass breakage.

Choosing Tempered or Laminated Glass

If the glass has not yet been purchased, we recommend that you consider laminated safety glass rather than tempered glass. Security film on laminated glass is more durable than security film on tempered glass, even if the tempered glass is properly filmed (see above).

Maintenance

Security film has a very durable, scratch-resistant, acrylic surface finish, which field tests have proven to be the best in the industry. Normal wear and tear should be no problem. Conventional non-ammonia glass cleaners are recommended for cleaning, along with paper towels, soft cloths, or rubber squeegies.