A security window film comprises multiple layers of polyester film overlaid together using a special adhesive to create one film. The thicker the film is, the more protection it offers, and thickness can range from four mils to fourteen mils.
Thicker security window films are made by laminating different layers of the security film with lower thickness together.
DOES SECURITY WINDOW FILM WORK?
Security window film has its specific uses and applications. If you are using it for the purposes for which it was made, yes, security window film works. If you were using it as an alternative to bulletproof glass , then the security window film would fail in such applications and capacity.
What are the uses of security window films? Let’s take a look at some of them below.
- Use of window film to prevent glass breakage
If your house is located in areas familiar with natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or your location is witnessing a surge in cases of forced entry and vandalism, unprotected glass windows are prone to shattering. Glass shattering produces dangerous glass shards and projectiles that will cause harm to people around.
The application of a security window film in such situations will minimize the potential risks of injuries and damages that may arise from glass shards and projectiles. The film keeps the glass in place when the glass breaks.
Other films depending on thickness and strength can become blast-resistant . This is because the security window film expands and pulls against the window frame, which leaves the glass fragments intact.
- Use of Window films in burglary prevention
Ordinary glass windows are entry points for looters, robbers, and burglars. Glass is fragile and breaks easily. It serves as comfortable spots for burglars and looters to gain access and entry into your home and stores to grab and cart away your products and valuables.
Applying security window film to your windows can prevent burglars from gaining entry into your property and grabbing whatever valuable thing they can lay their hands on. The film incorporates the impact of the blow, which makes it challenging for a burglar to break the glass window or door using a hammer or crowbar.
Besides the above, in a situation where the burglar is cruelly intent on gaining access, the security window film makes it difficult for him to gain immediate access. This may perhaps frustrate him to leave. If it does not, the burglar spends a considerable amount of time trying to get more force to gain entry.
This can call the attention of people around or give people inside the opportunity to run away from the high-risk situation, call the authorities or find somewhere to hide.
- Use of window film as protection from UV Rays
Ultraviolet rays are harmful to the body, products, and property. Constant exposure to ultraviolet rays can fade furniture, fabrics. It can damage appliances, amongst other things.
Homeowners and businesses have been applying security window film as protection against harmful UV rays since the 60s. The films regulate the interior exposure of the home or store to harmful UV rays.
This protects people in the home and stores as well as furnishings and gadgets that are present. It also helps to control the heating and cooling temperature within the home or business facility.
COST OF BULLET RESISTANT GLASS AND SECURITY WINDOW FILM
- SECURITY WINDOW FILM
Many people desire to have security window films installed in their offices and homes but are scared of the cost implications. There is a general belief that it is expensive and that this may be higher than what they project to spend.
Window film installations do not break the bank as people expect, and in fact, the cost of having one installed will depend on several factors. Some of these factors include,
- Existing film removal
- French pane charges
- Moving of furnishings
- Difficult working conditions
- Travel and accommodation
- High ladder work, scaffolding, lifts, swing stage
- Type of film
- Size of the window in square feet
- Scope of the entire work
Besides the above factors to consider, the average price of a security window film unattached will cost between eight dollars to eighteen dollars ($8-$18) per square foot. Although this is the average price, depending on the unique condition of installation, for residential buildings, the cost can go as low as five dollars ($5) per square feet while some may become as high as twenty dollars ($20) per square feet.
- BULLET RESISTANT GLASS
Logically, the cost of bulletproof glass and installation is higher than security window films. This is expected as the use and purpose of each product differs from the other. Bullet resistant glass serves multiple purposes, which include all the utilization of a security film. It also holds certified ratings for explosive blast, hurricane winds, and forced entry.
Just like installing a security film, the cost of installing a bullet-resistant unit is dependent on a lot of factors and additional features that will be included in the unit. Other features and accessories may consist of currency trays, package passers, and currency trays.
Level one through level three bullet-resistant glass costs between forty-five to eighty-five dollars ($45-85) per square foot depending on the glass material used. This estimate does not cover installation or unit framing.
For businesses or official buildings that require a basic bullet-resistant barrier system, a basic barrier system suitable for use as after-service hour transaction window or a stand-alone ticket window costs between three thousand dollars to five thousand dollars ($3000-$5000) without the cost of installation. If you want to Purchase Bullet proof glass in cheap price, we recommend you Fab Glass and Mirror for Bulletproof Glass.
WHY BULLET RESISTANT GLASS EVEN IF IT’S MORE EXPENSIVE THAN SECURITY WINDOW FILM?
A bullet-resistant glass offers all the benefits that you get with security window films and much more, the reason why they are expensive.
It all boils down to what your protective needs cover. If you are concerned about preventing smash and grab burglars or looters, do not want your glass to shatter, want to be protected from harmful ultraviolet rays, and just want to keep your products safe. A window security film is an affordable option to consider.
If your protective needs go beyond the requirements mentioned above, you are worried about getting shot in active shootings, worried about the safety of people in your offices and homes in such situations, concerned about robbers armed with arms and ammunition. The best decision would be to opt for bullet-resistant glass.
Bulletproof glass is the only product that offers some level of protection against bullets with specific protection levels that run through levels one to eight.