In protecting homes and businesses from gunfire, many people instantly think of bulletproof glass. This is because they can withstand gunshots and are seen as the gold standard for protection all over the world.
But for many property owners, bulletproof glass isn’t always the best solution. Alongside expense and weight, they can be difficult to install and they often disrupt the aesthetics of your building.
That is why more people are looking into smart alternatives like security window films. They offer practical protection against break-ins, accidents and damages, while avoiding the problems associated with bulletproof glasses. This article explains why security window films could be the best solution for your building.
Why Bulletproof Glass Is Often Not The Ideal Security Choice
Bulletproof glass is created through a complex process of layering thick glass and polycarbonate sheets over each other. The end product is strong enough to absorb bullet shots by distributing its impact across its surface area. As a result, they are highly effective security fixtures in government buildings, banks, military facilities, and other high risk environments.
There are disadvantages present, however.
- In its thickest forms, this glass can be very dense and heavy, making it very difficult to handle and install.
- Bulletproof glass is very expensive. Single units cost several times more than traditional windows or other enhanced safety solutions.
- They compromise the aesthetics of your building. Due to their thickness, bulletproof glass creates a “fishbowl” effect, distorting views and making your edifice less welcoming and aesthetically pleasing.
- Limited lifespan. With prolonged UV exposure, the plastic interlayers in bulletproof glasses turn yellow and can disfigure the look of your building.
- Complex maintenance. Harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the polycarbonate layers.
How Security Window Film For Glass Strengthening Works
These are one of the most cost-effective security film alternatives to bulletproof glass in the market today. They are a transparent laminate, applied as an adhesive coating onto existing window glasses to reinforce them. They offer protection against thefts, break-ins and all sorts of every-day security threats depending on the type you have installed.
Anti-shatter Window Films
These are the most common types of security window films. Also called impact resistant window films, they absorb blows from blunt objects like hammers, making them more difficult to break through. This stops intruders from breaking and entering, making your space safe and secure.
At the same time, they prevent your window glass from shattering. The film holds broken shards together, preventing dangerous fragments from flying around and injuring people. They are one of the best burglary protection window films around.
Anti-scratch Window Films
These security films are the perfect option if you want to preserve the aesthetics of your windows while reinforcing them. They are made from polyurethane, are ultra-durable and are designed to adapt to different kinds of shapes and contours.
They create an invisible barrier that shields surfaces from common damages like scratches, impacts, and wear. Solar Screen’s Protector Architectural is a prime example of this kind of security film.
Anti-graffiti Security Window Films
This type of window film has a non-scratch surface. This makes them resistant to shallow scratches, making it difficult for renegades to deface them with graffiti paintings. Any painting on these glasses can be easily cleaned off with alcohol without damaging it. They are also non-flammable and can withstand strong impacts too.
Frequency Blocking Window Films
These window films work like a Faraday cage. They are designed to block electromagnetic waves and other types of transmissions. This makes them ideal for sensitive professional spaces, where confidentiality is a priority. They reduce the risk of espionage, and at the same time offer effective protection against solar heat.
Security Films vs Bulletproof Glass – Which Solution is Best For Your Building?
Security window films and bulletproof glass are both effective glass strengthening solutions. However, the degree and the nature of protection they offer differ.
Bulletproof glass is designed specifically to stop bullets. They also offer capable resistance to forced entry from firearms and heavy attacks. Security window films, on the other hand, may not stop bullets, but they reinforce glass against smash-and-grab break-ins, accidental impacts, and glass fragmentation hazards.
In addition to that, security window films are not as expensive, are very easy to install, and they get the job done as well. Unlike bulletproof glass, their installation does not require reinforcing the structure of your building. They also enhance UV protection and can improve the energy rating of your edifice.
In essence, security window films are ideal if you need to:
- Strengthen existing window glass on a budget.
- Reduce the risk of injuries from shattered glass during accidents.
- Repel smash-and-grab thieves and burglars.
- Save on energy bills and other maintenance costs by reducing solar heat and UV radiation
- Prefer a non-intrusive security solution that doesn’t require structural changes.
Get The Perfect Security Solution That Suits Your Needs
Bulletproof glasses are often the go-to for protection in areas where ballistic threats abound. But for most property owners, security window films are the perfect solution. They offer a level of protection that perfectly balances cost and convenience, and they are quite effective against threats as well.
Solar Screen are experts in this area, offering an exquisite range of security window films that meets the needs of homeowners, building experts, and property managers. These films are affordable, tested and trusted, and easy to install as well.
For more inspiration on security window films, check Solar Screen’s blog page. Also explore our product page to find the perfect window film solution that fits your security needs.