What is the weakest link in your home or office building’s security? Not the doors. While movies aren’t the greatest source of accurate information, they got this one right: windows. They’re easy targets for break-ins by bad characters. Blunt force damage or even extreme weather can cause them to shatter as well. Considering Canada’s harsh weather, keeping your windows intact isn’t negotiable. That’s where window films come in. In this blog post, let’s take a look at their role in home and business security.
What Is a Security Window Film?
Before we begin to talk about their role, let’s understand what security window film is. It is a thin and transparent sheet that is quite strong and sticks to the surface of the glass. Unlike regular window film, such as the tint used on car windows, this layer of plastic or polyester material is designed to hold the glass together when it breaks. So, in case it takes damage, the glass may crack, but it won’t shatter. This not only reduces the chances of injury but also makes it harder for intruders trying to gain entry. Some films also block harmful UV rays and help with energy efficiency by keeping rooms cooler.
The application of this layer is done by professional security film window installation service providers directly to the glass using specialized techniques. The result is a nearly invisible layer that strengthens windows without altering their appearance.
Benefits of Security Window Film for Home and Business
There are numerous benefits to installing security film, but they’re often muddied by common myths. Let’s look at the benefits while separating fact from fiction.
Deterrent Against Theft and Vandalism
The keyword here is deterrent. You see, security films aren’t meant to make an office building or a home an impregnable fort. However, they do make breaking through windows much harder. Most break-ins happen quickly; thieves rely on speed and easy access. When the security film holds the glass together, the intruder is greatly slowed down. In fact, many times, merely looking at these films makes many robbers decide against attempting any shenanigans.
For businesses specifically, this added layer of protection also helps against vandalism. While security film won’t stop someone from scratching or tagging your window, it can act as a sacrificial layer. Instead of replacing an entire window, you can simply replace the film, saving money in the long run.
Protection Against Glass Shards
When glass shatters, whether due to a storm, earthquake, or any other external force, it turns into dangerous shards that aren’t just a hassle to clean up but also pose serious risks. These sharp fragments can easily cut through skin, and being glass, they’re not particularly easy to sweep up. Security window film helps keep broken glass intact, reducing the danger.
For homes with children or pets, this is especially valuable. In an emergency, you don’t want to be worrying about stepping on glass or cleaning up dangerous debris.
Protection Against UV Rays and Energy Control
Natural light is indeed a blessing until it starts to fade your furniture and make your home uncomfortably hot. Thankfully, many security window films include UV-blocking properties, filtering out up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays, thus protecting everyone inside, along with your flooring, upholstery, and artwork.
Furthermore, security films with solar control features can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat gain in the summer and retaining warmth in the winter, decreasing reliance on air conditioning and heating.
Improved Privacy
Nobody likes a peeping Tom. Yet, we’ve all come across them. Security films come in various styles, such as tinted or frosted, which prevents others from seeing inside your office or home.
In fact, many businesses are legally required to ensure privacy. For example, security films can be used for cannabis dispensaries, as they must comply with mandates that require cannabis and accessories are not visible from the exterior of the premises.
As for homes, a tinted finish prevents people from looking inside while still allowing natural light in. If that isn’t your style, transparent and frosted finishes are always options.
Considerations for Installation
With that said, the chances of flawlessly installing multiple layers of film while properly handling the adhesive are slim. Most folks realistically end up damaging both the sheet and the glass when trying to install security film themselves. That’s why it’s a good idea to go with professional installation instead. They’ve got the know-how and the right tools to get the job done properly, saving you the hassle and ensuring your windows are protected the way they should be.
The Relevance of Security Films: A Canadian Perspective
Property crimes, despite having gone down a bit, are still a major concern for us Canadians, Stats show that over 130,748 incidents of breaking and entering were reported in 2023, accounting for 15% of the total Crime Severity Index value, making it the highest among all violations.
This number is scary. Thankfully, Canadian homeowners and businesses have started taking action and taking proactive and preventative measures, such as installing security film. Their ability to withstand harsh weather, such as snowstorms and hailstorms, makes them particularly appealing in this part of the world.
Conclusion
Security window film is a versatile and affordable innovation that simultaneously improves the safety of your home or office and makes it more energy efficient. From proactively and passively deterring break-in attempts to protecting you from the extreme weather of the Great White North, its benefits are undeniable. Have your security film window installation done by professionals and reap these benefits with peace of mind.