HDSafety: Safety, Security & Anti-Graffiti Window Films
Many of our clients look for a safety or security solution. Loss and Prevention departments are especially interested in protecting merchandize, property and information. We employ Master Certified Installers for two of the major manufacturers in safety film 3M and Madico. Only vetted installation companies, with the necessary documentation and certifications, are used for this type of work.
The goal of safety film is to help hold the glass together when it breaks. Much like the windshield of your car the laminate is specifically designed to take glass flexing in multiple directions upon breaking. Attachment systems increase the strength and help hold the film to the frame. Again, like the mounting system of your automotive windshield these attachment systems cradle the broken glass and make it increasingly difficult to get through.
HDSafety’s most common use is for Breaking and Entering (B&E). Without safety film a criminal can throw a rock at the glass and walk right in. With safety film what would have taken seconds now takes much longer. There are multiple YouTube videos showing determined burglars being thwarted by a shattered panel of glass standing in their way. The time taken is long enough for cameras, security systems and security personnel to respond.
Safety film adds a ‘skin’ to the glass that transfers energy sideways. When force is applied using blunt, puncture or tearing means the film specifically resists the invasion.
Safety Film Thickness Guide
- 2-Mil safety film is good for mirrors and thin glass to help provide a measure of safety with earthquakes or incidental breakage like a child throwing toys.
- 4-Mil safety film works well for glass that may see breakage due to general day-to-day activities. Many lobbies have wide expanses of glass and it is not uncommon for pedestrians to literally walk into the glass. The film will help hold the glass together and diminish any injuries that may occur. One of the main reasons HDClear uses 4-mil as its base product because the thickness provides safety and the invisible film provides an excellent foundation to ‘float’ a printed image. The dance studio’s glass is completely protected with safety film and the images are amazing.
- 6, 7, 8-Mil safety film begins to cross over from safety to security. The 7 & 8-Mil safety films are the most common applications for B&E projects and retail properties. With attachment systems, these films meet GSA Codes category 3A and 3B, which is the most common application for federal, state and municipal properties. Elementary, middle, and high-schools, along with colleges and universities, are now seeing considerable funding for safety film projects.
- 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15-Mil safety films are predominately used with jewelry stores, banks or GSA Codes 4 and 5. This is a very thick film and requires talented installers to mount well to the glass. Many installers joke and call it ‘flexible plywood’. It’s not commonly used but if a site has been burgled several times, the added protection will dramatically slow the criminals down.
Additional Protection with Safety Film Attachment Systems
These window protection systems combine the toughness of HDSafety Films with an adhesive or profile attachment system. This combination system attaches the filmed window to the window frame, creating a robust shield that significantly outperforms window film-only systems. It’s extra assurance against impact energy from earthquakes and forced entry events—with enough strength to handle even bomb blasts.
Most recommended security film manufactures offer an attachment system. Mixing and matching manufactures does occur as the safety standards are codified by the federal government. To ensure proper warranty and certifications, HDSafety highly recommends keeping like film manufacturers with like battening systems and our quoting and managing safety film projects will ensure this.
