Window security films

[bluedog225]

I’ve got a window at my place that will be accessible.

Do window, security films actually work? I’ve seen some from the riots where that did an impressive job of keeping people out who are really trying to get in. But I’m not sure about the home stuff. 3M seems to be utterly unavailable direct sales. I’m not going to pay somebody to do a small exposed window at my place. The other alternative is security bars which have a whole other set of concerns.

I don’t recommend this video. It’s probably one of the more annoying videos I’ve ever seen. 15 to 20 seconds will show you they are not really trying to get through this window. Tap tap tap.

Anyway, does anyone have experience with actual window security film?

 

[rlitman]

It slows entry down, but remember that if someone is trying to smash their way in with a crowbar, breaking the window sash takes only a few seconds more than breaking the glass, so keeping the pane of glass together only helps so much.

On a truly protected system (not something you can do with just applying a film), you will have a reinforced sash, and the film gets bedded in an adhesive around the perimeter. Think car windshield.

On the plus side, these films do a fantastic job of protecting occupants from flying glass in the event of some sort of impact. As-in hurricane protection.

 

[strength_and_power]

It slows entry down, but remember that if someone is trying to smash their way in with a crowbar, breaking the window sash takes only a few seconds more than breaking the glass, so keeping the pane of glass together only helps so much.

On a truly protected system (not something you can do with just applying a film), you will have a reinforced sash, and the film gets bedded in an adhesive around the perimeter. Think car windshield.

On the plus side, these films do a fantastic job of protecting occupants from flying glass in the event of some sort of impact. As-in hurricane protection.

Pretty much sums it up. I saw some testing firsthand and it was pretty impressive but as mentioned above, it has to be attached to the sash to really make it secure.
What about a roll up security shade or even a roll up door from a storage unit? It wouldn’t be the prettiest but it’d be effective

 

[bluedog225]

Pretty much sums it up. I saw some testing firsthand and it was pretty impressive but as mentioned above, it has to be attached to the sash to really make it secure.
What about a roll up security shade or even a roll up door from a storage unit? It wouldn’t be the prettiest but it’d be effective

I thought the roll up security blinds like they have all over Europe would be readily available in the states.

Last time I spent a few hours trying to find them (a few years ago). They were not to be found. One outfit in Florida would make them for you, but didn’t seem geared at all towards Internet sales or not installing them. I even struck out in Houston.

 

[bluedog225]

I want this stuff.

 

[66Caprice]

I have it on some of my windows. It will not stop anyone who really wants in. But it will slow them down especially if they don't expect it.
It's on the windows that are tempered. Because they just turn to confetti when they break. The film holds the pieces together so you have to force it in.

 

[bluedog225]

Window tint seems a bit of a racket. But it does take experience and a good environment to do it well.

But I’m surprised how unavailable this stuff seems to be. I guess diy installers make a mess of it and complain. I guess.

Still want some as shown in the riot video.

 

[bluedog225]

Edit to add: it looks like the riot video may be a polycarbonate sheet.

I’m currently looking into 12 mil film.

 

[pancholasvegas]

I ran 1-1/2" Rebar through the studs on my window framing on my bar. For security, anything less than actual burglar bars is going to be a peace of mind thing.

 

[pima67]

The stuff advertised here on Tucson TV is not applied to the glass. It appears to be a mesh attached/covering the windows and doors. the ad shows a person hitting the screen with a bat (can't remember exactly what) and the screen gives way a bit but doesn't break.
Link to their web site: https://www.bulldogsecurityscreens.com/tucson-security-screens.htm
Probably not a DIY product.

 

[gregs]

Roll down hurricane shutters. Its not inexpensive as most things that are automated wont be.

 

[strength_and_power]

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[strength_and_power]

Window tint seems a bit of a racket. But it does take experience and a good environment to do it well.

But I’m surprised how unavailable this stuff seems to be. I guess diy installers make a mess of it and complain. I guess.

Still want some as shown in the riot video.

I’ll ask a salesman in the morning about security films. I know we’ve sold bullet resistant panels in the past so armored film isn’t that big of a stretch.

 

[CraigStu]

If it slows someone down enough for me to leap 12ft lazyboy to pistol, it will be a huge help. I need to look for this again.

 

[rlitman]

If it slows someone down enough for me to leap 12ft lazyboy to pistol, it will be a huge help. I need to look for this again.

THAT, it's good for. It's popular in South America on car door windows where they like to smash the window and carjack you. Same idea, just buys you enough time to hit the gas.