Safety and security window films are
polyester or PET films that are applied to glass and glazing in order to hold them together if the glass is shattered (similar to
laminated glass
Laminated glass (LG) is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by a thin polymer interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), lonoplast polyme ...
). The main difference between film and laminated glass is that these shatter safe films can be applied to the glass or glazing after manufacture or installation. I.e., these films are
retrofit
Retrofitting is the addition of new technology or features to older systems. Retrofits can happen for a number of reasons, for example with big capital expenditures like naval vessels, military equipment or manufacturing plants, businesses or go ...
products. These films are used widely all over the world; they can be found on trains, buses, cars, and buildings.
Structure and physical properties
The films are adhesive coated to bond them to the glass. The better safety films are smooth-coated, because they have far superior optical clarity.
Certification and testing
Safety and security window films are designed to perform under adverse conditions. As such, standards and standard tests have been devised to ensure that these films will perform in such situations. It is advisable for any prospective user to ensure that his or her supplier can produce certification for such codes and standards. There are four best-known organizations that produce standards and guidelines for how a film performs under impact (see table below).
Applications
Safety and security films are used where there is a potential for injury from broken glass (such as glass doors or overhead glazing). These films can be applied to
toughened,
annealed, or
laminated glass
Laminated glass (LG) is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by a thin polymer interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), lonoplast polyme ...
.
They are available in various thicknesses, from 100 micrometers (or 4 mils minimum 2 ply) through to 525 micrometers + (21 mils). The film thickness is selected for level of protection desired and the dimensions of the glass pane. Manufacturers recommend 100 micrometer film (2 ply) for glass up to (1/8 in) and 175 micrometer film for glass over (1/4 in).
These films can be applied for security applications, where a delay of forced entry is desired. The performance of these films is affected by adhesive bond strength, thickness of the polyester, quality of application, and window structure/frame.
These films can be applied in food processing facilities, where glass needs to be contained should it fracture and so it does not fall into the food processing facilities. Shatter safe films are approved and applied in many food and beverage processors throughout North America.
The films are adhesive coated to bond them to the glass. The better safety films are those that are smooth-coated, because they have far superior optical clarity.
Safety and security films can have components added, such as for solar control and decorative effects. However, as mentioned before, it is their physical properties that allow them to be used in various applications, such as:
Protection from spontaneous glass breakage
Toughened glass
Tempered or toughened glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. Tempering puts the outer surfaces into compression and the interior into tens ...
Personal safety
When
float glass (normal window glass) is broken, it breaks into sharp shards that are dangerous to anyone in the vicinity. This is particularly hazardous if the window is broken by human impact. Toughened (tempered) glass can produce showers of small glass pellets that can cause serious injury, especially in the event of a car crash, as most automotive side glass is tempered.
The building codes of some countries specify requirements for personal safety in architectural glass and glazing. Certain films with the correct certifications can be used to upgrade existing glass and glazing to meet the safety standards specified in the building codes.
Protection of glazing during earthquakes
In many parts of the world,
earthquake
An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in intensity, fr ...
activity is an ever-present fact of life.
Ground motion
Ground motion is the movement of the earth's surface from earthquakes or explosions. Ground motion is produced by seismic waves that are generated by sudden slip on a fault or sudden pressure at the explosive source and travel through the earth a ...
during seismic activity causes building movement, which in turn causes glass breakage and glass fall-out, endangering people below, and, again, exposing a building’s contents to weather damage and theft during looting sprees. Safety and security films have proven their worth in protecting people and property during seismic activity, by helping retain window glass in its frame, thus preventing injury by falling glass.
Increased protection from bomb and blast hazards
Explosions cause widespread damage, and, in an urban environment (often with abundant glass), the risk of injury is increased. In the event of an explosion in an urban area,
flying glass is often the biggest cause of injury/trauma. However, certain specially designed films, when applied correctly, can contain these shards of glass, protecting the internal environment, and, in some cases, retaining the pane of glass in the window frame.
People sourcing films for this purpose should choose a product from a manufacturer that can produce results for
General Services Administration
The General Services Administration (GSA) is an independent agency of the United States government established in 1949 to help manage and support the basic functioning of federal agencies. GSA supplies products and communications for U.S. gover ...
(GSA) blast ratings and check with the manufacturer that the installer has sufficient experience and knowledge to offer such products.
Additional protection from hurricanes and windborne debris
Safety films can be used as an additional protection against flying glass when glazing is broken by windborne debris. By helping to prevent windows from shattering or retaining shattered glazing in its frame, these films help maintain the “weather seal” of a building. This helps reduce damage from water and high winds. If the seal can be maintained, roofs are less likely to be blown off, and it is more likely that a building can be saved.
In order to assist in keeping the glass attached to the security window film and the frames, Shatter Safe Security Window Films recommends that the glass must be attached to the window frame (not the gasket) so that the edge of the film becomes an integral part of the glass and the frame. There are two common methods of accomplishing this. The first is a wet glaze utilizing a building compound adhesive more commonly known as Dow Corning 995. The second is a mechanical attachment system that utilizes metals of some sort that are attached to the window frame and cover part of the exposed window films.
These attachments assist in keeping the film attached to the frame, mainly during bomb blasts.
During an unlawful entrance attempt, the same procedure will greatly assist in keeping an intruder out for an extended period.
References
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External links
Window Films Types and Uses
Safety
Security technology
Windows