(412) 231-9509
Schools today face a never-ending list of challenges, one of the biggest being the safety and security of students and staff. According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly half of parents say they’re concerned about their children’s safety in school—the highest percentage in 25 years. A separate survey last year of teachers, principals, and district leaders revealed that four out of 10 educators said their sense of safety at school has decreased since the COVID pandemic.
Glass is an essential element of school buildings, yet it is also the most vulnerable part of a structure. Glass doors, while visually appealing, are susceptible to breakage from numerous threats, including vandalism, accidents, extreme weather, and intentional attacks.
What steps should be taken to address the safety and security risks of glass openings? An effective and economical answer may be what some search for as “glass door protectors,” or more commonly referred to in our industry as security film.
The Vulnerability of Glass Doors and Windows
Glass doors, often large and prominent, are enticing targets for intruders, thieves, and vandals. A single, well-placed impact can shatter the glass, which can:
- Compromise the security of the building
- Injure occupants
- Expose valuable property inside to theft or damage
Humans aren’t the only threat; natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, hail storms, and high winds can break glass doors and windows as well.
How a “Glass Door Protector” Works
A glass door protector—also known as security film—is a durable, layered polyester material applied to glass surfaces to enhance their strength and hold the glass together. It’s commonly used in schools, retail stores, banks, office buildings, and other commercial and industrial settings to provide additional protection against various dangerous threats.
Here’s how security film works:
It Holds Glass in Place
When security film and proper structural silicone attachments are installed, glass that is struck by an object like a rock or a baseball will break but be held upright in the pocket of the opening. This prevents dangerous shards of glass from being launched through the air and can help deter unwanted openings or entry.
It Can Help to Delay Entry
By holding the glass together, the security film keeps the threat at bay and the building secure, giving occupants more time to react or seek shelter.
It Reduces Property Damage
By preventing glass from shattering, security film can help minimize potential destruction, such as excessive broken glass, damaged furniture, and other valuable belongings. In the case of vandalism, you can replace the film instead of the entire door or window.
The Benefits of Security Film for Schools
Security film is an investment with valuable benefits, particularly for school buildings.
Enhanced Security
Security film acts as a protective barrier against threats, transforming ordinary glass into a more formidable obstacle. By holding shattered glass together, it can delay entry, reduce the severity of potential damage, prevent injuries from flying debris, and provide crucial time for occupants to react or evacuate during emergencies. Additionally, the film can deter potential intruders and reduce the likelihood of successful break-ins.
Potentially Reduced Property Damage
Security film can significantly minimize property losses by preventing shattered glass from causing damage to interior furnishings, equipment, and artwork and giving security or first responders more time to respond before extreme damage is done. Whether the harm is caused by theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or other dangers, glass door protectors and window film can reduce the costs of repairs, replacement, and property loss.
Invaluable Peace of Mind
This added layer of protection offers peace of mind to students, staff, and parents, who can rest assured that the school leaders have taken proactive measures to ensure everyone’s safety.
What to Look for in a High-Quality Security Film Installation
There are many strengths, thicknesses, and varieties of window film available, including from the most popular brands like 3M and Llumar. While a professional window film expert can help you choose the option for your school, it can also be helpful to have a basic understanding of the factors determining the quality and effectiveness of any particular film.
When shopping for security film, keep in mind the following key criteria:
- Performance data: Review the performance data of different security films with a window film expert to better understand the efficacy and what works within your budget.
- Film quality: The higher the quality of the film, the more effective it will be at absorbing impact energy and holding the glass together. For security film, it is best to use materials from a reputable manufacturer versus some products posted to sites like Amazon.
- Professional installation: Even high-quality window film requires proper installation to guarantee optimal performance. The installation is just as important as the film itself, so be sure to trust the work of an experienced, qualified professional.
Why Schools Choose U.S. Film Crew for Their Glass Protection
At U.S. Film Crew, we have over 30 years of experience installing high-quality “glass door protectors” or security window film. Our team of qualified experts can assess your school’s specific security needs and recommend the best solution.
With experience working in school districts, we know the importance of avoiding disruptions to your staff and students. Our installation team works efficiently and expertly to ensure your school’s safety and security while class stays in session.
We can help you protect what matters most. Submit our simple form to learn more about how glass door protectors can benefit your school.
