Can You “Shatterproof” Glass With Window Film?

When glass breaks, it’s more than inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Whether its windows, doors, or partitions, glass represents one of the most vulnerable points of a building, creating a risk for safety and security. A popular solution that can significantly enhance your school’s safety is window security film. While it may not achieve a true “shatterproof” glass effect, it does offer significant security and safety benefits.

In this post, you can learn about how security film can protect your students, staff, and property from a variety of physical and financial hazards. 

What Does Window Film Do When Glass Shatters?

The first thing you need to know about security film is that no film can completely prevent glass from breaking or shattering. However, it can hold all the broken pieces together, keeping the window intact and preventing entry or injury. 

When an impact occurs, the film absorbs the energy of the impact. The glass may crack or shatter, but it will remain intact, reducing any risk of penetration or entry by an intruder. In a crisis, this delay allows occupants to evacuate safely or contact local authorities for assistance. 

Security film is made of high-quality, multi-layered polyester that is adhered to glass surfaces to enhance their strength. For it to function properly, window film must be installed correctly. We often tell our clients that any window film is only as effective as its installation. 

Why Do Schools Use Security Film?

Schools commonly install security film on their windows and doors because it offers outstanding protection against:

Intrusions

By making it significantly more difficult to break through glass, security film can slow or stop potential intruders and buy valuable time for law enforcement or security personnel to respond. In the event of an active shooter situation or other threat, security film helps contain the danger by preventing easy access to interior spaces.

Vandalism

Security film protects glass from damage caused by destructive acts such as thrown rocks, blades, and permanent graffiti. When a window is defaced, the film can be replaced instead of the entire window, saving a significant amount of money.

Natural Disasters

When a hurricane, tornado, hailstorm, or earthquake strikes, security window film keeps the glass intact, reducing the risk of injury and costly property damage. Even high winds have been known to break building windows from blowing debris or sheer force.

In addition to enhancing security and safety, security film offers several other valuable advantages:

Asset Protection

The cost of replacing stolen, broken, or vandalized property can be significant. Security film serves as a reliable shield against these threats, sometimes saving school districts tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. 

UV Protection

Nearly all window security films provide some level of protection from ultraviolet radiation. Schools can protect their interior furnishings, flooring, equipment, artwork, and other valuable property from fading or damage caused by harmful UV rays.

Energy Efficiency

Sunlight can raise the temperature inside a building by several degrees, forcing HVAC systems to work harder to keep the occupants comfortable. By reducing heat transfer, certain types of window film can help lower energy costs while allowing students to focus.

Privacy

Solar security film can be used to enhance privacy, which can also be a helpful security measure. By obscuring views into the building, privacy window film keeps unwanted eyes from planning their next move.

Reduced Glare

Sunlight glare can be a serious obstacle to learning in some situations, especially when TVs or computer screens are involved. Several types of window film are designed to minimize glare, improve visibility, and reduce eye strain for students.

With so many variations of window film to choose from, it can be challenging for the average school administrator to know which type is best for your unique needs. If you’re unsure which type of security film to choose for your school, talk to a qualified professional.

Consult the School Safety Experts at U.S. Film Crew

For more than 30 years, U.S. Film Crew has provided top-quality security film solutions to schools, businesses, and homes across the country. Now based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, every member of our team brings years of experience and proven skills to help you protect your school, create a safer learning environment, and provide greater peace of mind to parents and teachers.

U.S. Film Crew’s services include expert consultation to assess your school’s specific security concerns and recommend the best film solution. Our certified installers—known for “training the trainers” in the window film industry—will make sure your film is placed correctly for maximum effectiveness. If you ever have any needs or questions about your film, we’re always available to provide support and maintenance to keep your film in the best possible condition.

When you invest in security film, you’re investing in the safety and security of your school community. It’s an important decision that can help make a life-saving difference in protecting your students, staff, and property.

Contact us today to talk about how security film can protect your school.