If you’re a property owner, you know how frustrating vandalism can be. While it may be challenging to prevent damage completely, there are some protective measures you can take to keep your building more secure and safeguard what’s inside.
Windows are particularly vulnerable to vandalism. But there are some effective measures you can take to minimize the destruction and the costs associated with vandalism, including security film for windows. In this post, we’ll explain how window film works and what it can do to protect your property from vandals.
What Is Security Film for Windows?
Security film is a micro-layered, thin sheet made from clear polyester that is applied to windows and glass. Its primary purpose is to strengthen the resilience of the glass, making it more difficult to shatter or break.
It works by holding the glass together even when an attempt is made to smash it. The film absorbs the impact and distributes it over a large surface area, preventing shattering and inhibiting intruders from breaking through.
The Impact of Vandalism on Buildings
Vandalism takes many forms, including graffiti, window smashing, and property defacement. It’s more than an eyesore; it can cause a significant financial burden for building owners in terms of clean-up and repair costs.
The presence of vandalism can also depreciate the value of a building and may deter potential tenants or customers from entering your establishment. When left unrepaired, property damage can make a building or a business appear abandoned or neglected.
Vandalism can also leave a negative psychological impact on the owner and occupants who may feel violated, insecure, and fearful.
How Can Security Film Protect Against Vandalism?
Security film acts as a strong deterrent against vandals primarily due to its strength-enhancing properties. When a vandal attempts to smash a window fitted with security film, they would find it surprisingly resistant to their efforts.
3M security film — specifically, Ultra S800 film from 3M — is designed to absorb up to 400 pounds of impact. This makes it significantly harder for vandals to break windows, keeping your property safer from damage or intrusion.
In addition to its anti-vandalism properties, security film is a more cost-effective solution than other security measures such as surveillance systems or reinforced glass. It’s a one-time investment with long-lasting benefits, unlike recurring security service fees.
The benefits of security film extend beyond protection against vandalism. It blocks up to 99% of UV rays, which can fade furniture and artwork, harm your skin, and cause other interior damage over time. It also protects your property from accidents and extreme weather. And if you invest in a film that also comes with privacy features, you can protect your assets from prying eyes.
Installation Process of Security Film
The quality of any window film is only as good as its installation. When done properly, the application of security film involves cleaning the window surface, cutting the film to size, applying an adhesive, and then smoothing the film onto the window. While this process seems straightforward, it requires precision to ensure that the film is properly adhered to the glass — which can affect the film’s strength. We often see competitors with wet glaze skills that do not meet the standards required for the film to effectively hold to the window frame, which can leave customers exposed.
The main challenge during installation is making sure that the film is applied to stringent security standards with proper attachment in place. If not done correctly, the effectiveness of the film can be compromised. Unless you have extensive training and experience in installing window film, it’s a job best left to professionals.
Protect Your Property With U.S. Film Crew
If you’re considering installing security film on your building’s windows, contact U.S. Film Crew. As Pittsburgh’s leading provider of professional window film installation, we are meticulous in our work and care about the high level of quality you receive.
Our team has extensive experience; we’ve even trained other installers how to complete jobs flawlessly. We understand how important it is to protect your investment, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing top-quality service.
Contact us today for a quote and take the first step towards shielding your property from vandalism with security film.
