School Safety Issues and Solutions: How Window Film Measures Up

If you work in school administration or have children who attend school campuses, you are likely one of the many people in the U.S. who are concerned about school safety issues and solutions that will protect the people inside.

As service providers who have worked diligently to keep people and property safe for more than 30 years, we care about equipping you with the most helpful information to make wise, confident decisions for your school. 

Many schools are installing security window film as a cost-effective solution that mitigates forced entry through one of the most vulnerable points of buildings. However, to fully realize the benefits of security window film, it’s essential to understand the primary determining factor of its effectiveness: proper installation. 

The Importance of Installation

One round of impact—whether it’s an assailant, weather element, or flying object—can shatter unprotected glass instantly. Security window film is made of a thick polyester material with some flex. When applied correctly, a window may still shatter, but the film has the strength to hold the glass together. Proper installation will maintain the vital barrier between whatever or whoever is attempting entry and those inside. 

Unfortunately, some installation companies lack the necessary skills to install the film properly. You are investing significantly in the safety of students, staff, and assets. While the lowest cost option is enticing, we recommend ensuring the provider is equipped with proper training and skill set to avoid a system that could fail due to poor installation. And by the time you learn that, it’s too late. 

When looking for a window film installer, we recommend you thoroughly evaluate the company. An evaluation ensures you invest your resources wisely for long-term results. As you assess a company, some warning signs of someone with less experience and competency include newer companies, “local only” companies, automobile tint shops, and even large companies with high turnover rates. 

As you assess a company, here are some suggested questions you can ask to evaluate skill and competency:

• How long has the company been in business?
• What does your project portfolio look like (have you done large security film jobs like this before?)
• Is your team in house?
• Will security film come with an attachment?
• Will attachment (wet glaze) be taped and tooled (to ensure sufficient “bite” to meet forced entry requirements)?
• How much time will this project take to complete?

Meticulous Yet Efficient

We have earned the designation “masters of the craft.” Our expert film installers at U.S. Film Crew have installed over 10 million square feet of window film (that’s equivalent to covering the Empire State Building’s exterior surface 50 times!). We cut and install all the materials by hand, meticulously but also efficiently. No one wants a construction team lingering around for too long. Our team’s exceptional technique allows us to serve clients quickly without sacrificing quality.

Installation timelines vary depending on the size and scope of the project. For example, we can complete installations for a smaller school within a single day. As another example, we recently completed a large project for a school district, installing 4,000 square feet of window film across nine buildings. After receiving the initial inquiry, we discussed the project, facilitated a site visit, and prepared an estimate within three weeks. Once we received approval, we began installation within three weeks, worked diligently including some night shifts where required, and completed the job within six weeks. Regardless of the time a school project requires, our process doesn’t require removing windows or disrupting class. 

Optimizing the Effectiveness of Your Investment

One more note about the optimal installation of security window film: We strongly recommend and specialize in an attachment. When a glass with security film breaks or shatters, it becomes a big, heavy material that the frame wasn’t designed to hold. This situation will likely result in the window falling out of the frame into the “pocket” or structural opening in the wall or facade. The attachment, however, will serve as the binding element between the film and frame. 

An attachment is a structural silicone adhesive (comparable to a caulk seal) that we “tape and tool” around the window frame. Taping and tooling not only ensure a clean, seamless look but also ensure the efficacy of the solution. Even when broken, the attachment holds the glass in the frame, protecting the opening. 

Many less skilled installers “shoot” the silicone around the frame, not paying attention to the grip or look. One of our strongest traits is our clean, professional installation of the attachment. We apply the attachment to be low profile, aesthetically pleasing, and most importantly, strong. We know exactly how much “bite” it needs to work and which frame types are most suitable. For instance, a wooden frame isn’t as strong as a metal frame.

Transparent as Our Window Film

As you’re considering school safety issues and solutions, our team is equipped to help. We understand window film products and their efficacy and can explain whether a proposed solution will work for your specific building and circumstance. More than making a sale, we care about arming you with the necessary information to make the best possible decisions for your school. 

If you choose to work with us, our entire team knows the valuable details that optimize the film’s performance, and our installation team executes to the highest standards. We invite you to fill out our contact form to discuss your needs.