Security film intruder deterrent

One of the most intriguing products that I get asked about is Security Film.

What is it? Does it really work? Can I install it myself? Where can I purchase it?

First of all, this product is sold as a deterrent only, not to be confused with something that will totally prevent an intruder from breaking in. The main purpose of Security Film is to discourage a would be burglar, by making it more difficult to penetrate the glass, and hopefully sending him or her on their way.

Security film is a polyester sheet that is attached to the window area (usually the inside glass). When the glass is challenged by a hit from a pry bar or rock it will shatter in a fan pattern but will stay within itself. With continual force an intruder could make a small hole in the glass and proceed with an illegal entry, however, this would not be done easily or without excessive noise.

The film is invisible from both sides of the glass and does not change the look of your existing glass windows or doors.

This product is also available in many thickness ranging from 4 to 14 mls. The recommended home thickness is about 6 mls while businesses usually opt for greater thickness.

It's available in scratch resistant coating which increases the aesthetic durability. However, caution should be taken when cleaning and making sure that no abrasive cleaners are used.

Reflective films will reduce heat gain by up to 75 per cent and offer 95 to 99 per cent UV protection.

The cost of security film is usually based on square footage. Keeping in mind if you are doing a window that is 600 square inches (30 X 20) and the company that you are purchasing the film from has widths of 36 inches, you will pay for a sheet that is 36-by- 20 plus the cost of installation and travel time.

The bonus to having a professional install the film is that they will offer a five-year warranty against chipping, cracking, peeling and yellowing.

A cost effective way to install security film is to do it yourself. I always tell my customers, "If you can wallpaper, you can install security film."

Here are the easy five-step installation instructions:

1. Clean the window thoroughly with a mild household cleaner and a squeegee. It is recommended to scrape glass with a razor blade before cleaning.
2. Spray wetting solution on glass (mix 1 part Baby shampoo to 30 parts water) place the film against the wet glass with the protective backing facing you. Loosen one corner of the protective backing and then strip off the entire backing.
3. Spray wetting solution on the adhesive coating. Then remove the film from the glass, reverse it and place the wet adhesive surface firmly against the glass.
4. Spray wetting solution on the film side. Squeegee out any water between the film and the glass with a soft rubber squeegee.
5. Trim to fit the window snugly.

Although bonding to glass is immediate upon completion of squeegeeing, a curing time is required for total bonding - about 48 to 72 hours.