Window films have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Most people prefer them for their different decorative touches while others enjoy the privacy and anti-glare effect that they provide.
The security benefits of window films are, however, often overlooked. This is unfortunate as such a small information gap may be all that is standing between you and better security in your home.
So, let's fix that, shall we? Here is a look at how window films can help improve security in your home.
Resilient Glass Entry Points
Burglars or anyone trying to access your home may aim for vulnerable points like glass doors or windows. The logic is that they are easy to shatter and they can be in and out as fast as possible and avoid getting caught.
When you apply window films to your glass doors and windows, they act as a protective layer. Moreover, this protective layer does not only shield you from the sun or peeping toms. It encases the glass panels like a second skin and makes them harder to break.
Consequently, if anyone attempts to break in through your glass doors or windows, the film presents a hurdle. It will either deter them or make it harder to access your home than if the glass was bare and easier to shatter.
Anti-shatter Protection
Some window films require adhesive during installation while others are designed to bind to glass using static energy. In both cases, the bond between the glass and the film is quite strong. So much so that the window film is like a laminate to the glass.
If a person attempts to break into your home or an object is hurled at your windows by accident, the window film:
- Lessens the impact on the glass which can stop it from breaking
- Acts as a barrier and prevents the glass from shattering, spreading all over, and leaving a hole in your window
As we have discussed above, making glass entryways harder to break through, creates a first line of defense for your home. However, if the impact is too much the film can prevent the glass from shattering. This equally provides safety benefits including:
- Protection from injuries- when glass shatters, its shards fly in different directions and scatter which can cause injuries to you or others in the home.
- Lesser damage- while the window will still be broken, the anti-shatter effect of the film prevents it from creating a gaping hole that would leave your home exposed and at risk. This is especially important if, for example, a window breaks in the night or during a storm when you are not able to get repairs done immediately.
The Shield of Privacy
Privacy window films make it difficult for people outside to see the interior of your home. This is a great feature because it grants you the privacy that every home deserves.
More importantly, privacy window films keep prying eyes at bay. Burglars, for instance, would find it hard to familiarize themselves with your home or scout for valuables. In most cases, this deters them because they have no idea what they may be walking into or if the attempt at theft will even pay off.
Limited visibility into your home can also give you a much-needed advantage to hide or escape if your home is ever under any threat. Full-privacy window film solutions are particularly ideal for this. Unlike window blinds or curtains, they do not cast any shadows or allow anyone outside to see what is going on in your home.
Protection Against Damage
Security goes further than protecting your home against burglars. It also entails issues like putting in place measures to shield your home from natural or malicious damage.
Window films help you achieve this because they:
- Protect your windows and glass doors from scratches or stains from bird strikes, hurled objects, or graffiti attacks. Plus, window films are easier and cheaper to replace than stained or damaged windows.
- Protect against UV rays and heat wave effects that can weaken or damage the glass panes on your doors or windows. More so if they are not glazed.
Tips on Using Window Films For Better Security
Aim for Quality
The benefits that you enjoy from any window film are only as good as the quality of the window film that you choose. Therefore, aim for window film from a high-standard window film manufacturer.
Consider Multi-layered Window Films
Quality multi-layered window films offer more resistance against impact and breakage. They thus offer stronger fortification for your windows or glass doors. Additionally, multi-layered window films will likely offer you other benefits like high levels of UV protection, infrared rejection, and anti-glare protection.
Proper Installation Matters
Window films are fairly easy to install but it is very important to get the installation right if you are to enjoy their full benefits.
First, the window film should match the exact size of the window or glass door. Partial coverage makes the film less effective because the uncovered parts of the glass will be brittle and easier to break. Anyone with sinister intentions could exploit this weakness. Full coverage also leaves no gaps for anyone to peep into your home.
Further, the window film should evenly cling to the glass like a second skin. There should be no folds or bumps when you run your palm on the window or door surface. Proper bonding ensures that the window film works effectively to mitigate breaks or shatters.
Final Thoughts
The best security solutions deter threats and protect you against them if they happen to strike. Window films perfectly fit this bill; the privacy they provide deters onlookers with sinister motives and their fortifying effects make it difficult to get through the access points in your home. They also go a step further and offer protection against harmful UV rays and heat degradation.
So, as far as simple, affordable, and effective security solutions go, this is certainly one worth trying, wouldn't you say?
