Welcome to the board. I'll take a stab at your questions. I've been in the window industry since '96 and have seen a lot of safety film installations in Latin America for protection against "Smash & Grab". Here are a couple of points to consider:
-Safety film will not stop someone from coming through, it will slow them down & buy you time.
-Safety film should be used in conjunction with other safety devices (alarm system & vicious dog)
-8 Mil is the thinnest safety film that you should consider...probably move up to 15 mil or two layers of 8 mil. Each extra layer will slow down an intruder that wants to get through.
-You must install an attachment system (either "mechanical" or silicone (Dow Corning 995, for example))
-Multi layer safety films are better (4mil+4mil+4mil) is better than 8mil+4mil (3 layers is better than two). Thicker film is better (14/15 mil will give more resistance than just 8 mil)
-You will need dry out time. I recomend to get it installed before winter. The installer should use a heavy duty squeegee to get as much water out as possible, then squeegee again.
Hello,
I am looking to put a security film on my patio door glass to protect against intrusion. From what I have been reading on these forums on similar topics it seems that I should be looking at 8MIL security film.
There are two glass panes 31" by 73" each. Its a sliding door. The frame seems to be metal.
I would appreciate if you took your time to answer my questions.
1) What specific brand/type would you recommend ?
-Most multi layer films are comparable. Make sure you get a 10 year factory warranty.
2)What is 3M's 28-ply Ultra Safety and Security Clear Window Film (
Boost home security on CR ) I cannot find it on 3M's website as it is probably under a different name. Is it worth looking at for what I want to accomplish?
Not up to date with 3M's 28ply. How thick is this? 3M's multi layer safety film is strong. You can usually match that strength by buying a thicker ply from another company. I would have to analyze the data to compare. I'm sure somebody will correct this part.
Ask for a sample card to verify "
clarity." Some of the older versions (10 years ago) were a bit hazy; but I think most mfg.'s cleared that up. Compare the clarity of company x vs company y. From 10 feet away you should not be able to tell there is any film on the window. Some "specs." of dust would be expected after installation.
QUOTE
Secure glass areas. Security or safety window film can resist blows of up 400 foot-pounds, according to manufacturer claims. 3M's 28-ply Ultra Safety and Security Clear Window Film costs $7 to $9 per square foot or about $105 to $135 for a 3x5-foot window. It should be installed by a pro, which will add to the cost.
Safety will cost a bit for installation because it takes excellent experience to do a good job, forearm strength & good safety film installation tools. Let the "professional installer" bid the safety film with installation.
3)How is the visibility going to be affected by putting the film on? Is it be going to be noticeable.
From 10 feet away, it should not be noticeable. I've seen (6) layers of safety film applied and asked "which window."
4)What kind of look can I expect after the installation. Is it going to be obvious at first glance that a security film has been installed on my doors ? Can I expect completely smooth surface without any air bubbles inside ?
Dry out time for safety film is much longer than other films, especially depending on how cold it is and if there is exposure to the sun. It will get cloudy before it dries out. Do not worry. Again, get it installed in oct (not jan-march).
5) I am in the northeast. The temperatures are now in the 40s and 50s. Its probably going to be even colder before I make a final decision about the installer. Am i better off waiting till the summer to get a better chance its going to be properly installed without any air bubbles ?
6)What do you refer here as to "daylight only installation" ?
"Daylight" installation means "no attachment system". You need to get an attachment system. What type of glass is your door? Tempered?
7) What is the meaning of 4Mil/4Mil/4Mil on this page (
http://www.newyorkwindowtinting.net/security.html). Is it a 3-ply film ?
Yes, 3ply film. 3 ply should be stronger than 2ply
Do columns
"Visible Light Transmission" and
"Break Strength" seem to be right in relation between products ?
No. Visible Light Transmission means how much light is blocked via "sputtered metal" or "dye". For clear safety film VLT should be approx 88-92. Of course if you want a solar safety film, that would be recommended to keep the heat out too. However, dry out time is even that much longer with a "sputtered" metalized safety film (solar safety).
Thanks again for your help!
