Written By: Brad Campbell | August 22, 2024
Reinforcing windows against impacts is a great way to improve the security of any commercial facility, especially in terms of preventing forced entry and burglary. And, when it comes to doing so, security window film and security glass are two of the most popular choices out there.
But how do security window film and security glass compare? These are two very different solutions, so it’s important to make sure you understand the differences before you choose one or the other.
Security window film consists of many layers of a strong poly-based coating that is applied directly on top of existing glass surfaces.
As for security glass, there are many different types with different specific compositions. Two of the most common types of security glass are laminated security glass and glass-clad polycarbonate.
Laminated security glass consists of two or more layers of strengthened glass laminated together into a thick, durable sheet.
Glass-clad polycarbonate security glazing is made of two or more layers of security glass and polycarbonate laminated together.
Of the two, glass-clad polycarbonate is stronger, because the polycarbonate layer is virtually unbreakable, whereas even the thickest of security glass can still eventually be broken.
When you apply security window film to a glass surface, such as a window or a glass door, the pliable coating helps hold broken shards of glass in place.
It’s important to note that, although security window film does make it somewhat harder to break through the glass it is applied to, that’s not its main intended purpose.
Instead, this type of window film is mainly designed to reduce the risks of hazards related to broken glass, whether the glass breaks due to man-made or natural causes.
For instance, if a flying piece of storm debris causes a window to shatter, security window film prevents the sharp, jagged shards of glass from flying dangerously inwards and potentially causing injury to people inside.
Security glass, on the other hand, is mainly intended to prevent windows and glass doors from breaking in the first place, especially due to forced entry attempts using blunt force.
Laminated security glass is typically used to replace your existing commercial glass and act as a forced entry-resistant barrier that still looks and functions like normal window glass.
This is why laminated security glass and glass-clad polycarbonate security glazing are commonly used for glass storefronts or all-glass doors on commercial buildings.
Security window film offers better forced entry protection than having nothing protecting your windows at all, but it’s not going to prevent a determined intruder from gaining access to a building.
That’s why it’s really only recommended for when human safety from glass hazards is a concern, and not when stopping forced entry is your primary goal.
When you want to stop forced entry and protect against threats such as burglary, smash-and-grab theft, and rioting and looting, security glass provides a much higher level of glass protection than even the strongest security window film does.
Security glass is ideal for all types of commercial facilities, including:
Despite security glass being the superior option over security window film, undergoing a full glass replacement job can be prohibitively expensive, not to mention disruptive to business.
This is why many commercial facilities still choose security window film — it’s more budget friendly and faster/easier to install.
But, what if we told you there was a third option that is both more cost-effective than glass replacement and stronger than most security glass? Well, there is, and it’s something called retrofit polycarbonate security glazing.
Retrofit polycarbonate security glazing can be installed on top of almost any existing glass door or window, with no need to replace the existing glass. This makes it much more affordable and easier to install than many types of security glass.
And, since this glazing consists entirely of polycarbonate, there’s no actual glass that can get broken. Laminated security glass, for example, can still break and spall during forced entry attempts.
For comparison, polycarbonate can withstand even the most prolonged attacks using heavy hand tools, such as bats, sledgehammers, and pry bars.
Now, you may be thinking that polycarbonate security glazing surely changes the appearance of commercial windows, but it actually doesn’t.
Retrofit polycarbonate glazing looks and feels very much like standard window glass, and it doesn’t significantly alter the outward appearance or functionality of your windows.
In short, polycarbonate fortifies your business, without making it look fortified. You can still enjoy all the benefits of outdoor visibility and natural light that your windows provide, and the curb appeal of your property remains unaffected (unlike with unsightly bars and grates).
If a would-be intruder attempts to smash their way through a glass door or window, their attempts will be met with frustration as their blows just bounce right off the polycarbonate glazing shields. This causes criminals to move on or delays them enough that they get caught.
Polycarbonate security glazing is ideal for protecting all types of commercial facilities against a full range of security threats, such as:
In fact, polycarbonate is an ideal alternative to boarding up windows during civil unrest or ahead of hurricanes and strong windstorms.
Security window film, security glass, and polycarbonate security glazing are all wonderful products that serve important roles in protecting commercial properties against various threats.
However, each of these products has its own set of limitations and benefits, and not every solution is ideal for every set of needs (or budget).
Our team of glass security experts is here to help you choose the best security glazing for your goals and budget. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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