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Security Window Film
Strengthen Glass and Slow Forced Entry
Glass is often the most vulnerable point in a building envelope. Security window films are designed to reinforce existing glass, helping hold shattered glass together under impact and making it significantly harder to create an opening through the glazing. This can help slow forced entry, smash-and-grab theft and other impact events, while also reducing the risk of dangerous flying glass fragments. When installed as part of a properly designed glazing system, security window film can improve both occupant safety and asset protection without replacing the existing glass.
Security window films are typically installed in thicknesses starting at around 8 mil (approximately 200 microns) and increasing through to 14 mil (approximately 350 microns), depending on the level of protection required. Thicker films provide greater tear resistance and improved performance under impact. Some advanced films use multi-layer technology to improve tear resistance and help the glass remain intact under severe impact conditions. For higher levels of protection, security film should be installed as part of a complete attachment system, which anchors the filmed glass to the frame so that if the glass breaks, the pane is designed to remain attached rather than being easily pushed out of the opening. Security window film systems are widely used in environments where improved glass security and fragment retention are required. Common applications include:
Security window films are typically installed in thicknesses starting at around 8 mil (approximately 200 microns) and increasing through to 14 mil (approximately 350 microns), depending on the level of protection required. Thicker films provide greater tear resistance and improved performance under impact. Some advanced films use multi-layer technology to improve tear resistance and help the glass remain intact under severe impact conditions. For higher levels of protection, security film should be installed as part of a complete attachment system, which anchors the filmed glass to the frame so that if the glass breaks, the pane is designed to remain attached rather than being easily pushed out of the opening. Security window film systems are widely used in environments where improved glass security and fragment retention are required. Common applications include:
Residential Homes
& Apartments
Offices & Commercial
Buildings
Retail Shopfronts
& Shopping Centres
Schools, Universities & Childcare Facilities
Healthcare Facilities & Hospitals
Government & Public Buildings
Hotels, Restaurants & Cafes
Industrial Buildings & Warehouses
Benefits at a glance
Forced Entry Resistance
Help slow entry through broken glass
Glass Fragment Retention
Hold shattered glass together after impact
Frame Anchoring Systems
Smash-and-Grab Protection
Anchor the filmed glass to the frame using specialised attachment systems
Make retail glazing harder to breach quickly
Blast Mitigation
Storm & Impact Protection
Help reduce hazards from flying glass fragments
Improve glass performance during severe weather and debris impact
UV Protection
Clear or Solar Control Options
Block 99% of harmful UV rays
Available in clear and solar control security film systems
Security Window Films in Action
Because security window films are optically clear, their performance is often best demonstrated through testing. The videos below show the behaviour of filmed glass under impact and forced entry conditions. Some footage includes glass breakage and forced entry testing which some viewers may find confronting. Viewer discretion is advised.
Videos courtesy of Solar Gard and Wolf Telstra Partner
Videos courtesy of Solar Gard and Wolf Telstra Partner
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does security window film make glass unbreakable?
No. Security window film does not make glass unbreakable. Instead, it reinforces the glass so that if it does break, the fragments are held together by the film. This makes it significantly harder to create an opening through the glass and can slow forced entry attempts.
How does security window film improve security?
When glass breaks without film, it typically falls out of the frame quickly, allowing easy access. Security window film helps hold shattered glass together, making it much harder to push the glass out of the frame and create an opening. This can help slow smash-and-grab theft, forced entry attempts and other impact events.
Can security film stop burglaries?
Security window film is designed to delay and deter entry, not make a building impenetrable. By making it harder and slower to break through glass, it can discourage opportunistic criminals and increase the time required to gain access. Security film is most effective when used as part of a broader security strategy.
What thickness security films are available?
Security window films are typically available in thicknesses ranging from around 8 mil (approximately 200 microns) through to 14 mil (approximately 350 microns). The appropriate thickness depends on the level of protection required, the glass type and the application. During our assessment we recommend the most suitable film for the situation.
What is the key difference between security and safety film?
While both types of film help hold broken glass together, they are designed for different purposes. Safety films are primarily intended to reduce the risk of injury from broken glass, whereas security films are thicker and designed to provide greater resistance to forced entry and more severe impact events.
What is an attachment system?
For higher levels of protection, security window film should be installed with a frame attachment system. This connects the filmed glass to the window frame so that if the glass breaks, the pane is designed to remain anchored to the frame rather than being pushed out of the opening. Attachment systems significantly improve the performance of security window film.
Can security window film be installed on laminated or double-glazed glass?
In many cases, yes. Security window film can often be installed on laminated glass, toughened glass and double-glazed units. However, the suitability depends on the glass type, size, framing system and the level of protection required. During our assessment we evaluate the existing glazing to determine whether security film is appropriate and which system should be used.
Will security window film change the appearance of the glass?
Is security window film installed on the inside or outside?
Most security films are installed on the inside surface of the glass, where they are protected from weather and physical damage. In some situations exterior installation may be recommended depending on the glazing type.
Will there be joins in the film?
Many installations can be completed without joins, however the maximum sheet size depends on the roll width of the selected film and the size of the glass panel. If a join is required, we will discuss this with you beforehand.
Can security window film be installed on existing glass?
Yes. Security window film is designed to be installed on existing glazing, making it a cost-effective way to improve glass safety and security without replacing the windows.
Does security window film comply with Australian standards?
Certain security window film systems can assist with compliance with AS 1288 – Glass in Buildings – Selection and Installation, depending on the product, thickness and installation method used. Where specific compliance requirements apply, we can help determine the appropriate film system and installation approach for the project.
What brands do you use?
AlpineTint is an authorised installer for 3M and Solar Gard, two of the most respected manufacturers in the window film industry. We select products based on the performance required for each project.
Will the film bubble after installation?
Immediately after installation you may notice small water pockets or haze while the film cures. This is normal and typically clears within a few days to a few weeks depending on conditions.
Can I purchase security window film and install it myself?
Security window films are specialist architectural products and are not available for retail purchase. In most cases these films can only be supplied through authorised installers. For example, some of the highest-performing security films are supplied only to approved installer networks, such as 3M Select Partners or Solar Gard Armorcoat approved installers, who have received the required training to correctly specify and install the systems. Proper installation is critical to ensure the film performs as intended. If security film is incorrectly installed, or installed without the appropriate attachment system where required, it may not perform correctly and manufacturer warranties may not apply. For this reason we strongly recommend ensuring any contractor installing security film is an authorised and trained installer rather than a general contractor or subcontractor.
Most security films are optically clear, meaning they have little to no visible impact on the appearance of the glass. In some cases lightly shaded and reflective options may also be available depending on the product selected.