Window Security Film Installation: 6 Myths Debunked

If you want the truth about window security film installation, you must know the myths surrounding it. Click here as we debunk them.

Burglaries are among the most common crimes in the U.S.; on average, about 2.5 million cases occur yearly. A staggering 95% of these crimes are forceful entries.

One example of a forceful entry is when an intruder breaks a window to gain access to a home.

So, it's no wonder the demand for window films, including security films, is rising. Experts also expect North America to account for a considerable share of this market.

Despite that, many myths still surround window security film installation.



So, if you're still unsure of security films due to what you may have heard about them, it's time to set things straight. This guide debunks the most common rumors about them and their installation, so read on. 

1. It Just Makes Windows Look Cool

Some window security films feature a silver reflective or mirrored look. Others have darker shades. To many, these look cool and can augment an otherwise plain window pane's appearance.

However, that doesn't mean window security films are just for show. On the contrary, that's just a bonus, as these films' chief role is strengthening window glass panes.

High-quality window security films also provide ultraviolet radiation (UV) protection. They block much of the sun's UVA and UVB rays that can damage the skin and eyes and even cause skin cancer.

The UV protection offered by security films extends to fabrics and furniture. Remember: The sun's UV rays can also fade carpets, upholstery, leather, and wood in the long run.

You can combine security films with solar control films for even greater sun safety. This pairing reduces glare, heat gains, and heat losses and improves indoor comfort. 

2. It Stops Glass From Breaking

While security films reinforce glass panes, they don't make the latter unbreakable. Instead, they make glass more difficult to break and crack. As a result, it would take more force to shatter the glass completely.

Think of a security film as a protective outer layer on a glass pane's surface. When something hits this outer layer, it receives the external forces first. This cushions and reduces the impact before it gets transferred to the glass.

Suppose you hired a window tinting company to install security films on your windows. A burglar then attempts to enter your home by smashing one of your windows with a steel pipe.

With the security film in place, the glass pane may only develop spider cracks but not shatter. Since the intruder wasn't successful on their first try, they may give up.

Let's say the criminal decides to try and smash your window again. The glass may already break this time, but the pieces will remain stuck together, thanks to the film. This is due to the film acting as an adhesive, keeping the broken glass intact and in place instead of caving in.

So, even though the window pane broke, it's still affixed to the frame. Thus, the intruder still has no opening to crawl in from. They'd have to try a few more times to make the security film-reinforced glass pane yield.

That gives you more time to react and call the police for help. 

3. It Can Make Your Windows Too Dark

This ultimately depends on you, as you can choose the shade of your window films. You can request your residential window film installer to make them as dark as you desire. However, standard safety and security films are nearly invisible.

Window security films being transparent also means you can enjoy natural sunlight. This provides an opportunity to save money by relying less on artificial lighting. 

4. It Can Damage Your Windows

One of the most common myths about window films is that they cause thermal breakage.

Thermal breakage results from glass panes contracting and expanding due to temperature fluctuations. It can occur when one area becomes hotter than the rest.

Films installed correctly can't be the single cause of thermal breakage. However, this also means their incorrect application can contribute to such damage. Likewise, they can be a factor if applied to a defective glass or a poorly installed window.

That's also why leading window film manufacturers offer thermal breakage warranties. For instance, 3M backs its security films with a 60-month thermal shock warranty. This covers the glass itself if it breaks as a direct result of the 3M Safety & Security Window Film. 

5. It's Expensive

Do a quick Google search for the cost of security films, and you'll see estimates ranging from $5 to $15 per square foot. As for labor, contractors often charge per square foot, typically around $5 to $10.

If you have a dozen windows you want films for, you may think their total cost is hefty.

Don't let that thought stop you from installing security films. For one, consider that in 2019, each burglary case in the U.S. led to an average dollar loss of $2,661. That doesn't account for the trauma such crimes may inflict upon you and your family.

So, the cost of security film installation could only be a fraction of what you may lose in a smash-and-grab crime. 

6. It Won't Benefit Homes in Low-Crime Neighborhoods

Security films provide window protection from intruders and natural disasters. So, their installation can still benefit homes in neighborhoods with low crime rates. After all, natural disasters, such as hurricanes and hail storms, can strike anywhere.

A perfect example is Jupiter, Florida, which has a crime rate 50% lower than the U.S. average. That's incredible news, but that doesn't make the town safe from hurricanes. Hail storms also occur here, which can be enough to shatter unprotected windows.

In those cases, window security films can help reduce the risk of injury from shattered glass. 

Believe in Window Security Film Installation

Now you know window security film installation doesn't make glass impervious to breakage. At the same time, it does more than boost your windows' appearance. It can protect them and, most importantly, reduce injury risk from broken glass.

That should be enough reason to invest in high-quality window security films.

Ready to fortify your windows against intruders and natural disasters? Then, our team of professional film installers here at David Wood Window Tinting can help! Contact us today for your free quote or to schedule your installation.