How Security Window Film Works and Who’s Using It
Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Ohio are the states that have school districts with security window film installed.
This is an interior classroom door window protected by safety and security film at Bath Local Schools in Lima, Ohio.
Increasingly, safety and security window film installation has been included in security upgrades to school buildings. Campus officials are recognizing that securing entryway, first-floor and other exposable glass is critical in helping thwart dangerous intruders. Campus Safety had previously reported that tragedies such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have only accelerated these security upgrades.
Security film works because:
- It’s thicker than regular window films – anywhere from 4 to 21 mils
- It increases the shatter resistance of glass
Proper installation of security film is essential to its success. For the best, most effective results:
- The film is first adhered to the inside of the glass
- A large bead of structural silicone, known as a wet glaze attachment system, is then applied around the perimeter of the glass, firmly securing the film in place
The combination of the security film and the attachment system is what protects and strengthens the glass, making it difficult if not impossible for any intruder to enter.
Not surprisingly, Connecticut – home to Sandy Hook Elementary School – leads the way, followed by Illinois, in adopting security film. Both states, along with Maryland and Virginia, have initiated programs that fund school building security upgrades.
As other states implement similar funding programs and local communities take their own funding initiatives, the list of schools upgrading security in their buildings – including glass protection – is certain to grow.
Among the school districts that have included safety and security window film installation in their security upgrades since 2013 are:
- Connecticut: Ansonia, Capitol Region Education Council, Glastonbury, Guilford, Hamden, Hartford, Naugatuck, Norwalk, Norwich, Shelton, Simsbury and Stratford
- Illinois: Barrington, Country Club Hills, Geneva, Gurnee, Lake Zurich, Minooka and Rockford
- Maryland: Calvert County
- New York: Hewlett-Woodmere
- Ohio: Lima Bath
George J. Tanber is marketing and website content manager for Commercial Window Shield. For more information, visit www.CommercialWindowShield.com.
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