How much thickness is good for a security window film?

When you want to protect your home or vehicle from invasions, harmful rays, or sudden impact forces, security window films can prove to be very helpful and protective. They are designed to enhance the strength of regular window glass and keep the shattered glass together.

Sometimes, security window films are designed to protect from other issues as well. For example, certain security window films tint the window dark to some extent so that passengers and drivers in the car or people inside the building cannot be noticed instantly, reduce the heat, or prevent the damages caused by ultraviolet rays.

The Role of Thickness in Security Window Films - How Do I Find the Right One?

Security window films are made of typically more than one layer of polyester film, which are bonded together with special adhesives. The thickness of window films ranges from 4 mils (100 microns) to 14 mils (350 microns) or even more.

Protection against sun and transparency

Window films that are less in thickness (4 mils) are the ones that can be used for purposes like sun exposure control, heat rejection, and window tinting. They don’t protect you from burglars.

Protection against acid, scratches, and tagging

In case you want protection against acid etchings, scratches, and tagging, then an entry-level security film, such as Commander 4, will be the right and economical solution. Its thickness is also less so that you can easily remove it if your window happens to be badly scratched, tagged, or damaged by acid. That’s why this window film is often called the sacrificial layer.

Protection against possible break-in events

When you are looking for security window films that keep you secure from break-ins, you will need to make sure that the thickness is not less than 8 mils. A security film with 8-mil thickness can be used for mid-risk buildings, such as homes facing the roadside, lobbies, restaurants, malls, and automobiles.

However, if you also want privacy in addition to security from burglars, buy a security film that comes with the “dark tint” feature. The Darkview Machete 8-mil is a great example of a security window film that offers all benefits in one - protects you from heat buildup and ultraviolet rays, provides privacy with dark tint, and keeps you safe in the event of a break-in or bad weather.

Protection against forced entry, break-ins, and blasts

If you are in the need of advanced-level protection and safety in your home and automobile, you should look for security window films that act as blast shields and come in thickness varying between 12 mils and 16 mils.

This type of window film is the best solution when you are looking for extra assurance that you or your loved one won’t be harmed when the window glass is damaged by severe weather and earthquakes.

It provides a better chance at protection as it is more difficult to break during forced-entry events and is strong enough to handle bomb blast events.

So, when looking for security window films, first, you need to determine what kind of protection you want. Once you know the purpose, you can pick the right type of security window films easily.