Commercial building owners are constantly on the lookout for effective ways to enhance the safety, security, and privacy of their properties.
One potential solution that can protect people and property by reinforcing window glass against shattering, as well as add privacy by tinting commercial windows, is tinted security window film.
This product not only reinforces glass windows, but also offers additional benefits such as increased aesthetic appeal.
However, it’s important to understand the limitations of security window film, especially when it comes to preventing forced entry and protecting against other major threats.
Benefits of Tinted Security Window Film
Enhancing Human Safety
One of the primary benefits of tinted security window film is its ability to enhance human safety.
Windows are often the most vulnerable points in a commercial building, and in the event of an accident, natural disaster, or intentional attack, broken glass can pose significant dangers.
Security window film improves human safety in commercial buildings by holding broken shards of glass together, helping the broken window retain its shape and mitigating risks associated with shattering.
Preventing Shattering Inwards
When a commercial window breaks, the glass shards can scatter dangerously, potentially causing severe injuries to anyone nearby.
Tinted security window film is designed to hold shattered glass together, preventing it from breaking into sharp, hazardous pieces that can fly dangerously inwards. This containment effect is crucial in protecting occupants from injury.
For instance, in a commercial office building, a window that breaks due to a piece of flying storm debris or another accidental impact could lead to injuries from flying glass shards. However, with security window film in place, the glass holds together even when broken, significantly reducing the risk of injury to employees and visitors.
Mitigating Impact Damage
While it doesn’t prevent glass from breaking, tinted security window film can help absorb and distribute the force across the surface of the window, minimizing the damage of some impacts.
Since the window film also helps the window retain its shape, it mitigates the risk of other types of damage that can occur after a window shatters, such as water damage from heavy rains.
It’s important to note that windows tinted with security window film can still be broken during a determined forced entry attempt, but they can help delay and deter forced entry by making it harder to break in.
Increased Privacy
Privacy is a significant concern for many commercial establishments, especially those dealing with sensitive information or valuable assets, or where people are working close to ground floor windows.
Tinted security window film can be an effective solution for boosting privacy without completely blocking out natural light or cutting off views of the outdoors. The film obscures the view from the outside when the light outside is brighter than that inside, adding daytime privacy while allowing those inside to see outwards.
Privacy window film can also make it difficult for potential intruders to see inside and assess the layout or identify valuable targets within a commercial building. This added layer of privacy can deter criminal activities and enhance the sense of security for employees and clients.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Beyond privacy, tinted security window film can enhance the visual appeal of a commercial building. Available in various shades and styles, these films can give a modern, sleek look to the exterior while maintaining a professional appearance.
This aesthetic improvement can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to make a positive impression on clients and customers, or for commercial building owners who want to improve building occupancy rates.
Practical Applications of Tinted Security Window Film in Commercial Settings
Office Buildings
In office buildings, ensuring the safety and security of employees is paramount.
Tinted security window film can protect workers from potential injuries caused by broken glass, enhance privacy for sensitive operations, and improve the overall comfort and aesthetics of the workspace.
Additionally, the film can reduce glare on computer screens, contributing to a more productive work environment.
Retail Stores
Retail stores face constant security challenges, from potential break-ins to vandalism.
Tinted security window film can provide an added layer of protection by making it harder for intruders to break through the glass, potentially causing them to move on and look for an easier target.
Not only that, but tinted window film can provide a level of discretion for certain types of high-risk retail businesses, such as cannabis dispensaries.
Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities have stringent privacy and safety requirements to protect patient information and ensure a secure environment for both patients and staff.
Tinted security window film can help meet these needs by preventing glass from shattering inwards, maintaining confidentiality, and enhancing the facility's overall appearance.
This application is especially important in areas such as patient rooms, examination areas, and administrative offices.
What Are the Limitations of Tinted Security Window Film?
As we touched on above, it’s important to understand that security window film does not prevent glass from breaking due to impacts, especially from forced entry attempts.
A determined, well-equipped intruder can still get through a window protected by security film, it will just take them a little longer than it would to get through a normal window.
This is why we always stress that security window film can delay and deter forced entry and burglary, but it can’t 100% prevent it.
Security window film is a cost-effective way to enhance the security of commercial buildings, but it’s important to include it alongside other elements of a comprehensive security system, such as monitored surveillance cameras and alarm systems, for maximum effectiveness.
Alternatively, if full access denial is your goal, you can always retrofit forced entry-resistant Riot Glass into your existing windows, which provides extremely high levels of protection against forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, rioting and looting, and even active threats.
Conclusion
Tinted window security film offers commercial building owners a versatile solution to increase safety, security, and privacy in their properties.
By preventing glass from shattering dangerously inwards and adding a layer of privacy, it protects both people and property.
While not a complete safeguard against forced entry, its ability to delay intruders and deter criminal activities makes it a valuable addition to any security strategy.
Combining tinted security window film with other security measures can provide a comprehensive approach to building protection, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all occupants.
Contact Campbell Glass and Films today to discuss how we can transform your commercial property with our full range of window tinting and security films.
