Windows remains one of the most common places of entry for criminals when it comes to residential or commercial places. Therefore, many people start adding extra protection to their windows. Nevertheless, choosing what kind of protection to use can be a problem because there are so many alternatives to pick from.
Security window films and safety bars are two of the most common types of protection used in homes and businesses. While these options are designed to prevent break-ins and make glass panels more rigid, they achieve this in different ways.
How Does Security Window Film Compare to Safety Bars?
Window security films and safety bars are the two most common types of protective coverings used on windows for break-in protection. Though both are designed to protect glass windows from intruders, they function in different ways. In this section, we’ll dive into the various ways in which these two options differ in security features, aesthetic value, ease of installation, and practicality.
- Security & Protection
Security Window Film: Strengthens the glass by holding shattered pieces together, limiting the extent of damage. However, it does not physically prevent an intruder from eventually getting in through a glass door. It slows down forced entry attempts.
Safety Bars: These provide a physical barrier to the premises that can sometimes be forcibly removed with tools. Even if the glass is broken, it prevents unauthorised entry and reduces the risk of injury from flying glass.
- Aesthetics & Visibility
Safety and security: You can get both, however, the view is blocked. Some creative designs do exist, yet they can drastically change the overall attractiveness of the house, making it feel more like a prison.
Security Window Film: This is clear and does not change the appearance of the windows, keeping natural light and visibility intact.
- Installation & Maintenance
Safety Bars: These require careful positioning and drilling, which can be time-consuming. In addition, they may need cleaning from time to time to prevent rust or wear on the glass window frame.
Security Window Film: It is simple to cover the glass, and adhesives do not take excessive time. Only moderate cleaning is required, so it is easy to maintain the integrity of the window tint.
- Safety & Emergency Exits for glass doors and windows.
Safety Bars: These, if not designed with a quick-release mechanism, can be a challenge in case of emergencies like a fire, as they can hinder the escape route.
Security Window Film: These do not block the exits, and if there is a need, the glass can break with force, potentially creating glass shards.
- Factors to Take Into Account
Security Window Film: More cost-efficient than installing safety bars, with lower implementation costs.
Safety Bars: Due to components and labour expenses, the cost is higher at the beginning, especially for custom designs or secure installations.
Which One is Right for You?
To conceal protection able to strengthen glass without being noticed, security window film would be the best choice. However, safety bars may be more effective if the focus is on maximum security and a physical barrier against flying glass.
Most homeowners and establishments, including many businesses, find that the optimal option is a blend of the two. Safety film is used to reinforce glass and safety bars are applied to specific windows to maximise security without compromising aesthetics.
What Factors to Consider When Buying Security Window Film?
The use of safety window films as security measures has proven to be highly beneficial. They can strengthen glass and prevent break-ins, all while increasing safety. If you are trying to pick a window film, please consider the following factors as they will aid you in finding a quality security film:
1. Strength & Thickness
- The thickness and size of a security window film can vary. However, it is usually 0.1- 0.3mm.
- The most popular category of films, 0.2-0.3 mm, provides the most protection from forces used to gain access and general impacts.
- Weaker categories such as 0.10 -0.17 mm do provide some reinforcement but are more fit for general protection.
2. Types of Security Films
- Standard Security Films: These provide a protective layer that holds glass together and prevents shattering during a break-in.
- Solar Security Films: These help keep a building secure while also blocking UV light, thus making the building more energy efficient.
- Tinted Security Films: These not only make the glass harder to break but also provide additional privacy.
- One-Way Mirror Films: These can block vision during the day while providing security.
3. Types of Resistance To Impact
Security films are rated by the amount of resistance they can endure in units called pounds per square inch (PSI).
Films that minimise impact will be the most effective in gaining access to a building, be it through hammers, explosions, or crowbars.
4. Protection From Heat & UV Light
Not only are security films capable of withstanding impacts while providing shelter, but they can also help block up to 99% of UV rays that cause interiors, flooring, and furniture to fade.
Certain window films are said to reduce heat and improve insulation, which can cut cooling bills.
5. Transparency & Beauty
Select a window film that is clear or has less tint to maintain high visibility.
If the window needs to provide some privacy, then the frosted or reflective films will not only help but also add an aesthetic appeal.
6. Fitting & Application
Check the type of glass window you have before purchasing the film: whether it is single or double pane, tempered glass, etc.
It is best to get highly secure window films fitted very carefully by an expert to ensure that they work all the time as intended for clear security and safety window applications.
7. Longevity & Guarantee
Security window films that are effective are usually guaranteed for about a decade, sometimes even more, ensuring long-term protection against broken glass.
Look into getting scratch-resistant features for sensitive areas to ensure longevity.
NanoShield Window Film: Best Defense For Your Windows
If we’re talking about safety and security window films that combat excessive heat windows and boost energy efficiency, at NanoShield, we are reputed as the best in Singapore. Our windows are built with the latest materials, thus the proprietary films from 3M are the best in resisting break-ins, solar UV radiation, and shattering glass for homes, offices, and commercial establishments.
Why Go For Nanoshield Window Film?
By keeping the broken pieces of glass together, our window films strengthen the glass, minimising injuries and also making it harder for burglars to break into the property. This makes the windows from us here at Nanoshield sturdy and hard to break. Additionally, when coupled with doors and glass panels, it makes the whole structure resistant to forced break-ins, accidents, and even natural disasters.
At NanoShield, we ensure top-of-the-line quality, durability, and functionality by using premium films crafted in the USA. These films are made to endure. Not like low-quality alternatives, these are designed with long-term security features that provide UV protection without turning yellow or peeling.
If you are in Singapore and need quality Windows films, then contact NanoShield today for security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic-valued windows. Enjoy top window protection when you use Nanoshield Window Film.
