ReflecTech has been installing security film for homes and businesses in Edmonton for 30+ years. Security film is a great solution for strengthening glass windows and doors. Insurance companies may request security film or other theft deterring systems if you have experienced recent break-ins at home or work. We believe in security film as a great line of defense against theft. But there is a lot to know about protecting against break-ins or theft.
What is your Security Film risk profile?
Understanding the risk for your home or business is the first step to getting the right security film or theft deterring system. What do we mean by this? We are wondering how motivated someone might be to illegally enter your home or business.
Nuisance or Petty Theft
For instance, 7M to 8M security film is great for deterring a smash and grab style criminals. These types of thieves are petty or nuisance criminals who are looking to get in and out before attracting attention. You might be in this category if you have had neighbors experience break-ins or your shop or workplace was recently targeted and you don’t have unusually valuable or items that can easily be sold by a theif.
Higher Risk Homes, Stores or Warehouses
These are typically businesses, or high profile homes that outsiders would identify as having valuable, or in demand goods that can be sold easily on the black market. Vape and liquor stores fit into this category. A warehouse that stocks items that everyone needs or uses would be another type. These places typically have signage telling people what they sell, which is great for the paying type of patron, but after hours is a liability. Unfortunately, insurance companies often include homes or businesses that have had a recent break-in into this category. These places should consider 10M security film with clauked edges or 7M with glass break sensors as a minimum security film recommendation.
Top Level Security Film
Top level security is as it sounds, organizations with security sensitive material. We have installed blast resistant 14M security film with anchoring systems for organization that need to ensure their assets or people have the highest level of defense to glass intrusion. These systems are expensive and anchoring systems have an impact on aesthetics. Some examples are National Defense Offices, server warehouses, Police detachments and other government buildings.
Security Bars or Security Film?
Security film can’t do what installing bars can for your protection. But the reverse is true as well. Nether system is impenetrable, if someone wants in, they will get in. Bars will deter some thieves. But who else are they deterring? What impact do bars have on your neighbors or the area at large?
Invisible, Friendly Looking Help
When homes, shops or warehouses want a more covert protection, they opt for security film. Large windows make homes and shops look friendly. Security film is nearly invisible. It is installed on the inside, laminating the glass where thieves can’t easily cut it. These films are thick and tough, holding the glass together after it is broken keeping the elements and intruders out.
The Secret to Unlocking Full Power of Security Film
Besides picking the right thickness of film and getting your risk profile right, the key to your safety and security is having a unified theft deterrent system. Depending on your risk, you may want bars on some back doors, and different film or caulked edges on weaker frames. But what good is lengthening the time to enter if the theft isn’t deterred to stop trying to get in?
Security System’s Role at Theft Deterring
The goal of security film, or even bars is to prevent entry by surprising the thief. This is why the risk assessment is important. Smash and grab thieves are typically not savy, easily spooked and quick to move on. 7M film might be enough to provide that shock. “Why didn’t it break and crumble… got to go, maybe there are cameras!”.
Glass Break Sensors Help A Lot!
Meanwhile a targeted site, like a liquor store may attract a more savy thief. They might listen for the alarm and know they have 3 minutes after that.
Finding The Right Solution
7M / 8M Security Film
At ReflecTech we pair these films together. The difference in entry time is marginally different, with 8M having about 12% longer entry times, but 30% more cost.
- low to medium risk homes, low risk businesses (medium with GBS)
- entry times: 1.5 min to 4 min (depending on tools)
- best to pair with glass break sensors
- doesn’t require caulking
10M Security Film (Caulked)
10M film makes the glass so strong that the connection at the un-caulked frame is the weakest link. Without caulking it is likely that the entire pane will come out of the frame. Making entry shorter with enough force. The stats below all include structural caulking.
- medium to high risk business, high profile homes
- entry time: 5 min to 15+ min (tool dependent)
- caulked edges are black, 3/8″ at minimum
14M Blast/Storm Resistant Film (Anchored)
This film is the highest standard of entry retarding films. Originally engineered for embassies and military buildings, this film is intended to reduce the impact of a bomb blast on those behind the glass. The film will contain shards and the anchoring system will absorb energy to prevent the glass lamination from flying off of the frame.
- expensive and extreme risk only
- requires full frame and glass assessment
- is always paired with state of the art security systems
Unsure of what would be right for you?
ReflecTech has experts that can help.
Call 780-454-6786 or click here to complete a contact form for a prompt response!
