There has been an obvious and perhaps overdue focus on implementing security improvements for public and private school safety. 

The underlying issues remain open to debate but clearly there is a value in making our schools safer.

Connecticut has led the way as experts driven by their experience and tragedy at Sandy Hook where entry to the school through the glass doors was a major factor in the event.

Improved perimeter protection includes implementing improvements in levels of security including access control, lighting, school guards, metal detectors and hardening the windows and doors.

Final Draft Report School Safety Infrastructure Council: Final Draft Report CT SSIC

Retrofit alternatives based on cost and ease of implementation have resulted in the specification of security glazing window film.

The majority of window film manufacturers who produce 8 ML or thicker shatter films have been understandably slow to promote (or give the appearance of promoting) their window film solutions in the aftermath of this tragedy (3M is a notable exception.)

This was due to a natural reluctance to step back rather than exploit the sales opportunity.

Critical considerations:

Clear glazing films have been employed for decades to protect people and property throughout the world. We have seen an evolution in perimeter protection, force protection since the embassy bombings, Oklahoma City and the post 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Federal guidelines were created and glazing systems have been tested and achieved appropriate levels of protection that meet GSA and Department of Defense guidelines.

The following window film systems have met these independent test criteria:

• Eastman Chemical LLumar and Vista solar security films
• Saint-Gobain- Armorcoat Films
• Madico Security Films
• SunTek Safety Films
• Hanita
• Johnson
• 3M

Window film attachment systems as recommended by Eastman, Madico, SunTek, Armorcoat, Johnson and Hanita include the Dow 995 wet silicone sealant. 

(3M uses a similar silicone as well as a VHB system that has not demonstrated any improvement in security nor does their film system exceed any of the coatings we represent.  In fact their thinner 4ml and 5ml films offer less impact protection than the 6 ML and 14 ML they have been promoting.)

Advanced Film Solutions, Window Film USA recommends the thicker 8ML+ coatings manufactured by LLumar, Armorcoat, Madico, SunTek and Vista. We have installed Johnson films where they were specified.

We do not install 3M window film for numerous reasons but their Ultra 600 and repackaged 14 ML meet the same safety levels as the aforementioned films so our clients do not sacrifice any measure of security or life safety.

The leaders in security coatings that we recommend offer numerous solar versions of safety films that 3M does not manufacture or repackage (as of this date).

Silver reflective, neutral reflective films in various light transmissions can provide energy savings as well as ground floor privacy for high profile targets. School officials and campus security personnel should weigh the value of these films versus an unobstructed view into the facility.

Advanced Film Solutions is fully insured and we have earned an A rating from the Better Business Bureau as well as Angie’s List Super Service Award for five consecutive years (2011,2012 and 2013)

Call Advanced Film Solutions toll free for a consultation and free estimate.