Glass Protection Film-Why Your Windows Need this Innovative Home Security Device | By Jordan Frankel

Glass protection film—also known as window protection film—has been protecting private commercial and government buildings for decades. Thanks to the innovation and advancements in home security technology, residents are now able to equip their homes with high quality glass protection film through affordable do-it-yourself kits that eliminate the cost of a security specialist.

Why Glass Protection Film is Important

Windows are popular entry points for home intruders. This is because it doesn’t take much to break through glass. U.S. crime reports and statistics attest to what is a well-known fact among the home security industry.

In a Chicago Sun Times news report, police warned Lake View residents to secure their windows after two homes in the community were burglarized. The suspect in each case had gained entry through a window. 

According to U.S. crime data collected and reported by the Department of Justice:

• In 2017, there were 1,401,840 burglaries across the nation.

• 67.2% of those burglaries involved residential properties.

• Approximately 57% of burglaries involved forcible entry, with an additional 6.3% attempted forcible entry.

• Victims of burglary suffered approximately $3.4 billion in property losses—an average of $2,416 per victim.

Unfortunately, there are more crimes other than burglary that pose a threat to both renters and homeowners alike. Home invasions involving robbery, physical assaults, rape, and sometimes murder also pose a risk to residents across the nation. As a result, more and more residents are investing in preventative home security devices such as professional-grade security door braces and glass protection film. 

What is Glass Protection Film?

Glass protection film is constructed from a thin layer of polyester that is specially engineered. Though it looks like a fragile sheet of clear, thin plastic, when applied to the inside of a glass pane, the protective security film makes the window pane near impenetrable—even against blunt forces. 

One of the major keys to security-grade window protection film is its effectiveness in slowing intruders down. Most criminals look for a quick entry into the homes they target. Breaking through a window protected by glass protection film, however, requires a lot of time and effort. 

Though not impossible to break, it takes multiple blows with a hard object such as a baseball bat or large rock to penetrate a high quality glass protection film. Most criminals aren’t willing to spend that much time or effort trying to break into a home, because it’s just too risky. Both the added time and noise increases their risk of being detected, apprehended, or even shot by a resident protecting his family and home.

Features to Look for in a DIY Glass Protection Film

Like anything you buy, not all DIY glass protection films offer the same quality. Despite a company’s claim that their product is the best, a reputable home security company will invest time and money to both test and demonstrate the efficacy and quality of their window film before offering it to residents.

When it comes to do-it-yourself glass protection film, there are some important features to look for:

• Easy Application: A glass protection film that you can apply yourself should include everything that is required to apply the protective film to your windows. This includes any tools, hardware, and instructions. 

• Easy Maintenance: A high quality window protection film should be easy to maintain. It should require nothing more than a vinegar-based window cleanser to keep clean. 

• High Visibility: Glass protection film should also not obstruct the view outside your windows or interfere with the opening and closing of your windows. Once applied, the security film should be undetectable.

• Virtually Indestructible: A security-grade glass protection film is only effective if it can withstand high velocity forces from common items criminals use to break windows, such as bricks, rocks, baseball bats, and hammers. Be sure to do your homework when it comes to the product and the manufacturer. Some important questions to answer are: How is the company’s reputation among the security industry? Does the product live up to its claims? What proof does the company have to offer to support the effectiveness of the product?

• Affordability: A high quality glass protection film does not mean having to pay steep prices. There are affordable DIY glass protection film kits that offer the same security-grade protection that many commercial banks and businesses use. One such product is Global Security Expert, Inc.’s BurglarGARD—a highly regarded DIY glass protection film that lives up to is claims. GSE also offers a variety of kits with specially-sized film, including kits precut for Bay windows, French doors, and sliding glass doors, further reducing the installation time, waste, and cost. 

Protect Your Windows with Do-It-Yourself Glass Protection Film

When it comes to your home and your family, securing your windows—your most vulnerable entry points—against dangerous intruders is a priority! A security-grade do-it-yourself glass protection film can provide you with the security and peace of mind you need, while saving you the cost of installation by a professional.