House Window Safety Film
- According to Consumer Reports, some safety films offer protection against blows of up to 400 foot-pounds. In other words, when struck or pressed against with such strong forces, a film-covered window will remain intact. Apply this strong safety film to the windows of any lower stories to improve your home's security against intruders. If any upper windows are at risk of damage from nearby trees, apply the same heavy-duty film to them. According to Consumer Reports, this strength of film costs between $7 and $9 per square foot, as of 2008. For best results, have a professional apply the film.
- Applying safety film to your house windows is a good first step to child proofing a home. Line any low windows that toddlers or young children could easily reach. If you have sliding or French doors with glass elements, ensure that they have safety film. In some cases doors will already bear a safety film coating from the manufacturer. To complement your safety film, remove any window latches that a child could easily operate, especially on low windows of upper stories.
- Tempered glass is one alternative to window safety film, also designed to prevent glass from shattering. Whereas safety film simply adds an additional layer of film outside the glass, tempering is a heating process that changes the ordinary glass itself. Breaking tempered glass is still possible; however, when tempered glass breaks, its changed structure breaks into small pieces with smooth edges. In addition, like safety film, tempering improves the glass' strength, keeping it intact under higher pressures. If you have not already installed a glass element, you can probably temper it instead of applying safety film. However, once the window is mounted, safety film is the simplest option.
- You can select a wide range of window films, some of which serve more than one purpose. For example, if you're already looking to improve the window's safety, you might also benefit from a safety film that includes a slight tint. In sunny climates, the tinting will reduce the solar heat gain, potentially lowering your air conditioning costs and energy consumption.
