Windows are highly valued because they allow natural light to flow freely into your space and showcase outdoor views. Windows are also one of the most vulnerable areas of the building envelope, making your space susceptible to break-ins and damage from inclement weather. While one could simply limit the number of windows in their building design in hopes of protecting those inside, this is not your only option for promoting safety and security. Solutions such as tempered glass and safety and security window films allow for a balance between security and aesthetics. 

What is Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass is a heat-treated glass with a minimum surface compression of 10,000 psi, making it four times stronger than regular glass. During the production process, standard glass is cooled more quickly than tempered glass, which causes it to be more fragile. Unlike regular glass, in the event of breakage, tempered glass doesn’t break in large shards that can harm occupants. Instead, when tempered glass is broken, it produces less harmful cubes of glass, reducing the risk of occupant injury as well as property damage. 

The Downsides of Tempered Glass

While tempered glass is certainly stronger and safer than regular glass, there are some issues that tempered glass fails to address. For instance, although it fractures into a “dice” break pattern that minimizes the risk of injury, a single swing of a crowbar can still easily decimate tempered glass. In the event of a break-in attempt, tempered glass fails to form a protective barrier, allowing unwanted intruders to freely enter your space. Not to mention, after the glass is broken, it will need to be immediately replaced by a glazier.

A comprehensive solution that will enhance the safety of your space in more ways than one is 3M Safety and Security Window Film.

3M Safety & Security Window Film vs. Tempered Glass

3M Safety & Security Window Film is not a substitute for tempered glass. Rather, it is a superior security solution, offering enhanced safety and security features not available with tempered glass. The film can be applied directly to existing glass windows and doors, whether they be made of tempered or regular glass, acting as an extra layer of protection. 

Specially designed to stretch instead of tear, 3M Safety and Security Window Film makes the glass more difficult to penetrate, helping to hold it in place in the event of breakage. This durable protective layer helps to prevent flying shards of glass from harming occupants while also deterring intruders from entering, therefore providing extra time to react in the event of an emergency. Should someone attempt to break the window, they won’t be as easily able to smash the glass and gain entry. Instead, they’ll encounter a window that won’t yield as easily to their attempt without powerful and repeated force. Furthermore, the tear-resistant material significantly decreases the likelihood of injury and interior damage caused by flying shards of glass. 

From inclement weather to break-ins, unwanted events can occur in the blink of an eye. With this in mind, it’s important to prepare your space for the unexpected. With 3M Safety and Security Window Film, rest assured knowing that your space is equipped with the added safety and security measures.

Maximize the Safety of Your Space with 3M Safety & Security Window Film

In conclusion, tempered glass offers enhanced safety over regular glass but still has vulnerabilities, especially during break-ins or harsh weather. 3M Safety and Security Window Film adds a robust protective layer that helps keep the glass intact even if broken, providing a continued barrier against threats. When designing or retrofitting your space, balancing aesthetics with effective security measures like these can help ensure comprehensive protection and peace of mind against unforeseen events.

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