How strong is security window film? The Ultimate Home Security Series (Episode 5)

[@itssortofmusic2317]

Everyone also remember that the larger the window is the weaker it is. The test panes he has will be stronger than a standard window. Also though film does strengthen glass and allow it to stay in one piece after a majority of the glass is broken it can and will break off at the edge of the film. Just remember this isn't robber proof just a deterent/ obstacle.

[@tonycox7802]

Very good point.

[@dearjohn8789]

When PROPERLY INSTALLED by a PROFESSIONAL, security film is always applied with an attachment system that bonds the film to the frame of the glass

[@gav6808]

I can tell you it does work IF you get the right film and apply dow cowning silicon around the film and the frame.

[@napaea9460]

Would the film and Dow Corning silicone work on a sliding glass door? Or would it just pop out in one big piece lol

[@ItsMe71234]

Wrong

[@worldofameiso5491]

Glad to see you are wearing standard issue safety slippers.

[@Equip2Endure]

Safety first! -Rusty

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good series guys! I'm a Federal LEO, physical security specialist, first responder, prepardness specialist, and SAR team member. We tested multiple ways to protect buildings from blast waves generated by explosions (post 9-11) and we found that spray-on bed liner applied to exterior walls works really well to maintain structural integrity (the material does come in many colors). Albeit, it is costly, it was very affective on walls made of concrete, bricks, cinder blocks, etc.

[@Equip2Endure]

No kidding!? How thick did the liner have to be to provide a good level of protection against damage? Thanks for watching, Stoney! -Rusty

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

@@Equip2Endure About 1/4 inch

[@ter8330]

Hey! Can you suggest a good Hurricane security window film for a small window apartment. The owner will not put up a gate and I want that window protected as best I can.. Thank you!

[@Nunyabizn3ss]

@@ter8330 plywood?

[@ter8330]

@@Nunyabizn3ss Not allowed. We can't even hang clothing on the INSIDE of our apartments, if you can believe that.

[@danielwatson2068]

Good in principle, but you've missed a step, which would be securing the film to the frame with Dow Corning 995 sealant. On your test pieces the film was mounted to the glass edge to edge then the whole lot wedged into those wooden frames. On your door, a spring loaded center punch will break your tempered glass easy and a couple of whacks with a hammer will see the whole thing come out.... And sadly, you even save the baddies from getting any flying glass injuries! If however you were to bond the film to the frsme properly with dow 995 (which unfortunately will be a little compromised due to the wood frame but better than not doing it), it will hold the whole thing in place and they will have to make a serious effort to knock it out. On another note... The supplied squeegee and knifes are pretty worthlrss for security film. Sure you can get away with it for a small piece like that but any bigger and you will struggle. Get a high quality knife and I'd also recommend a double handed 'thors hammer' (as the pros call them) squeegee to really lean on the glass and get that water out otherwise the whole thing will look like crap. And even with 8mil film, on bigger panes of Glas I'd recommend cutting to size as near as possible before mounting. The cutting is the hardest part, you want to be exact. You got away with it on a small pane oversizing it.... You'd not do so well on sliding glass doors, say. Just some constructive criticism for any future similar vids you might do!

[@shavmoney980]

What would you do/use for a large commercial size window......say a 10ft x 8ft (example)? Do they make film this size, or do you have to do in strips (not a fan of that idea)?

[@EyeAmCoa]

Please come do my windows 😩

[@timothyHaithcock]

Never light know it all just so they can get off on throwing at all that information I appreciate it the video

[@KennyLauderdale]

Personally, I think it depends on the surface inches. This is a small 12 x 12 or foot by foot class. Expand that by three times and I think the glass breaks easier.

[@christinawhite9256]

Very much appreciate this information. Never did I think I would think this way, but these days we are living through we need bulletproof film or glass. I suppose that’s impossible. Thank you for the video, and God bless 🙏

[@stmcgarret]

Good information. I recommend either Medeco deadbolt, or Mul-t-Lock Hercular.

[@ACamaroGuy]

Having worked in the glass business for a year and a half, I would have taken the window completely out of the frame and laminated both sides edge to edge. Then I would have placed the window back into the frame.

[@stephensvoboda7412]

This helps, good tips!

[@greenspiraldragon]

I think if you put some adhesive around the edge of the film glueing it to the frame it makes it somewhat stronger. Feel free to verify this.

[@jaymantisgaming]

im definately getting some of this. kids in my area will brick your window just for the fun of it and i have a phobia of a brick coming through and bonking me in the face while im either sleeping or sitting on the sofa (tiny apartment). i do wonder how this holds up in the winter when the heating is on, windows are closed and windows get condensation.

[@ave649]

If you are serious about it, replace your glass window with 1/4" polycarbonate plastic. Silicone the window edges and and replace the window trim over the edges of the polycarbonate . Bricks bounce of this stuff. You can also use 2 pieces of 1/8 polycarbonate, spaced, for insulation and sound proofing.

[@user-ug1dh1zy4v]

@@ave649 I think you overlooked that it's an apartment, where these plastic replacements would prob not be allowed

[@zackiinu7194]

You’re so calm. Good job!

[@huaxzhang]

what local professionals would I be looking for to help strengthen my door (and windows) security? Home Depot? Locksmith?

[@ave649]

Locksmith. We get called by Police to secure buildings/homes that have been force entered, and therefore no longer are secured. We see how criminals get in and we learn how to stop their break in methods. We have access to security product catalogs.

[@user-ug1dh1zy4v]

@@ave649 Umm...2 year ol comment hehe

[@jpresas3082]

Thank you. Great video.

[@RustyCurtis]

Thanks for watching, J Presas! -Rusty

[@nessiedestiny8252]

Man love the great effort you put into experiment. Great info. Just get your self a face shield next time.

[@ave649]

Also you should be using Kevlar safety slippers.

[@krrrruptidsoless]

I think if you don't put an anchor system in there then you're basically making it easier for them to not get cut as they break your window and just push it in leaving no shards to get cut on.

[@debnelson5071]

Many thanks for this demonstrations. It was good to learn that the sidelights are tempered glass, as I didn’t know that. I purchased this film a couple of months ago, but wasn’t confident enough to install it on my own. I believe I will do so now after watching you!

[@RustyCurtis]

Hey, Deb! One thing Chris and I agreed on after installing that piece on the window is that it would be MUCH easier to instal a piece cut to the exact dimensions of the window. As long as the window and film are wet you can move around the piece and place it perfectly. -Rusty

[@debnelson5071]

Rusty Curtis I was thinking the same thing, at least on small panes of glass, thank you, again!

[@johansvensson830]

Great video. And damn those biceps. 👏

[@alexanderrikmanis8753]

I am somehow 99% sure that this window with the film applied the way how it was done on this video could easily be pushed back from the outside with the film. I mean the film was not attached to the frame in any way apart from just by its glue and I don't think that glue would be strong enough to hold a good punch.

[@krrrruptidsoless]

They're saying to use a thicker film is better. Haven't seen where they use it on both sides except for a certain film made for commercial windows to prevent graffiti. But the graffiti film is for the outside and security to prevent glass from flying into the room isvon the inside with an anchor system whether that is a special type of silicone bead an screw in system that has the film extending into the screw system or a peal and stick that isn't as good as the screw system but easier to install. And if using 3M they have to install it to get the warranty of course with an extra install charge.

[@dodgeis4me]

the film needs to go under the trim to do anything

[@Equip2Endure]

I can definitely see that helping, but even not going under the trim helps significantly. Thanks for watching, Brian! -Rusty

[@pinkflamingo696]

Thank you! I've been trying to find this out everywhere. Planning to remove the glass unit from uPVC windows then go all the way to the edge of the glass and then replace glass with beading over the edge. Nowhere says about doing this though and I didn't know if there was a reason not to

[@ter8330]

I am going to try this on my apartment window. Mine is alot bigger but will try this....!

[@ferebeefamily]

Thank you for the information.

[@RustyCurtis]

Hope it was helpful, NC Farmer! -Rusty

[@DCUPtoejuice]

what's the reflectivity of the film? Any difference in the reflectivity from outside and inside view?

[@craigr.h.laurent240]

Your demo should have been at waist height rather than on the ground. That way you wouldn't have been talking down. You were even on the floor demonstrating how the film was packaged - why?

[@KungFuTweety1]

Does film applied to front and back stop handgun bullets?

[@Equip2Endure]

Not the 8mil. There are some thicker films that *might* be able to stop one. The intent of this film is to slow down the baddies. Thanks for watching, kungfutweety1! -Rusty

[@DuesenbergJ]

8 mm is 5/16 inch. That’s seems thick.

[@Equip2Endure]

Sorry. 8 mil. Not 8mm

[@garyjohnson1757]

Great information thanks I have impact Windows but my back Acadia doors are not living 5 miles from the beach in South Florida hurricane ally who is the manufacturer ?

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching, Gary! Link is in the description. May your home never meet that fate! -Rusty

[@hp8252]

Helpful! Thanks!

[@FrankW-c8h]

Aren't the film supposed to be installed on the outside where the impact will happen?

[@LeslieArnelleTV]

thanks for sharing!

[@jkyoft78]

Significant problems with this video - During the evaluation tests (start of video) the full glass is covered with the film, including the part of the glass which is secured by the frame. This means the frame is sandwiching the film around the edge, providing added strength. This is never how manufacturers describe how to install the film, and indeed, this is not how he installs the film during the second half of the video. For this to be a reasonable evaluation, he needs to install the film exactly how folks would install it - only on the visible portion of the glass, not by 'removing the frame' and installing it so that the film is inside the frame during his evaluation tests. If you install the film only on the visible portion of the glass (ie., not removing the frame & trim), then you can break the glass along the edge of the frame, and push the glass+film through. He doesn't show how easy this is to do, with a few strikes, and how the film deadens the sound of the breaking glass making it quieter for the bad guy to enter the home.

[@sleepytyn]

That was my overwhelming thought at the end. The panel would shear at the edges. Might even make it easier for a thief by removing glass shards as an obstacle to entry. I think it's safe to say that in order to expect similar results, you have to install the film on both sides, including the supports. Should also make it more difficult for the film to peel off with time/wear

[@jkyoft78]

@@sleepytyn Yep, I think you should re-do this video, installing it the way that every homeowner would - and show how easy it is to pop the whole thing through. Every video on youtube that evaluates this kind of film does a bad job...you have the opportunity to show how it really works...you would be unique.

[@H0SS]

The solution is to apply Dow Corning 995 structural silicone adhesive in the corners between the film and the frame. This will prevent the glass from being kicked thru due to the weak points at the edges.

[@jkyoft78]

@@H0SS This could be added as an evaluation test to this video.

[@tbird-z1r]

If anything, you want a glass that is going to leave as many sharp fragments to cut the scumbag trying to burgle you.

[@richardburns9772]

Wonder if this is good for hurricanes and tornado damage

[@Equip2Endure]

Great question, Richard. Yes, there are security films designed for HEAVY duty. We looked at one group that had something like 21 mil which is rated for hurricane. -Rusty

[@lourdespinedaayala6251]

Thanks!

[@CplcDesbiens]

I hoped you would try the hammer on your door window to prove the test with tampered glass.

[@krrrruptidsoless]

Been reading and watching up on this thinking about using some on my single pane window I'm rebuilding for storm protection. But found the anchoring system is really important. 🤷

[@cascadianrangers728]

So, the key to getting thru safety glass like that is bolt cutters, you smash a hole with a glass punch, then use em like a giant pair of scissors to cut a hole through the glass. Those metal spars on in the window will help a lot...personally were i trying to get thru what I've seen, I'd try either a wedge approach or an attack on deadbolt/knob itself, you need to make sure you have some sort of wedge or bar system. I'd also make sure to put some obstacles between your front door and yard, both to keep people from backing into door/running into door or hooking chains or tow straps to yank it. The last thought is very grim...if peoples attempts at evil are frustrated, they may escalate or lash out...do what you can to fireproof your front door, just soaking gasoline under or around and lightning it is a common thank you for investing in security

[@ksuen106]

Don’t quote me, but I think this would void window warranty on new builds. On our paperwork it says something about installing film that interferes with the dual pane window could damage/void warranty. I’d consider this if window is out of warranty

[@drmiteshtrivedi]

Does this film discolor over time?

[@ZWhippie]

So to get the same results as your test you are gonna need to take the glass out to add the film

[@guitary]

When you did the teat idf the treated glass did that teat have film on both sides? Is both sides the standard?

[@vice4134]

FYI: 12mm Security film would be much stronger & better. That's the maximum you can install. That's what I would go with. You got 8mm security film.

[@notsofast5495]

He explained why he chose 8

[@vice4134]

@@notsofast5495 How hard is it to cut to size??? 12mm is the way to go. The only thing he made a mistake with is not taking out the trims. That would help to make it much stronger and use wood glue and nail to seal those trims in place. That would help go a long way.

[@SeansterMonster]

How well does this film work on glass sliding doors??

[@ucjustice1]

What about the silicone bead around the edges that most contractors try to sell you? Do I need that?

[@TingTingalingy]

I like your tests. I have some protective film for my main entry points and storm doors. Birds are one of my concerns so I also have the reflective film. But what I really wonder about is in the bitter cold.

[@jobizoo86]

Great video

[@Itdontmatter69]

Once I met a couple guys at my door late at night and they didn’t even get a chance to even try the window with their pipe. I just showed them a 10 inch barrel of a 357. I thought later I should have at least let them in..would have been more exciting

[@DavidEkstrom2025]

This should be standard for ALL windows.

[@ave649]

Film thickness is critical. If too thin it will not work . 8mm should be good for small windows, and 10mm for large windows.

[@krrrruptidsoless]

1:25 Don't want to tell you how but spray some soap on that window and squeegee it out. C'mon dude bumper stickers, bumper stickers. You've put bumper or window stickers on before. Of course you have, it said my dinosaur family will eat your stick family. 😆

[@barbarab202]

Are sidelights usually tempered by default? Would it make sense to apply it to both sides for even more security?

[@gregcorwin8316]

Always as long as the sidelights are to code.

[@brandenburke581]

Its better than nothing. Its cheap and easy to retrofit. However, a proper glazing material is significantly superior. Products like school guard glass buys you precious minutes, not seconds.

[@georgefitzhugh6455]

Subbed! I do have question. You mentioned cleaning the window with a soap and water mix before the film is applied but you also mentioned wetting the window and film again for the application process. Are you using the same soap and water mix to wet both surfaces or are you using plain water for application? Oh, I see it’s the same soap and water mix.

[@Equip2Endure]

Welcome aboard, George! Be sure to hop into the E2E Christmas Giveaway. Check out our most recent videos for more info. -Rusty

[@diegongbagsik2295]

can you test when the glass already in the frame and put the security film? i saw the video that that film is install throughout the edges of the glass before you put it on the wood frame. so the film support the glass though the edges. how about the glass that already in the frame and install the film on the glass.

[@krrrruptidsoless]

My guess is that tempered glass being 4 to 5 times stronger than untempered glass, you wouldn't be able to tell with a hammer. Probably some weird equation that only a machine could properly demonstrate.

[@John..18]

Not sure what you mean about 8mm and 12mm, ?? 8mm is around three eigths of an inch, and 12 mm is getting on for half an inch,, 🤔🤔🤔

[@krrrruptidsoless]

The reason the 2nd glass probably broke is it wasn't allowed to give as much aa the first pane of glass.

[@roberthall590]

I wonder if it's possible that since the same window had things dropped on it before putting on the film, that the glass was weakened/compromised by the time the drop test with hammer was done on the window with film?

[@jonlee5642]

remember it takes 45 days for 3m security film to fully settle

[@seanbook9627]

How does it hold up to UV fading and yellowing?

[@Equip2Endure]

Great question. I have only installed it on windows that are full shade year round. I believe it is supposed to be treated to prevent yellowing but can't speak from experience yet. Are you considering putting some on soon? -Rusty

[@seanbook9627]

@@Equip2Endure just started the design process of a build. I want a door with side lights but already knew the security concerns (leading me to this video).

[@lpls]

The film should cover the part of the glass that's inside the frame. Otherwise, the glass will fail at the border of the film.

[@richgetz]

REALLY?? You didn't put links to EP 1-4 in the description? ?

[@Asian_Connection]

Are you sure the BDF film is good compare to the 3M?

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

Safety slippers... Quality! Do they not do gloves in that material

[@drewvenegas2885]

Place it on a windshield of a car to prevent rock chips? 🤔

[@user-ug1dh1zy4v]

Cars are using tempered glass now, already

[@grainneATL]

You had me at ‘baddies’ - going to watch the whole series!

[@Equip2Endure]

Enjoy! We might ad more to the series later if requested. -Rusty

[@Raao1]

I don't get why in US people still use giant windows on ground level, despite all the crimes? For example in Eastern Europe we either have tall fence around the house or bars on the window, and the door is always solid with no windows arround it. It's just common sense.

[@cecilr7986]

Because despite what you must be hearing the US is NOT overwhelmed with crime. In fact, most have never experienced crime - period.

[@123ronchamp]

First off , those side windows around the doors shows me if anyone is moving around inside the house and as I knock not stop and no one answers the door ,Hmmm,,no one is home,not worried about,being confronted..oh and I won't be throwing golf balls.

[@FlameBlue9016]

The process is the same as applying window tinting.

[@chrismccallin7306]

I like this guy !

[@yesicanu]

The film prevents the glass from flexing

[@ave649]

I'm not sure why anyone would use a film instead of polycabonate hard plastic. Even 1/8 thick polycarbonate has to be stronger than film, it needs to siliconed on the window edges, and held down with the window trim as it is not self adhesive. Its also available in 1/4 thickness when conditions allow for thicker plastic.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

No matter how hard I clean this, there are always a bubble or eight.

[@patcr606]

How much durability would I sacrifice with the 4mil version?

[@RustyCurtis]

Thanks for watching, Pat! Not sure if the strength scales proportionately with the thickness. The manufacturer probably provides some info on that. -Rusty

[@jamesstogden3109]

4 mil is just easier to penetrate than the higher mils..Regular window film is only 2 mil...so 4 mil isn't much thicker...90% of security film applications are 8 mil....and the occasional 14 mil for your higher value targets ie: jewelry stores, pawn shops etc.

[@mzhou05]

Had you put the film inside the trim of your test piece? Why didn't you take the trim off and apply the film to the full glass? Your test was not quite scientific to me.

[@TaskSwitcherify]

Everybody is concerned with micro and nanoplastics nowadays, and many products shed those materials (from food packaging to food containers, clothing, and even dental floss). A lot of sunlight will go through these windows, heating them up. Will that cause the particles to break up and shed microplastics or nanoplastics over time?

[@rulistening7777]

I don't think I would allow the film to touch carpet. Too much oppertunity to pick up lint, hairs, fur, dust, etc.

[@FlameBlue9016]

You might want to change out that hitch lock they are extremely weak from a security stand point, if you’ve ever watched the lockpickinglawyer’s channel you definitely change them out in a hurry…

[@melliemel811ify]

since the film is not tucked into the frame, won't the window just go through into the house with one good hit in one piece

[@Equip2Endure]

Good question. The film is intended to stop the glass from shattering and breaking apart easily. The film does this even if it doesn’t tuck into the frame. The pane of glass would disperse the shock into the frame and it would take a pretty good strike to break push the pane out while leaving the edges of the pane tucked behind the frame. Remember. This won’t completely stop a determined person from getting in, but it will slow them down and buy you time to get to something that WILL completely stop them.

[@luisavilez8842]

There was one step missing on the test, that was to add structural silicone or urethane adhesive from the film to the frame, that’s will make it way more stronger, that’s a requirement in places we’re they have hurricanes, I have laminated windows in my house and some other small windows with security film and that’s the way to do it

[@TheKodiak72]

Just order crim-safe from Australia. No one kicking that in.

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks fo sharing, Koadster! That stuff looks fantastic. -Rusty

[@SnifferSock]

0:23 I am apparently in the wrong place 😏

[@streetpunk99]

I mean....if your house is poured reinforced concrete i dont think any state or local boys are gonna make it in for dinner

[@handyvetinspections5497]

As "Music" said below, the window will fail at the edge of the film on non-tempered glass. Your test is misleading in that you installed your test pane of glass with the film covering the entire piece of glass, supported inside the entire frame and that isn't how it's installed on a real window. The film will only keep the glass from creating shards and WILL fail where the film is cut at the frame.

[@jraymond6062]

😂 baddies ❤

[@krrrruptidsoless]

They say just putting a film on with no anchor system means that once they break the window the edges are thus broke and can just push the window easily through. But you're apparently going to take off the trim and hope it's as good as an anchoring system that would screw into the framework. This'll be interesting. Continue.... 😆

[@jfbaro2]

Corner is the weakest point

[@louisp.3332]

You're not doing a good job... after the first one you said OK let's set up the second one. HOW did you set it up? Same plain glass, tempered, plain with film???

[@jamesrodgers2633]

Crim-safe

[@kchiang4]

Why do you need ear protection?

[@grammarnazi1495]

Because hitting glass with a hammer is loud. If you want tinnitus or hearing loss later in life, by all means, ignore that protection. But don't question others for keeping their important, irreparable sensory organs intact.

[@Neuron429]

You sound like a child when you say “baddies”

[@xheiz]

lol it says "None Subscribe"

[@Den-nu6pv]

It’s a waste of money.

[@adamsteiger9999]

John 3:16-21 (16)For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17)For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18)He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19)And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20)For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21)But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.