Window Safety
Window Film - Wherever There is Glass
Copyright (c) 2010 Richard Lancaster
What is window film? Window film has been around in one form or another since the 1960's.One theory has it that like Teflon, it is a bi product of the lunar space programme. Indeed those iconic shots of the astronauts taking their first tentative steps on the moon's surface do appear to have a reflective substance applied to the visors of their space suits.
Whatever the origins, despite the passage of almost half a century window film is still unknown to a vast portion of the UK population. The window film industry in the UK is now at a mature stage with around half a dozen key manufacturers supplying a network of importer distributors. These in turn service a host of installation companies ranging from one man outfits up to businesses turning over several million pounds a year in sales.
As its origins suggest most of the window film installed in the UK is still manufactured in the USA. Among these manufacturers, Bekaert, 3M, Madico and Llumar are the main protagonists though the US dominance has been challenged to a small degree in recent times by Far East manufacturers. The general make up of window film is of multiple layers of polyester depending on the type of film. Window films are not to be confused with the PVC vinyls used by the signage industry although most installers do utilise these in their product ranges.
The five main sub sectors of the industry, each of which will be dealt with individually below are Solar Conro1, Safety, Security, Privacy and Decorative.
- Solar Control Window Film - Despite our erratic climate in the UK solar control film probably accounts for the greatest portion of window film sales. It can be available as either a dyed film or a metalized reflective coated film. Both offer glare reduction and solar heat rejection however the metalized films give far superior levels of solar heat rejection.
With the advent of higher levels of environmental awareness, solar control window film is in more demand than ever. In our environmentally aware times cooling costs and therefore carbon emissions can be significantly reduced with the installation of solar control window film. New generation external films are also now coming to the fore which greatly increase solar rejection efficiency. In addition to these, virtually clear solar control films are now available and significant heat reduction can now be achieved without compromising on light levels or altering the external appearance of windows.
- Safety Window Film - Safety film is a clear single or multi laminate film (although there are tinted and reflective versions) retrospectively applied to glass to prevent injury in the event of sudden breakage.
Typically safety film is used to bring non compliant glass up to European and British safety standards, commonly known as Regulation 14. For this particular purpose a 100 micron film is used which will hold glass together in one piece when broken. Combined with an extremely aggressive adhesive system safety film is the ideal safety barrier for vulnerable glass.
- Security Window Film - Security film falls into two sub categories - physical or visual security.
The clear safety films dealt with above can also be used as a security barrier against unauthorised entry. Some security films will form an extremely strong but undetectable shield when applied to the inside of glass. When combined with an edge retention system which attaches the edge of the film to the window frame forced entry can be made almost impossible.
The requirement for visual security is also a common reason why window film is an ideal option. These films come in the form of the previously mentioned reflective solar control films which as a secondary effect will afford "one way vision" .The reflective surface of these films will allow vision out but not in during daylight hours.
- Privacy Window Film -Visual security can also be achieved with one of a wide range of opaque or frosted privacy films available which allow light transmittance but prevent vision in or out.
- Decorative Window Film - Decorative film does "what it says on the tin". A range of films are available in etch, coloured, translucent and stained glass effects and are used to create visual ambience on commercial and residential windows alike.
About the Author
Richard Lancaster is the managing director of Lustalux Ltd a company specialising in Window Films. Among the Lustalux portfolio are solutions to many types of glazing issues including Solar Control, Privacy, Safety, Security and Bomb Blast Mitigation. In addition to these,Lustalux offers commercial blinds and signage services. The main Lustalux web site can be viewed at
http://www.lustalux.co.uk
SolarGard Window Film Safety Testing
 |
 Wireless Door Window Entry Safety Security Bell Alarm $2.76 Time Remaining: 28d 12h 29m Buy It Now for only: $2.76 Buy It Now |
 1976 Ford Pinto Wagon Port Hole Bubble Glass WINDOWS Carlite Tempered Safety $90.50 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 4m Buy It Now for only: $100.00 Buy It Now |
 HARTWELL WINDOW SAFETY LATCH QUICK RELEASE LATCHES 1 SET OF 2 W PULL CABLE $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 2m |
 4 MIL THICK CLEAR Window Security FILM 36X100 LF ROLL CLEAR SHATTER RESISTANT $75.00 Time Remaining: 10d 22h 16m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 Buy It Now |
 First Alert Child Safety Security Window Fall Guard Bars Hinged 27hx23 42w New $48.96 Time Remaining: 22h 31m Buy It Now for only: $53.86 Buy It Now |
 John Sterling 1123 3 Bar Child Safety Window Guard Bar $14.99 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 22m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now |
 HO scale Athearn Union Pacific Safety slogan UP bay window caboose car train $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 6h 29m |
 Child Safety Window Blind Cord Cleats 10 pairs $4.99 Time Remaining: 2d 15h 49m |
 Red Window Net Mounting Bar Kit Safety $41.99 Time Remaining: 25d 20h 5m Buy It Now for only: $41.99 Buy It Now |
 MR Safety Equipment Mesh Window Net 18 x 21 $10.00 Time Remaining: 23h 37m |
 4x Wireless Door Window Entry Safety Security Bell Alarm $5.29 Time Remaining: 14d 9h 7m Buy It Now for only: $5.29 Buy It Now |
 Vintage 1975 AT GI Joe Jettison to Safety Window box Super Rare $1,990.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 7m Buy It Now for only: $2,490.00 Buy It Now |
 HI Hawaii Public Safety Police Window Decal Sticker $8.99 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 19m |
 HandyBar Car Handle Safety Support Seatbelt Cutter Window Breaker Bar Mobility $24.50 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 30m Buy It Now for only: $24.50 Buy It Now |
 Window Door Security Safety Vibration Detector Alarm $7.67 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 10m |
 HARTWELL WINDOW SAFETY LATCH QUICK RELEASE LATCHES 4 SETS OF 2 W PULL CABLES $69.99 Time Remaining: 28d 19h 35m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now |
 Safety Monkey CD ROM for Windows NEW Sealed JC $9.98 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 21m Buy It Now for only: $12.98 Buy It Now |
 4 Pack Window Blind Cord Wind Ups for Child Safety 983151 2 $3.97 Time Remaining: 9d 6h 40m Buy It Now for only: $3.97 Buy It Now |
 MAYDAY WINDOW PUNCH SEATBELT CUTTER BREAK POLICE COPS FIREFIGHTER EMS SAFETY PIN $8.99 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 16m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now |
 N Wireless Door Window Entry Safety Security Bell Alarm $2.99 Time Remaining: 23h 12m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now |
 Glass Break Detector IR Alarm Home Security System Window Door Safety New ESC33 $5.85 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 41m Buy It Now for only: $5.85 Buy It Now |
 NEW Set Of 4 Ikea Patrull Window Catch Locks Child Safety Fits ALL Windows Lot 4 $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 5h 5m |
 Black Window Net Mounting Bar Kit Safety $41.99 Time Remaining: 16d 20h 1m Buy It Now for only: $41.99 Buy It Now |
 Spring Loaded Window Punch Police EMS Rescue Vehicle Extrication Safety $6.95 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 38m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 Buy It Now |
 GE PERSONAL SECURITY PORTABLE ALARM WINDOW DOOR KEYCHAIN ALARM SAFETY 24 7 $22.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 42m |
 Safety 1st Window Lock Model 48359 NIP $4.95 Time Remaining: 22d 4h 14m Buy It Now for only: $4.95 Buy It Now |
 Home Security Wireless Window Sensor Security Safety Security Devices $0.01 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 49m |
 NEW John Sterling 1175 Max Guard Window Guard safety 5 bar 21 H x 24 42 W $54.99 Time Remaining: 17d 7h 35m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 Buy It Now |
 Baby GIRL on Board Sticker SET 2 5x5 Infant Child SAFETY Window Decal $5.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 40m |
 Baby BOY on Board Sticker 5x5 Infant Child SAFETY Window Vinyl Decal $3.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 40m |
 Mercedes W203 Window Switch Driver Door Panel Black OEM NEW $124.49 Time Remaining: 24d 23h 34m Buy It Now for only: $124.49 Buy It Now |
 Baby BOY on Board Sticker SET 2 5x5 Infant Child SAFETY Window Vinyl Decal $5.95 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 40m |
 Shed Transom Window White 10 x 35 Safety Glass Playhouse Windows Shed Doors $32.95 Time Remaining: 25d 31m Buy It Now for only: $32.95 Buy It Now |
 Baby GIRL on Board Sticker 5x5 Infant Child SAFETY Window Vinyl Decal $3.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 40m |
 BABY ON BOARD SAFETY CAR WINDOW SUCTION CUP YELLOW WARNING SIGN $3.95 Time Remaining: 29d 10h 5m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 Buy It Now |
 362 Inch Stainless Steel Safety Push Pull Window Door Bolt $5.65 Time Remaining: 23h 19m |
 Safety 1st Baby On Board Window Caution Sign $4.95 Time Remaining: 14h 59m |
 NEW SAFETY 1ST DISNEY CARS BABY ON BOARD CAR WINDOW SIGN $6.75 Time Remaining: 17d 5h 10m Buy It Now for only: $6.75 Buy It Now |
 Window Door Safety Contacts Magnetic Switch Chocolate $4.47 Time Remaining: 23h 49m |
 First Alert Window Safety Security Guard Burglar Bars $53.87 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 37m Buy It Now for only: $53.87 Buy It Now |
 Vehicle Car Rear Window Baby On Road Safety Sign 45 x 41 $7.74 Time Remaining: 19h 52m |
 Window Sign Auto Decal Sticker Mama in Car Safety $3.45 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 12m |
 Baby On Board Sticker Infant Child SAFETY Window SIGN Vinyl Decal Fun $1.99 Time Remaining: 3d 8h 55m Buy It Now for only: $1.99 Buy It Now |
 Safety Sign Mama in Car Safety Window Auto Sticker $3.43 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 1m |
 New KidCo Baby Toddler Mesh Window Safety Guard $39.95 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 30m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 Buy It Now |
 10 ONE WAY ANTI VANDAL SECURITY BOLT SCREWS SAFETY WINDOW CHILD GUARD GATE ALARM $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 39m |
 UNUSED ORIENT WALLET 6 CREDIT CARD1WINDOW2 CURRENCY SLOTS WITH SAFETY ZIPPER $4.99 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 47m |
 Mercedes R107 W123 Door Window Switch without safety with chrome bezel Genuine $55.19 Time Remaining: 5d 7h 54m Buy It Now for only: $55.19 Buy It Now |
 Window Door Safety Contacts Magnetic Switch Chocolate $4.01 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 1m |
 Small White Play House Windows 14 X 21 PH1421WF Safety Glass $26.95 Time Remaining: 19d 6h 43m Buy It Now for only: $26.95 Buy It Now |
 6 Parents Magazine Child Safety Window Blind Cord Wind Ups $3.96 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 41m |
 Safety 1st ProGradeTM Window Lock - 2 Pack List Price: Sale Price: $13.74 You save: $5.25 (28%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDesigned and developed with professionalsHelps keep children from opening windowsFits most windowsSecureTech™ locking indicator Can be disengaged for periods of non-use Sleek design does not detract from window decorFeatures:Locking arm SecureTech™ locking indicator Push & slide buttonProGrade™ Home SafetyAs a leading expert in child safety since 1984, Safety 1st has created a new line of ProGrade™ childproofing products to bring your family's safety to the next level...  |
 Kidde KL-2S Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder with Anti-Slip Rungs, 13-Foot List Price: Sale Price: $29.54 You save: $36.45 (55%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAvailable in 13-foot and 25-foot models, Kidde Escape Ladders offer a quick and easy escape from two- or three-story homes. These life-saving ladders store compactly, deploy quickly, and keep you prepared for the possibility of fire and other emergencies... |
 The Super Stopper - Child Safety Window Stops Sale Price: $7.94 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWindows become dangerous very quickly at the hands of a child! Keep children safe with the Super Stopper by Parent Units! This amazing device stops windows and doors from opening too far. Our patented wedge is coupled with one of the finest suction cups m |
 Safety 1st Complete Coverage Deluxe Rollershade, 2-Pack Sale Price: $10.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product |
 Pet Safety Alert Pet Alert Window Decal 2 Pack List Price: Sale Price: $1.99 You save: $0.39 (16%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPet Alert Decals are 4 in x 5 in and made of a strong weather-proof vinyl static cling material that will not fade with bright vibrant red color for high EZ alert visibility. Pet Alert decals will adhere to any clean glass surfaces without adhesive and can be placed on any inside window areas anywhere anytime and can easily be removed and reused again... |
 Safety 1st Baby On Board Deluxe Sunscreen Sale Price: $4.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################### |
 AO Safety 90030 Professional Faceshield Replacement Window List Price: Sale Price: $8.08 You save: $2.91 (26%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product |
 PC Safety 101 - Protect Your Windows Computer! Eliminate Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojan Horses & Viruses! AAA+++ List Price: See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFinally Revealed: How To Eliminate Vicious Unwanted Programs That Can Destroy Your PC And Steal Your Sanity!I'll Have You Exterminating The Dangerous Programs (Like Spyware, Adware, And Malware) That Make Your Life A Living Hell You Don't Have To Be A Computer Expert To Build A Virtual Wall Of Protection Around Your PC! Dear Internet friend,If you don't cleanse and protect your PC, you may find yourself... |
 GSI Super Quality Indoor Window Lock With Built In Vibration High Output Alarm - Lock Adjusts To All Sizes And types Windows - Anti Intuder Safety Device List Price: Sale Price: $20.99 You save: $29.00 (58%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNew Indoor Entry Alarm From GSI, Will Protect You At Home Or On The Road. Small, Easy To Install and User Friendly, It Is A Great Alternative To Other Pricier Models Out There. |
