Window film provides important protection during hurricanes, but does not fully comply with tough new standards that will apply to new construction, according to a committee representing manufacturers of window film.
“When properly installed, window film can hold glass in place and keep it from shattering, protecting the home or office from weather damage, and protecting occupants from injury caused by shards of glass,” said Darrell Smith, Executive Director of the International Window Film Association. “However, even the best window film does not eliminate glass breakage during a severe hurricane, or make a home or building hurricane proof.”
While new construction will be required to have special safety windows installed that meet the Florida Building Code requirements, older homes and office buildings are not required to meet the code, Smith said. Because of the cost involved with retrofitting homes and office buildings with safety windows, other alternatives are typically used, including installation of window film or hurricane shutters. Hurricane shutters provide a high level of protection, but they are costly and must be rolled down or otherwise activated each year. To ensure that homes and buildings get the best possible protection from window film, Smith recommends the following:
- Ask the installer for proof of any claims made, such as test reports or other supporting documentation.
- Contact the manufacturer for verification of any questionable claims.
- Check the film. Safety film should be thicker than the typical film used to tint windows or auto glass. Safety film should be a minimum of 4 mils thick.
- Obtain competitive quotes. If one quote is significantly lower than the others, the installer may not be using legitimate safety film.
- Ask for references and contact them. If possible, get references from your neighborhood or from commercial property managers you know.
- Ask for and review the manufacturer’s warranty.
“As with many other products, the abilities of window film are sometimes misunderstood,” according to Smith. “The key is to have realistic expectations. If home and business owners understand what window film can and cannot do, they will be pleasantly surprised by its abilities.”
For more information, contact the International Window Film Association.
