Is it worth paying for that protective film to go on glass for security?

[mtlboy]

I have a lot of windows around my house near ground level, and in the back and a couple of basement windows. I got a quote from a company, they will put that see through film that apparantly makes your glass much harder to break for $1500. It looks like it comes out to about 90 bucks a window, including my patio door. Did anyone have this installed in their house, and does the film really make glass harder to brake? I want to do something with all my glass and this seems that it's not an eye sore since it's see through and I am not sure what else to do for glass all around the house. Thanks..

[coolspot]

Depends on where you live ... in Toronto it is rare to have the film installed because we don't have riots and protests every other week ;)

[iwells]

I would install glass breakers installed first.

Security film has to be installed correctly otherwise, the entire glass will come out easier. I recall it has to has to be connected to the frame for it to be really secure.

[TrevorK]

As mentioned, security film is irrelevant if your frames are the weak spot. The glass itself will come out in one piece while the frame shatters. You should discuss with the company as to what kind of force the frame of the window can take when the security film is installed. When I went through looking this up I found that the film's effectiveness is totally dependent on the frame and how it is secured.

I notice that many business which utilizes a coating in my area also have heavy metal framed doors, which I'm sure really add to the sturdiness of the entire frame. A basement window frame can be kicked in and you are much better off utilizing a properly installed bar system that is fastened deep in multiple spots and the screws themselves are not removable. As for your above ground windows I can understand how bars and such are not the look you are going for, and I haven't researched that myself, so I'd definitely recommend talking to multiple security companies as to the solutions.