As we wrap up the school year across the country, many school look to upgrade facilities over the Summer break. While many upgrades relate to the health aspects of the school environment, there is also a lot of attention being paid to school safety and security vulnerabilities. To better inform you in this area, we wanted to share a quick summary of an article in School Construction News entitled “Window Film: A Necessary Safety Measure for Schools“. This article explains what a security window film can do and why is should be added to the necessary school safety measures.
The article begins by stating that “Safety and security window film is a tool that, when integrated with a well-planned system of security measures, can offer a school community both greater security and greater peace of mind. Safety and security film is a polyester-based product that, when professionally installed, strengthens a building’s windows, which in turn protects the building and its occupants.” But how exactly can it accomplish this? We summarize their findings below.
2 Ways Security Window Film School Safety Measures Enhance School Safety and Security
- Increases Intrusion Resistance of Glass – The article notes that “Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of a building. They are points of entry for people that may mean harm to the occupants. Glass is also an inviting target for vandals intent on mischief or worse. The main benefit of safety and security film is to provide an invisible shield that offers protection from broken glass and deters or delays unwanted entry.“Think of security window film as part of an overall system to prevent unwanted access to the facility.As the article states, “…use of safety window film alone will not prevent intrusion through glass. Instead, it increases the amount of time needed to break through and can deter the efforts of the potential intruder altogether after multiple unsuccessful attempts to enter through the filmed glass.” By slowing the intruder down, the facility has time to implement other safety measures including notifying local authorities. The goal of the window film is to slow down how quickly the intruder can gain access to the interior of the building.
- Improved Privacy and Protection – The ability of a potential intruder to see into the school can arm them with information better kept hidden. The article mentions this by saying, “As most schools operate during daylight hours, an intruder can still see into classrooms — even if the blinds are drawn in some cases. Each window is essentially a map to the entire school. Potential intruders can easily see in and gather details of the entire school — the hallways, media center, office, cafeteria, etc. — which makes it easier to create a plan to gain entry and target victims.” Fortunately, security window film comes in various shades and reflectivity levels to help obscure the interior details of the building and the activities within during daylight hours.
If you would like more information about how security window film can be added to your school safety measures, contact us today by calling (319) 423-9663 or emailing us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and service Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Quad Cities and the entire surrounding areas.
While fad diets and pop science tout “cancer preventing” super foods with difficult to pronounce names, protecting yourself from the most common type of cancer really comes down to blocking UV rays. Skin cancer 
What Does The Skin Cancer Foundation Say?
Speaking of windows, our homes are another place where we’re exposed to the sun’s rays. Untreated windows let in rays that wash out your furniture and damage your skin, so take precautions. Apply sunscreen if you’ll be sitting in a sunny area, and never bring a tanning bed or UV-based light into your home. If you have concerns about the UV impact in your house, you might even consider installing UV sensors
While you’re on the job, you’re still being affected by damaging rays. If your business has a storefront, a window film will block those rays and protect your merchandise and furniture from becoming washed out, while also saving you energy costs.
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While it is true that some of the earliest produced window films had short shelf lives, modern window film is incredibly durable. Manufacturers of professionally applied window film offer warranties that cover any problems that arise with the product. In many cases, the warranty is 10 or more years in a commercial setting and often lifetime for a residential warranty. There are documented cases of window films lasting 25 years while still looking great and performing. Contact us for a full explanation of the warranties on the products that we offer.
Myth 3: Window Films Are A Band-Aid Solution
Window Films Can Make Your Home More Comfortable – The longer days of Spring and Summer can also bring about things that make your home less comfortable. Specifically, many homeowners deal with excessive glare and hot spots in the home at this time of the year. Whether it is for watching TV, using a computer or just kicking back with your favorite book, glare can make a room an uncomfortable place to be.
Create Defined Spaces Without Walls – Former large open office spaces now may need some definition without the need or want to begin building walls. Use of decorative films on existing glass panels can help retain an open feel while creating visual breaks and defining spaces.