FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  


Security Window Film

Everything you need to know about security window film,
our installation process, and how we can help protect your home or business.

General Questions


What is security window film?

Security window film is a strong, transparent film applied to existing glass to help reinforce it. When the glass is impacted and breaks, the film helps hold the broken glass together, reducing the chance of glass fragments separating and helping make it more difficult to quickly create an opening.

Security film is designed to delay and deter forced entry, not make glass completely unbreakable.

Does security window film prevent break-ins?

Security film can help make forced entry through glass more difficult and time-consuming.

It does not make a window or door impossible to break. Its purpose is to help hold shattered glass together and increase the time and effort required to create an opening.

Security film is best viewed as one layer of a complete security strategy, alongside locks, alarms, cameras and other security measures.

Can security film make my windows unbreakable?

No.

No window film should be marketed as making glass unbreakable.

Security film is designed to reinforce the glass and help keep broken pieces together after impact. The level of protection depends on the film, glass, frame, attachment method and quality of installation.

What is the difference between regular window film and security film?

Regular window films are generally designed for purposes such as:

  • solar/heat control
  • glare reduction
  • privacy
  • decoration

Security film is specifically designed with a stronger film and adhesive system to help hold broken glass together after impact.

For security applications, the installation method is also important.

Is security film the same as window tint?

No.

Window tint is usually associated with solar control, privacy or appearance. Security film is designed primarily to provide glass reinforcement and safety/security benefits.

Some security films are clear, so they can provide protection without significantly changing the appearance of your windows.

Film Thickness

What does 8 mil, 12 mil and 14 mil mean?

"Mil" refers to the thickness of the film.

It does not mean millimetres.

For example:

  • 8 mil = 0.008 inch
  • 12 mil = 0.012 inch
  • 14 mil = 0.014 inch

Generally, a thicker security film provides more material for reinforcing the glass, but film thickness alone does not determine the performance of the complete installation.

What is the difference between 8 mil, 12 mil and 14 mil security film?

The three thicknesses provide different levels of reinforcement and are suited to different applications.

8 mil
A good option for customers looking for an additional layer of protection for appropriate applications.

12 mil
A stronger option and a great choice for many residential and commercial security applications.

14 mil
A heavier-duty option for applications where additional reinforcement is desired.

The appropriate film depends on your glass, frame, location and security requirements.

Which security film thickness should I choose?

There isn't one thickness that is right for every window.

We consider factors such as:

  • type of glass
  • size of the glass
  • frame
  • location of the glass
  • accessibility
  • residential or commercial application
  • your security concerns
  • desired level of protection

We'll help you choose the appropriate solution rather than simply recommending the thickest film for every application.

Is thicker security film always better?

Not necessarily.

Film thickness is only one part of a security-film system. The glass, frame, adhesive, attachment method and installation quality also matter.

Our goal is to recommend the right solution for the specific application rather than automatically choosing the thickest film.

Installation


Can security film be installed on my existing windows?

In many cases - yes.

Security film is designed to be installed onto existing glass, which can allow you to reinforce your windows without replacing them.

Before installation, we assess the existing glass and frame to determine whether the proposed film is appropriate.

Can security film be installed on doors?

Yes.

Security film can be installed on many types of glass doors, including:

  • front entrance doors
  • patio doors
  • sliding glass doors
  • storefront doors
  • office doors
  • glass vestibules

Doors with large glass areas can be particularly important to evaluate because they may be accessible entry points.

Can security film be installed on double-pane windows?

In many cases, security film can be installed on insulated/double-pane glass.

However, every application is different. We assess the glass and installation conditions before recommending a solution.

Can security film be installed on tempered glass?

It may be possible, but the specific glass and application need to be evaluated before installation.

Tempered glass behaves differently from annealed glass when broken, so we recommend an assessment before selecting the appropriate security-film solution.

Can security film be installed on laminated glass?

Depending on the application, security film may provide an additional layer of protection even when laminated glass is already present.

We can assess the existing glass and recommend whether additional film provides a meaningful benefit.

Does security film require special installation?

Yes.

Professional installation is important for achieving a clean, durable result.

The process generally includes:

  1. Assessing the glass and frame
  2. Measuring the glass
  3. Preparing and cleaning the surface
  4. Precisely cutting the film
  5. Applying the film
  6. Removing air and installation solution
  7. Finishing the edges
  8. Inspecting the completed installation

For higher-security applications, the relationship between the film, glass and frame should also be considered.

How long does installation take?

Installation time depends on the number and size of windows, glass type, accessibility and installation requirements.

A small residential installation may take only a few hours, while larger homes or commercial projects can take longer.

We'll provide an estimated installation time when preparing your quote.

Will I have to replace my windows?

Not necessarily.

One of the advantages of security film is that it can often be installed on existing glass.

Depending on the condition and type of your existing windows, security film may provide an additional layer of protection without the cost and disruption of replacing the entire window.

Appearance & Everyday Use


Is security film clear?

Many security films are designed to be highly transparent.

A clear security film can reinforce your glass while maintaining visibility and the appearance of your existing windows.

If you're interested in privacy, solar control or decorative effects, other film options may also be available.

Will I still be able to see through the windows?

Yes.

Clear security film is designed to maintain visibility.

The exact appearance can depend on the film selected and the condition of the existing glass.

Will security film make my windows darker?

Clear security film generally has minimal visual impact.

If you choose a tinted, reflective or privacy film instead, the appearance and amount of visible light will change.

We'll explain the appearance of the selected film before installation.

Will security film block natural light?

Clear security film allows natural light to continue entering the property.

The amount of light transmitted depends on the specific film selected.

Can security film help with accidental glass breakage?

Yes.

Because security film helps hold broken glass together, it can also provide a safety benefit when glass breaks accidentally.

However, security film should not be considered a substitute for properly specified safety glazing where safety glazing is required by applicable codes or regulations.

Home Security


Which windows should I protect first?

We generally recommend starting with glass that is:

  • easily accessible from outside
  • located near entrances
  • on the ground floor
  • part of a front or patio door
  • large enough to provide an entry point
  • located in a vulnerable or secluded area

During an assessment, we can help identify which glass should be prioritized.

Should I install security film on every window?

Not necessarily.

For many homes, it may make more sense to prioritize vulnerable glass rather than install security film everywhere.

For example, you might prioritize:

front door → patio door → ground-floor windows → basement windows → other accessible glass.

We'll help you determine where the investment provides the most value.

Is security film useful for condos?

Yes.

Security film can be considered for condo entrance doors, balcony doors and other accessible glass, subject to building rules and the specific glass installation.

If you live in a condominium, you should confirm with your property management or condominium corporation before modifying common-element windows or doors.

Commercial Security


Is security film suitable for storefronts?

Yes.

Security film can be used for many storefront and commercial glass applications.

It can help hold broken glass together after impact and may make it more difficult for an intruder to quickly create an opening.

For retail businesses, this can be particularly relevant for smash-and-grab protection.

Can security film help protect against smash-and-grab attacks?

Security film can help hold shattered glass together after impact, potentially making it more difficult and time-consuming to gain access through the glass.

It should be considered a delay and deterrence measure, not a guarantee that a break-in cannot occur.

For higher-risk businesses, we can discuss security film as part of a broader physical-security strategy.

Do you install security film for businesses?

Yes.

We provide security-film solutions for both residential and commercial properties.

Commercial applications can include:

  • retail stores
  • storefronts
  • restaurants
  • offices
  • clinics
  • pharmacies
  • property management buildings
  • schools and childcare facilities
  • other commercial properties

Can you install security film outside normal business hours?

This depends on the project and availability.

For commercial customers, we can discuss scheduling options that minimize disruption to business operations.

Pricing & Quotes


How much does security window film cost?

The cost depends on several factors, including:

  • total glass area
  • number of windows
  • film thickness
  • glass type
  • window and door configuration
  • accessibility
  • installation complexity
  • residential or commercial application

For that reason, we provide custom quotes rather than one price for every window.

Do you have a minimum project size?

For small installations, a minimum service charge may apply because every project involves travel, preparation, measuring, material and installation time.

We'll let you know the complete price before scheduling the installation.

Do you offer discounts for multiple windows?

Yes, larger projects can often be priced more efficiently because installation time and travel are spread across more glass.

For larger residential and commercial projects, we'll provide a project-based quote.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes.

You can contact us with details about your project and, when possible, photos of the glass.

For larger or more complex projects, an on-site assessment may be recommended.

Can I send photos for a quote?

Yes — and we actually encourage it.

Photos of the windows or doors can help us understand the project before arranging an assessment.

When possible, send:

  • a photo of the entire window/door
  • a closer photo of the glass
  • a photo showing the frame
  • approximate dimensions
  • the property location

Maintenance & Warranty


How long does security window film last?

The expected lifespan depends on the film manufacturer, product, exposure, glass and installation conditions.

We will provide information about the specific product selected for your project.

Does security film require maintenance?

Security film generally requires very little maintenance.

After installation, the film should be cleaned using appropriate non-abrasive cleaning methods and products recommended for window film.

Can I clean my windows normally after installation?

Yes, but there is an initial curing period after installation.

Your installer will provide instructions on when and how to clean the film safely.

Is security film covered by a warranty?

Warranty coverage depends on the specific film manufacturer and product.

Before installation, we'll explain the applicable product and installation warranty for your project.

What happens if the film is damaged?

If the film is damaged by an impact or another event, it may need to be replaced.

We can assess the affected glass and determine whether the film can be repaired or should be replaced.

Safety & Expectations


Does security film protect against bullets?

Standard security window film should not be marketed as bulletproof or bullet-resistant glass.

Security film is primarily intended to help reinforce glass, hold broken glass together and delay certain forms of forced entry.

Specialized ballistic glazing is a different product category.

Does security film stop burglars?

Security film can make entry through glass more difficult and time-consuming, but it cannot guarantee that a burglar will not enter a property.

Its purpose is to provide an additional layer of protection and delay.

Is security film a replacement for an alarm system?

No.

The best approach is layered security.

Security film can work alongside:

  • alarms
  • cameras
  • security lighting
  • locks
  • reinforced doors
  • access-control systems

Security film addresses the glass itself, while other systems address different parts of the security problem.

Does security film meet building code requirements?

Security film does not automatically replace safety glazing, laminated glass or other glazing requirements.

Building-code requirements depend on the application and property.

Where applicable, the existing glass should be evaluated to determine the appropriate solution.

Our Service


Where do you install security film?

We serve residential and commercial customers throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Our service area includes communities such as:

  • Toronto
  • North York
  • Vaughan
  • Richmond Hill
  • Markham
  • Mississauga
  • Brampton
  • Etobicoke
  • Scarborough
  • Oakville
  • and surrounding GTA areas

Do you work with homeowners as well as businesses?

Yes.

We work with both residential and commercial customers, from individual windows and doors to larger multi-window and commercial projects.

Who performs the installation?

Our installations are handled directly by an experienced security-film installer.

Because we are an owner-operated business, you can communicate directly with the person responsible for your installation.

How do I get started?

It's simple.

1. Contact us

Tell us what you want to protect.

2. Send photos or arrange an assessment

We'll evaluate your glass and requirements.

3. Receive your recommendation and quote

We'll explain the available options and pricing.

4. Schedule your installation

Once approved, we'll arrange a convenient installation date.

Ready to protect your glass?

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