Window security film is made up of one or more layers of polyester film that has been laminated together with unique adhesives. They can range in thickness from 4 mil to 15 mil, or higher.
Generally, the thicker the film, the more durable and less likely it is to be broken, torn, or punctured. Thinners Window Film are more often used for tinting or solar protection.
However, some manufacturers make thinner films with nanotechnology that are even stronger than thicker films, but the cost is higher.
For example, there are 8 mil thick nano-layered films that test as well as 15 mil standard security films. These multi-layer thin security films are beneficial because the tear strength is higher than standard security films, thus making them stronger to resist bomb blasts, forced entry, and extreme weather events.
Security film for windows works under the same principles as automotive windshield glass. The binding agent keeps the glass from shattering upon impact, just like a rock that hits your windshield may cause a hole, but the overall glass piece remains intact.
Laminated security glass consists of two pieces of glass with a PVB layer in-between, and the makeup is glued together under pressure in a tank called an autoclave.
Security film creates similar protection, but rather than replacing your existing non-security glass with laminated glass, you can add security window film. Think of it as an aftermarket laminated glass application.