Living in Denver is great but, like all big cities, crime can be an issue.  Choosing a way to protect yourself, your business, and your family is critical.  Since glass windows and doors are the weakest point of any Denver business or home–fortifying them is a good way to stay safer.  Safety and security window film and tempered glass are two popular choices. However, they are not the same thing and work very differently.  Read below to find out a little more about each.

How Tempered Glass Works

Tempered glass, also called safety glass is heat-treated. By getting the center of the pane of glass very hot during manufacturing, the edges and the surface of the glass compress when cooled down, and tension is put into the glass plate. This results in two things: much stronger glass and glass that will shatter into tiny, less harmless pieces. Tempered glass will therefore give some protection against impact. However, tempered glass will not protect against bullets of any type. It will also give way fairly quickly when struck by an intruder.

How Safety and Security Film Systems Work

Safety and security window film systems are constructed using thick polyester window films, high-end adhesives, and specialty window frames. They have many of the same benefits as tempered glass, such as resulting in glass that breaks into small, less harmful pieces. However, with window film security systems, the glass stays adhered to the window film so it won’t fly around after an impact of any sort to hurt people close by. Set-ups such as these also resist bullets and bomb blasts. Finally, even after a high-impact event like a bullet strike, security-grade window film will keep shattered glass panes in place, forcing an attacker to work longer and harder to get in.

Which One is Right For You: Safety and Security Window Film or Tempered Glass?

Deciding on a method to keep your Denver home or business safe is a massive undertaking. The truth is there is no right answer–everything depends on your situation. We can tell you that safety and security window film is less expensive than tempered glass. However, complete window film security systems are close to the price of tempered glass. The difference is you get more protection at around the same price point. If you are looking to retrofit an existing Denver structure to get it up to safety codes, safety and security window film will be the cost-effective alternative solution. Likewise, if you are looking for the most protection, window film security systems are better than tempered glass as well. 

Contact us today for a free security consultation for your Denver area space to learn more about safety and security window film.

Mike Kinsey has sold and installed over 250,000 square feet of window film. As the Operations Manager for Denver Home Window Tinting, Mike oversees all aspects of sales, product education, and customer relations. He is also the project manager for all residential window film installs. Mike's extensive product knowledge and years of experience give him the ability to select the perfect window film for any home. From privacy and decorative to energy efficiency, security, and more, Mike is well versed in all the top innovations and products available on the market today. He and his team have completed hundreds of projects in the Denver metro area, as well as the surrounding areas of Aurora, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Centennial, Englewood, Thornton, and Littleton.