Window Film Adequate Against Hurricanes?

This is an excerpt from an excellent and lengthy article in the HeraldTribune.com detailing the various options for protection in hurricane-prone areas.   Often times, readers have the mental image of bulletproof glass in their minds.  They believe that the safety film product can just be added to a window to make it bulletproof.  This is a fallacy.

Window films have long been marketed erroneously for hurricane protection. In 2005, the International Window Film Association sent a notice to the Florida Attorney General’s Office warning that such films were not hurricane-proof.

But some companies, including several in Southwest Florida, still market the product as an alternative, rather than a supplement to standard hurricane protection.

“Unlike shutters or plywood, window film does not need to be installed each time a storm approaches,” claims a Sarasota-based company called The Window Film Specialists.

The company Web site compares film to shutters and cites numerous tests and approvals for the film, none of which include the Florida Building Code.

But company manager Randy Faust said the firm makes sure customers understand what they are buying.

“It’s not as strong as hurricane shutters; we don’t want anyone to be misled,” Faust said.

This is an excellent and researched opinion regarding the use of safety window film against hurricane damage.  TintCenter has always advised users that write in regarding safety films and hurricanes that safety film do offer some level of protection, safety film should not be relied as the primary defense against severe hurricane damage.  Safety window film should be thought of as secondary defense with benefits like holding together shattered glass in the event of substantial damage.

Comments (4)
  • http://www.javaworld.com/community/user/26375 Bill Bartmann

    I’m so glad I found this site…Keep up the good work

  • http://forums.portlandmercury.com/member.php?u=79057 Bill Bartmann-

    This blog rocks! I gotta say, that I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,

    A definite great read…

    -Bill-Bartmann

  • http://www.allprowindowtinting.com/ Roxthejams

    Safety and security films provide a clear
    barrier of protection that helps to hold glass in place when it
    shatters due to breakage from an accident, severe weather, or
    forced entry.

  • http://www.allprowindowtinting.com/ Atlanta Window Tinting

    Safety and security films provide a clear
    barrier of protection that helps to hold glass in place when it
    shatters due to breakage from an accident, severe weather, or
    forced entry.