Give Your Windows Some Muscle for Home Defense
I love those illustrated images of burglars breaking into homes. It’s almost always a dark-clothed man squeezing through an open window.
Regardless of where the window is located or how risky the climb was to get to it, that’s where they are trying to enter the home.
It’s true that sometimes home invaders use windows as their point of entry into a house, but the much more likely place for a burglar to infiltrate a home is the front or back door. I guess a burglar using a door to enter a home doesn’t make for as exciting of an image as one getting in through a window.
But while a door is the most common entry point for a person bent on robbing a homeowner – due to the fact that he or she wants to get in and out of your home as quickly and discreetly as possible – the truth is that sometimes a burglar will choose a window, especially if he can’t get past a front or back door.
Heavy Duty Defense
And after the stuff hits the fan and lawlessness prevails, there will be people breaking windows with hammers or shooting bullets through them, so it is important for us to fortify our windows as well as our doors.
This makes sense even if we’re not afraid of home invaders or post-crisis gangs. Sometimes strong winds and hail – not to mention golf balls and baseballs – can break our brittle glass windows.
That’s where window film comes in. This is like body armor for a window, and it can protect against projectiles – with some armor even being strong enough to keep bullets from breaking through – and can also shield against UV rays.
Cost-Effective Armor
Chances are you will not need window film strong enough to protect against a hurricane, bullets or explosives. But some kind of window film would be a cost-effective way to bolster your window security, especially after you’ve upgraded your doors and locks, and help keep out would-be thieves.
Most likely, standard safety window film will be good enough to provide armor for these vulnerable spots in your home and protect you from burglars who choose to try to enter your home through a window.
I would encourage you to check out this article from Off The Grid News that explains the different types of window armor, then determine which is the best one for you. The article includes information about tinted solar film, standard safety film, heavier security film and bullet-resistant film. It even covers Spalling film, which aims to control explosions and multiple projectiles.
This was a very informative article. Although I don’t like in a high crime area, I want to take precautions if a situation may arise. Technology these days have improved drastically over the years that are keeping people safe from intruders. Alone with windows, there are bullet resistant doors. These are not only beneficial to your home but also businesses and company buildings. Is there a life span on the windows? And what maintenance needs to be done on them? I have young children and these are things I will be looking further in to to have installed in my home.
I’m using ballistic film on my home and RV windows. I got it from wellprepared.com You can buy and install yourself or they can provide an installer. To get ROI, let your insurance co know and get a discount on your rates… that way the film pays for itself.
I just happened on this site, and was impressed with the type of comments rendered. I need help!
I am a 77 y.o. disabled widow. My only income is my social security check. I live in a first floor apartment There are 693 apts. in the complex
There are two bedrooms, each. with what appears to be double pane windows. My living room has solid entrance metal door. This door has only a key less (on the inside) lock. It does have a peep hole! Management does NOT allow any safety upgrades, ie locks, etc. I do have two 4 lbs. dogs. I can never discount their heart and courage when it comes to protecting me. but their mouths are so little, it would be like a bee sting. They are a very good alarm system though!!LOL.
The help I need is someone with good solid knowledge point me in the right direction to make my apartment safer against human predators. I do have a firearm. I have made the mistake in being naive to Survival groups, and most seem only interested in lining their only goal. Every penny I spend must count as there is no back up there!
I have tried to “prep” as best I can, ie: water, food, first aid supplies flashlights, snap lights,sterno & stoves, tarps ,paracord. Stuff like that. I live in a hurricane prone area, and cannot evacuate as I do not drive, have no place to go, and shelters will not allow pets. I will not leave them behind.
Sorry this is so long, and will be most grateful for any help. I am an Army brat and my husband spent ten years of our life in the Marine Corps.
God Bless
Fly the Flag
Be safe
Get a .45 and learn how to use it.
I’m 71 and been preparing for couple years. Am now widowed but continue to prep. Is this film see through and would the sound of breaking glass still be enough to set off my alarm. Looking for like minded group to join up with to continue my work!!
Having just retired from 45 years in the alarm industry, I can tell you that I have talked with manufacturers of glass break detectors about this very issue and they will not guarantee that their products will respond to breaking glass with protective film on them. I like the concept of the protective film, but there is a trade off.
We put film on all of our southern exposure windows and every one of them had the seal break and become fogged. It was very expensive to replace them all. Think twice.
Sounds good. I have hurricane shutters and some clear so they let light in . They work quite well .plus I train dogs and have dobermans since 1982.
Anyone have a provider in SE Ohio?
Live in VERO BEACH, Fl. Had 3M tinted film instslled @ 7/8 years ago after hurricanes came thru. Work beautifully and cost about $2000 at that time. Will deter an intruder long enough for me to get my loaded .38 caliber S&W. For hurricanes themselves I have galvanized aluminum shutters that I have to put up, but we get plenty of warning.If the SHTF I’ll put them up for that also.
Check out this website. window-armor.com
these guys are the pros when it comes to security film.
they will send you the film, frame attachment system, and easy instructions on how to install. real thick security film up to 21 mils thick.
When I was working, the last time was on a major city street just south of downtown. We hsd numerous tall and wide windows. As you may guess we had to have some glass panes replaced after numerous bullets had damaged but didn’t penetrate; they had just become unsightuul. This film Workd!
If this gets by his censors- moderator i will be very surprised. For the record folks Frank Bates is a fictional character made up by a very slick salesman who is in this strictly for the money. Even the picture of him is bogus. He represents himself as one of us (prepper- libertarian) but in reality he is just preying on peoples fears for his own financial gain. So buyer beware when it comes to buying anything from this self proclaimed patriot. I’m fed up with people like this guy. Do your own research on this “patriot” and his company and come to your own conclusions as to whether or not he deserves your attention and MONEY. The truth matters !
Just a suggestion if you have dogs: teach them to be feed by a family member,etc. If something happens to you while away from home or you collapse..the dogs will starve.
Be interesting to see how these film applications stand up to repeated blows from a 20 lb sledgehammer…which will knock holes in brick walls, never mind panes of insubstantial glass.
Never known any average burglar to carrying a 20lb sledgehammer with them to commit a burglary…
To protect your home from invasion thru the windows try roses. The “Henry Fonda” yellow rose has more very nasty thorns that even go thru the best gloves.
Actually, so do many citrus trees, if you live in the south. My lime trees have 2 inch long thorns which produce a lot of pain if you get into the plant! Check into these, if you live south of zone 8.
Double-pane windows could heat up bigtime and void your warranty if you layer on a film, but if you do so only on the outside it should be OK, shouldn’t it? It would intercept some energy and what did get in to overheat the internal gas should be eliminated through the inside pane.
Bob, double pane glass is only an issue if you’re using tinted film that’s too dark. The percentage varies from glass manufacturer to manufacturer. It’s generally between 30%-50%. If you use a clear security film you’d be fine. I installed window film for 10 years and only had an issue once. Since we were within recommended guidelines, the film manufacturer warrantied the window. Do some research on your window brand/type and you will be fine. Hope this helps!
My husband and I just bought new windows for our whole house because we needed new windows. We bought security windows that have a layer of polyvinylbutaral in the glass. They were not cheap by a long shot but they will stand up to a baseball bat quite nicely. The same company offered a hurricane rated window that you could not shoot a 2×4 through, it had a steel reinforced frame. Thought about it to make a bedroom a safe room but it was too expensive for me. I was concerned that with window film the whole piece of glass would come in with enough force. These have the security glass set over an inch into the window frame. Main reason we bought them was energy savings. Got them from Sears.
thanks for the post. that’s a great idea!
I’m not worried about this little problem,i have lexan on all my windows as for the doors if you reinforce with box steel and use angle iron on door with stainless hinges you’ll find it will slow them dowm!*note i work at a jail as a service tech. it dosen’t hurt like my house when they see the two german shepards waiting for them! And yes virgina the most feared dog by inmates are german shepards
Shatter Gard security film. Amazon.com
I am with you brother, I am a retired cop and have wolves and hybrids. My male hybrid is my security chief. All 165 lbs with 3 inch fangs. He does not play he has almost 3 3/4 inches between the left and right fangs and a terrible record of diplomacy. The others follow him.
Semper Fi
Hear that , dogs are the best deterrent to break ins there is , i own 2 over 10 lb pit bulls , they are great dogs till i turn them onto guard duty to leave, These dogs will most deffinatlely hurt a burglar permanent and may possibbly kill him, they will not take food from anyone but me only , so poison wont help you , if only 1 of them gets to you you are kinda screwed, if both got you at once , may ne nothing but hamburger left when police arrive , main thing to keep crooks and local thugs away from your gun collections , DONT SHOW THEM OFF ,worst mistake , to my neighbors all i own are a few hunting rifles , if they only had a clue lol , there are 3 full gun safes full inside and more in various strategic placements around house.
This is real cool and looks interesting.
I will only need 1400 to 2000 Dollars to get the vehicle I need, I have a vehicle located
Besides being a good defense for your windows, wouldn’t this also be a way to protect your solar panels from hail damage?
Another way to protect access through windows is to drill a hole through the window frame and sash and place a nail in the hole. It can be easily removed to open the window, and an additional hole can be added to place the nail with a slightly opened window.
I agree with all the excellant qualities mentioned here. We use 10 mil film for reducing sound transmission in my studio designs, and we also used standard clear thickness’ for earthquake preparation, on windows which could fragment. Just a warning for thermal insulated glass users. Glass manufacturers will discontinue the warranty on some window systems, as the tint can build up heat in the system. Be sure to check with your supplier or window company.
Are there any companies in Georgia you could reccommend for any type of window film
treatment?
I have placed films on almost all my windows after reading an article in the Internet.. I don’t have the special film advertised but at any hardware store anyone can get a film. Some are thicker than others. I placed one film inside the window, opened the windows and I have overlapping window panes, again more film applied on the other side. The issue is to make it more difficult for anyone who throws a rock or whatever to break the glass. The glass will break but won’t separate immediately for which the individual will have to continue attempting to break in. How much strength will the film provide ? At least will give me a chance to grab a weapon to defend myself or get out of the house as fast as I can
No matter what kind of glass you have windows and doors are only as stong as window and door frames them selves.
IF SOMEONE WANTS N THEY WILL JUST KICK THE WINDOW OUT. THEY USE THIS FILM ON OLD AIRCRAFT WITHOUT PRESSUERIZED CABINS. A GOOD BLOW WITH A HAMMER WILL PUNCHER IT. BEST THING IS HAVE SOME PLYWOOD ON HAND AND DRY WALL SCREWS. I LIVE IN AN APARTMNET. WITH A BIG GLASS WINDOW, I HAVE A PIECE OF PLY WOOD LAYING AGAINST THE WALL JUST IN CASE. ONE WAY IN, ONLY. THATS MY FRONT DOOR AND I HAVE A STEAL 1/2″ PLATE TO USE FOR COVER IF ANTONE BREAKS MY DOOR DOWN. NICE BARREL HOLE TO SHOOT THROUGH. ARMED TO THE TEETH AND AN EX VIETNAM ARMY RANGER, RECON. JUST WON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THE BODIES THAT COULD PILE UP !
Is your plywood bulletproof around your shooting hole?
Wish you were my neighbor…smiling
If you have the double-pane gas filled windows, I don’t believe you can put any of these protective films over these types of windows. If I am wrong, please let me know what type of film can go on these types of windows. The manufacturer told me when they were installed film wasn’t good for these windows. Perhaps there is a new type of film to remedy that issue.
Thanks for any info you can give me.
Frank
send information on window film
All you people complaining about not enough info. How about you do a little of your own research. Call any of your local window and glass businesses, I bet they all carry the films. I Googled window films and got thousands if hits. For a bunch of do-it-yourselfers and preppers you sure are a lazy bunch.
Do you have names of venders for these window films?
http://www.professionalplastics.com/LEXANXL10
put lexan on all windows last summer,3 windows a week not a deal breaker,fire dept came around and said it was a deturant for help in case of a fie,lots of luck,told them to hit the road
These films are a decent 2nd choice but best is to upgrade all your windows & doors to hurricane impact glass, and get a reliable licensed professional to do it AND pull a permit to ensure that the fastening was done properly! This glass can not be broken or kicked in and aides in energy efficiency. Saves $$ on HO ins. too. My neighbor is an ems fire guy and he concurred when in an emergency fire dept. can not get in to these windows & doors they must remove the entire structure. Doors should swing OUT not in to prevent them being blown or kicked in. Thanks to all for so many great tips. Good luck to us all.
What is Lexan? I’ve never heard of it before today.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/?utm_medium=cpc&WT.term=safety+window+film&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Safety+%26+Security&WT.medium=cpc&WT.campaign=Safety+%26+Security&WT.srch=1&WT.content=text&WT.source=google&utm_content=&WT.mc_id=3MWindowFilms&utm_term=safety+window+film&cshift_ck=c21824fe-0b13-4f64-86a9-9fe04bff6423cs8oEGHIJp
NO NAMES OF MANUFACTURERS IS OF LITTLE HELP.
The article has no links to find out more about the actual products available. From what little information that is provided, it looks like the film blocks some light and heat from the sun. That may be okay for southern areas, but doesn’t look good for passive solar, where you want all of the heat and light you can get. Personally, I rely on regular mesh window screens to protect from hail, and plexiglass to keep the heat in during the colder months. As for would-be burglars, I think outside security cameras and lights would be a better deterrent and early warning system. During the heating season, which is more than half of the year, the plexiglass should offer protection from break-ins as well as heat loss.
maybe film would be a good temporary measure until you can afford lexan for each window
i think lexan is a better choice …do a window a month….the 16 trillion criminal debt is dragging our economy down….nobody sees the crime of government borrowing by selling despisable bonds..when treasury admits they are arithmetically unable to redeem u s treasury bonds plus interest and the dollar becomes worthless …zombies will rampage for food ….water ….loot …your life …
No luck finding a dealer here in the mountains of Maryland. How about some web site info on dealers/distributors?
Please send me furthee information. Is this product available in the UK, or can it be sent there?
Julia
Make sure your window manufacture will honor the warranty on your window if a window film is applied.
send me information S.B.