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Window Films Can Increase Security, But Can’t Stop Bullets
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| Dec 16, 2024 |
In the fall of 2024, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) renewed their statement on the use of window films to provide ballistic protection.
In short: There are many great uses for window films, including security-reality uses. Stopping bullets isn’t one of them.
IWFA: "Extreme Caution Should Be Taken"
The IWFA is the only trade organization dedicated to the window film industry. Unfortunately, the IWFA has seen increasingly misleading or confusing claims about what these films can accomplish. That includes situations where a manufacturer or seller claims that a window film is adding bullet-resistance to a window assembly, when in fact, the window itself was able to stop the bullet with or without the film.
In their latest statement, IWFA makes a set of recommendations that are good advice to anyone investing in physical security for their building. These include:
- Carefully evaluating performance claims about any glazing that has an additional film added. How much of the performance comes from the film, and how much is the glass underneath?
- Beware of any written specification or recommendation that credits any window film as the primary component of a “bullet-resistant glazing” system. No such material exists.
- Remember that any window film is an addition to a window, not an integral element. Any solution that uses film should have been tested with and without film installed. Your supplier ought to be willing and able to provide separate specifications and documentation for each element, so you can compare true performance.
Enhanced Security Does Not mean Bullet Resistance
IWFA is also worried that there is some confusion around the new “Standard Test Method for Forced-Entry-Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack.”
Products tested to this standard are able to withstand forced entry attempts after a barrier has been shot. It’s not a ballistic standard. Security window film can play an important role in creating a window system that passes ASTM F3561-22. But that doesn’t mean that if you take that same film and apply it to any old window, that window will pass the test, too. It doesn’t work that way, and IWFA wants to make sure that’s clear.
Why Window Film Can't Stop a Bullet
Security window film is made up of one or more layers of polyester film that have been laminated together with unique adhesives. It generally ranges in thickness from 7 mil to 25 mil. Despite being extremely thin, these types of security window films are extremely strong. Once applied and cured, the film prevents a smashed window from breaking into pieces. This delays, and can even stop, an intruder or smash-and-grab thief. It also helps prevent injuries if an area is occupied when a window is broken.
However, security window film products are not designed to stop bullets, even from a low caliber handgun. They may be marketed as making windows “vandal-proof,” “shatter-proof,” “impact-resistant,” “hardened,” or “armored”—the list goes on. They are not appropriate for projects where protecting people from gunfire is a consideration. Any confusion about that is dangerous territory.
TSS Supports the IWFA Statement on Security Window Films
Everyone should be absolutely clear on what they’re getting when they invest in physical security products. We also encourage anyone who needs ballistic security to make sure they have a bulletproof partner that can provide reliable, accurate information and support. We are proud to have a 30+ year track record as a trustworthy source for ballistic and physical security barriers. TSS will always make accurate recommendations based on best practices.
In this case, that means making sure everyone knows that security films are an appropriate complement to bulletproof glass, but can’t stop a bullet on its own.
That said, films are often used in conjunction with various legitimate, tested bullet resistant glazing elements. That's primarily as a “spall shield,” protecting people from glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate shards that can chip off the barrier when it stops a bullet.
Security films are also extremely useful in areas of a building or barrier where there is little ballistic threat, but still a physical threat. For example, in a storefront style entry, you’ll want ballistic glass for each door and the windows between those doors. But a line of windows running overtop the doorways, where there is no risk of being shot, might perform better if you use standard glass with a shatterproof film.
Film is a good security tool when used appropriately. But there is currently no real "bulletproof film" on the market, and no one should tell you there is.
What Does the Future Hold for Security Window Films?
Sooner or later, everyone looking into their building’s security options will encounter security films. We’ve even made to help people understand which should be used where.
Like any other aftermarket film, security window film is applied to existing windows to change their performance in one way or another. There are window films that add a colored tint or mirror finish. There are window films that block UV. “Security films” are intended to make the window harder to crack or shatter, without changing the visual characteristics. There is a film for just about any use case you can think of, making it a versatile and helpful tool.
Do I think there'll ever be aftermarket films that can reliably stop a bullet? Honestly, given the material realities, I just don't see how it's possible at this point. But I never say “never.” We're still building out the periodic table, and seeing surprising developments in material sciences.
Science is making big unexpected innovations every day.
But I don't see any hint that it's happening in the near term, and I'm extremely cautious about any claims unless there is ample good evidence. Like