by Peter Davey, President, American Window Film, Inc.
Although the 2006 hurricane season did not develop as expected, 2007 looks to be a very active season. William Gray, who leads the forecast team at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, anticipates 17 named storms to form in the Atlantic between June 1 and November 30. “El Niño suddenly came on in August last year, and it caused the season to be much less active than we had expected.” Gray said the El Niño that formed last August has faded and is being replaced by its cold-water cousin called La Niña, which is associated with active hurricane seasons. (“2007 Hurricane Season Will Be ‘Very Active,’ Forecasters Say”, John Roach, National Geographic News, April 3, 2007.)
Now is not the time to let our guard down. The Northeast is not immune to natural or man-made catastrophic events. Common sense has been guiding building owners and facilities managers to invest in shatter-resistant 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Films for perimeter windows to mitigate the destructive effects of severe weather, explosive blasts, and vandalism, and their associated impact on business continuity. Installed on the inside of windows, security films hold broken glass in place, helping to reduce injuries, property damage and business downtime.
Severe weather and high winds are not the only cause of glass breakage. Unfortunately, many business owners, who have not reinforced their windows with safety film, know all too well the loss of revenue associated with “smash-and-grab” crime. The majority of thefts take place in less than 30 seconds. Delaying a thief’s entry increases the probability of thwarting a breakin. Monitoring cameras have captured thieves in action, attempting to break in through filmed windows. Bricks, crowbars and even cement parking barriers have failed to penetrate these windows. Unable to gain quick access, frustrated vandals move on. 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Film when combined with privacy film to inhibit unwanted viewing can help to even further reduce a potential security risk.
Compared to the expense of glass replacement, retrofitting with security window film offers an affordable option for improving safety. Efficient and professionally trained installers provide minimum interruption to production activities. The added benefits of reduced heating, cooling and HVAC maintenance expenses provide good reasons for facilities managers to justify their investment on future energy cost savings.
Most of us have experienced the invisible shield of protection that 3M security films provide. Many commercial buildings (banks, airports and federal buildings) have security film already installed. We rarely hear about security window film installations since building owners are reluctant to suggest that any of us are vulnerable inside their facility. I might argue that knowledge of safety measures in place is both reassuring to our community and a deterrent to many who seek to do us harm.
3M Company, an ISO9002 certified manufacturer, issued the first patent on window film in 1966. 3M is the only window film manufacturer that produces their own raw materials such as polyesters, adhesives, metals and scratch-resistant coatings. Their films meet ANSI Z97 and CPSC glazing standards, and 3M’s patented multiple micro layer technology, to enhance tensile strength and elongation, has contributed to their longevity in the field. They are a durable, tear-resistant series of polyester films that provide high optical clarity. Their construction delivers superior performance over standard polyester films in blast and impact mitigation due to its ability to absorb shock.
The 3M™ Ultraflex Sealant System is a strong safety and security installation system. It combines the strength and elasticity of 3M Scotchshield™ Safety and Security Window Film with Dow Corning™ 995 Silicone Structural Sealant. The combination creates a flexible membrane that captures and absorbs impact energy allowing the frame to bend and twist to accommodate a variety of impact stresses. It is a more cost-effective system when compared to more bulky mechanical attachment alternatives.
Weather patterns are changing and conditions suggest that a hurricane may hit New England. Even if we do remain outside the path of a hurricane this year, high winds, far less than hurricane force, can shatter panes of glass, and vandalism continues to plague both commercial and residential communities. 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Film, developed to help reduce personal injuries and property damage associated with flying shards of glass, has become an essential element of any safety plan.
Peter J. Davey is president of American Window Film, Inc., a 3M™ Authorized and Certified Prestige Window Film Dealer, located in Foxboro and Boston, MA, 800-274-TINT, www.americanwindowfilm.com. Published in the New England Real Estate Journal, April 2007.
American Window Film, Inc. is your 3M Window Film Dealer serving all of MA, RI and southern NH, including Boston, South Shore, North Shore, Cape Cod & the Islands, Providence, Nashua, Manchester, Worcester, Springfield and surrounding communities.
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