by Peter Davey, President, American Window Film, Inc.
As I write this article, a severe weather warning is broadcast over my local radio station. This is just one of many warnings in our area already issued this year. Weather forecasters have predicted an active hurricane season with indications that the Northeast is due for a hit. And the season has just begun. The Atlantic hurricane season runs through the end of November. Winds less than hurricane force can cause property damage and injuries. With some cost-effective preventative maintenance, this sort of destruction can be kept to a minimum.
Security film installations have increased as building owners and facilities managers are purchasing 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Film (often called hurricane window film) for perimeter windows in order to mitigate the destructive effects of severe weather, explosive blasts, and vandalism, and their associated impact on business continuity. Although security window film does not prevent glass from breaking, it will hold glass in place and help to minimize injuries and damage to property.
Efficient and professionally trained window film installers provide little disruption to production activities, and the added benefits of reduced heating, cooling and HVAC maintenance expenses are solid reasons for managers to justify their investment on future energy cost savings. Compared to the expense of glass replacement, retrofitting with security window film offers an affordable option for improving safety.
Be wary of misleading claims regarding the safety aspect of any window film. Safety and/or security window films are specifically tested by their manufacturer. Consumers should review product literature which should state the safety benefits of any particular window film. Reputable dealers will be able to produce actual manufacturer’s impact testing reports.
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.
There are many types of window films on the market – each serving different needs. Along with safety and security window films, 3M Company manufactures a variety of window film products including sun control films, architectural/interior designer films, and anti-graffiti films. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends many 3M Window Film products as effective UV protection.
3M’s spirit of innovation remains strong as they re-invent window films for the 21st century with the introduction of their new series of Prestige Window Films. These films reject up to 97% of the Infrared without using metals. This innovation is a critical advantage over 3M Company’s window film competitors. Metals can corrode over time in moist conditions and can interfere with cell phone signals and Wi/Fi transmissions. 3M Prestige Window Films unconditionally guaranty against corrosion. They offer high optical clarity, low reflectivity and incomparable performance. They reflect and absorb 99.9% of the UV light that fades fine furnishings, fabrics and works of art and they do this by aligning more than 200 layers of polymers in a total thickness that is less than 1/2 the thickness of one 3M Post-It™ Note.
A little preventative maintenance will go a long way to minimize the damage and destruction common to the sort of storms that develop this time of year. Storms less violent than hurricanes can shatter glass and destroy properties, lives and livelihoods. Safety and security window film is a cost-effective way to strengthen fragile panes of glass and hold broken glass in place. When the next severe weather warning is broadcast, you will feel confident knowing you’ve taken steps to minimize the potential destruction by having 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Film professionally installed.
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 July, 2006.
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.
Menu
