by Peter Davey, President, American Window Film, Inc.
I can wrap an invisible shield of protection around tall buildings in a single bound. No, I’m not Superman, although my children might argue that point (and my wife may wish). I am an ordinary man with an extraordinary product, 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Films. These security window films help prevent injuries caused by flying shards of glass blown from windows broken during violent weather, vandalism, bomb blasts or industrial explosions. Windows are any building’s most vulnerable point of penetration. Violent weather and crime often strike windows first. Fortunately, you can help prevent this damage with a quick, clean, cost-effective installation of 3M security films…like wrapping your property with an invisible shield of protection.
Building owners, facilities managers and risk management specialists are investing in shatter-resistant 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Films for perimeter windows to mitigate the destructive effects of glass breakage and its associated impact on business continuity. 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.
Be wary of any window film dealer or manufacturer that suggests that window film is hurricane-, bullet-, or vandal-proof. No window film (especially film not specifically manufactured as security film and tested in accordance with GSA standards) can make such a claim. Security window films substantially reduce the risk of devastation resulting from broken glass. The superior strength of 3M™ Window Films is a result of extensive research and development, patented proprietary technology, and stringent field testing. I personally have seen bricks thrown at and bounce off of windows that have been treated with 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Film.
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- and penetration-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.
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.
Innovation, strength, longevity in the field, unmatched warranties and a return-on-investment speak to the quality of these window films. Given the times in which we live, many of us would love to wrap ourselves in an invisible shield of protection. 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Films come pretty close to doing so. And if you’ll excuse me…tall buildings are waiting.
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, November 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.
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