Unfortunatly, luck is not a strategy and hopes for things to change for the better are naive. This weekend’s failed bomb attack in Times Square is a stark reminder: implementing blast mitigation steps are a critical piece of defense needed to protect against the havoc extremists are planning for soft targets in populated areas around the US.
Reducing Glass Damage
One way to reduce collateral damage from bomb blast is to reduce injury from flying glass. 3M Scotchshield Security films are designed to hold glass in place when broken, much like the laminate in a broken windshield of a car. Installed on the interior surface of existing window and door glass, the clear film from 3M has a strong adhesive that bonds the patented “rip-stop / multi-layered’ polyester film to glass, ‘catching’ glass fragments in place, minimizing the damage caused by propelled glass shards into a building. This ‘fragment retention film’ is specified for many state and federal buildings and is available in varying levels of performance depending on application and film type.
Installed Film Solutions
Window Film Depot works with private business, security professionals and building safety consultants in determining the right security film installation on a custom basis. Often, thicker security films with attachment systems provide the best protection for people and property. Attachment systems are installed around the perimeter of the window anchoring the installed film to the frame of the window. The idea is to hold the broken window in place with a thick bead of structural caulking on all four sides of the window pane. This ‘wet glaze’ and film system improves the blast mitigation performance significantly and is the best way to ensure the maximum protection for vulnerable glass exposures.
Working with WFD
National installation services for 3M Security Window films. We take our responsibility very seriously to install the best window film and attachment systems from 3M at or above spec every time. Our vast experience working on GSA managed buildings, USACE sites and corporate facilities gives our customers the peace of mind that they are dealing with true professionals who understand how window film work and deliver on promises made.
For help in assessing how 3M Security Window film can help improve the physical security at your property, please call Jeff @ 866-933-3456 or e-mail Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com
Having recently completed a contract for a US Government agency that took our company from Northern Maine to Guam while installing 3M Security Film on over 800 unique job sites, this ‘lessons learned’ posting can help prospective buyers and suppliers of ‘fragment retention films’ (FRF films) benefit from our experience.
Below are five areas to focus on to ensure a successful multi-site security window film installation project.
1. Have a Dynamic Work and Communication Plan: Even the best blueprints drawn up by world class architects ’evolve’ when real world challenges present themslves once the bullets start flying. The same holds true for multi-site installations of window films. As a contractor,work to build the necessary rapor (trust) and stay in constant communication with the client to ensure that when audibles do need to be called, you are able to do what’s necessary in the field to get the job done right. As the client, listen to your contractor and step in where you can help to remove obstacles to implementing the revised playbook.
2. Align your Organization and Partners: You may be ready for the ‘big time deal’ – but are your staff and vendor partners? Don’t assume your technicians will be as excited as you are to be in 40 cities in 80 days. Bring key performers into the early planning of the project in order to get their input and insights. ‘Buy-in’ at this stage is essential – and people respond well to collaborative work plans. Critical vendors and suppliers need to be part of the work plan for cash flow, product procurement and inventory challenges that lie ahead. Avoid surprises by honestly discussing your needs and concerns, like product availability and shipping deadlines.
3. Train up and ‘Tech up’ your Team:Installing fragment retention window films on 800 unique sites requires experienced PM’s and professional installers who can think on their feet and have the tools at their disposal necessary to succeed independently. For instance, field technicians need to be able adapt to a variety of different window and frame types while delivering the installation within GSA or USACE spec. This requires an investment in training on the latest application techniques provided by 3M distributors, like Energy Products Distribution. Communication is also key between site contacts, project managers and installers. Utilizing smart phones, PDA’s, digital cameras and real time video feeds can often help solve problems instantly – avoiding costly return trips and missed deadlines.
4. Control the Delivery: Sub-contractorscan play an important role on big projects, but need to be a supplement to the core installation team and not left alone to do the work that needs to be done by company employees. As a customer, make sure the company you are hiring is actually doing the work and not acting as a third party facilitator. Nothing can substitute for a boss’s ability to call out to ‘his guys’ and make sure the job gets done no matter what and at the highest standards of installation quality. Everyone knows that subs respond differently to challenges than employees will and when things get tough, which they inevitably will, you want “company guys” in the fox holes.
5. Have a Quality Assurance Plan: Don’t wait to the end of a project to discuss the quality review and QC plan. Be upfront about industry standards and expectations. Retro-fit window films are difficult to install and there are well documented guidelines from the International Window Film Association to help contractor and customer define acceptable installations. During the pre-execution stage, document expectations with digital images of samples. Pay special attention to cure times, anchoring caulk beads, edge contamination levels, light lines and acceptable layers of haze inherent in some thicker security films.
Always have a service plan in place to take care warranty issues and confirm that all documentation is filed with the film manufacturor to ensure comliance after the troops return from the field.
Window Film Depot helps Facility Managers make windows and glass safer by providing window film solutions that combat rising energy costs allowing for transmission of natural light, thus preserving views for occupants to see out. Office buildings, schools, banks, museums, libraries, hospitals, retail stores, restaurants all aid from enhanced viewing from inside or outside of the establishment.
Ask yourself, how many times have you driven by a place of business and peaked in to see if was crowded?
Heat entering through a window is normally 10 to 20 times greater than through walls, increasing the strain on HVAC systems causing higher energy bills. This also adversely affects proper heating & cooling in the winter, especially for buildings with windows directly (southern exposure) facing the sun causing areas of uneven warmth or unfavorable hot spots for employees and customers.
Did you knowWindow Film Depothelps conserve energy and decrease your company’s carbon levels in compliance with environmental standards. Our film solutions lead to less energyconsumption, thus lower building operating costs, stable and comfortable interior temperatures reducing heating costs in the winter, less extreme air conditioning usage during hot summer months and cutting usage by 30-40%.
Window Film Depot also provides free energy audits which help to forecast the savings you can expect from installing our 3M high performance window films, as the most frequent basis for window film installation is for energy savings because windows have such a large impact on the energy efficiency of buildings and homes.
Other Film Solutions for Facility Managers to consider
3M Security Window Film is optically clear, tinted or reflective layers of polyester film applied to the interior surface of existing glass. Security enhancements to glass become more cost-effective and actually improve energy performance.
With crimes like home invasions smash & grabs, terrorism & natural disasters and electronic eavesdropping on the rise, security window films are a necessity to protect your possessions & loved ones.
Vandals can’t see it, so they don’t know that it’s there protecting your merchandise, computers and other valuables. Constructed from layers of polyester film bonded by special adhesives and impregnated with ultraviolet inhibitors, this is the ultimate in privacy and security.
Choose Window Film Depot for 3M film and installation. We willperform an energy audit of based on building needs; address all concerns, review energy consumption and spending, as well as anticipated return on investment. Typical ROI is 3-4 years in energy savings alone.
For more information on the best use of 3M Window Films for your portfolio, contact Jeff @ Window Film Depot or use the contact form below.
Window film generally combines some form of plastic with an adhesive to create a covering for windows. It is available for commercial or residential use, and there are also options made especially for automotive use. Window Film Depot offers not only different looks and styles, but also different functions with the most common to limit sunlight. Other styles offer a reflective coating, which helps to protect against UV rays, prevent fading of interior furnishings, and keep cooling costs down by limiting heat.
When you choose a film by Window Film Depot, you are choosing a stylish alternative to common window treatments adding elegant style that will not only improve the look of your windows, but help retain your privacy. Choose decorative film that mimics frosted glass, glass block, or stained glass, as well as many other beautiful options. Another excellent film service Window Film Depot provides is protection against graffiti and vandalism. These films keep windows from being scratched, painted, marked, and make them more difficult to break. This helps save homeowners and business owners a great deal of money and time of the inconvenience from replacement windows.
Window Film Depot prides itself in its ability to provide safety for homes and businesses. Some film types are specially designed to bond with the glass in windows and keep them from breaking in extreme conditions, including storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. If the windows do break, they won’t shatter into sharp glass shards that fly about potentially severely harming people. Once installed, this creates an environment of great safety in your home or office and also for family members and employees.
Before the next storm warning occurs; make sure you have window film professionally installed by Window Film Depot no matter your location nationwide or abroad…or you can even do it yourself. Take a look at some of the features of our website…fill out a free estimate request, check out our pre-viewer and see which film is right for your windows, call us today at 1-866-933-3456 or email us: info@windowfilmdepot.com if you have any questions.
Severe Storm Protection: Mississippi Security Window Film
Recently – and for the third year in a row – Window Film Depot was asked to return to Pascagoula, Mississippi to help protect people and property from the devastating effects of severe weather and windstorm by installing 3M Ultra 600 security window film on windows left vulnerable to the elements on the community’s main hospital and urgent care buildings.
Ever since Hurricane Katrina pummeled the Gulf Coast, facilities managers, building owners, and corporate risk officers have taken an aggressive approach to vetting products and companies offering hurricane protection. After thorough research, Window Film Depot was chosen to protect this community’s most vital first responder properties. 3M Scotchshield Ultra 6 mil security film with Ultra-flex was the system recommended by WFD and accepted by the management at Singing River after extensive product research by the facilities team.
3M security film is installed on the interior surface of existing windows. Designed to keep broken glass in place, this “thin film coating” from 3M bonds tight with the surface of glass creating a laminating effect that holds together glass shards, keeping people and property safer during severe weather, bomb blasts and seismic events.
Proven effective, this time tested thin film product can be anchored to the frame of the window by3M’s patented IPA (Impact Protective Adhesive). for maximum effectiveness. By anchoring the film to the frame, the broken window remains within the framing system creating a strong barrier from the elements.
The patented “rip stop” technology from 3M prevents this multi-layer film technology from tearing once punctured – an important advantage over competitive products in the market place. Warranted by 3Mfor 10 years for commercial and lifetime for residential installations, the entire system of anchoring caulk and film is installed by 3M trained professionals at Window Film Depot.
Window Film Depotprovides security film installation services for corporate, retail and residential customers across the US. and beyond. Our ability to scope, propose, and deliver window film solutions to our clients is unparalleled in the window film installation services business. We are straight shooters who deliver on promises made. We have the experience and proven track record to help you make a confident decision on how best to protect your most important assets.
For more information on how we can help you decide if window film is right for your property, please call 1-866-933-3456 and ask for Jeff. Alternatively, you can e-mail me at Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com.
Cape Cod Window Film: There’s a funny thing about family business….For instance, you always need to make sure you’re paying close attention when a ‘close somebody’ unveils a window film marketing plan that includes a heavy focus on spending serious time on The Cape during the summer months…..
Recently, Steve Franson, Market Manager for Window Film Depot in New England, came across some interesting news – and an opportunity for Window Film Depot Cape Cod to share a much needed solution for our beach bound friends.
Many of the Cape’s ‘tonier’ zip codes have zoning laws that forbid permanent and ‘unsightly’ hurricane shutters from being placed on homes visible from the street….and for good reason.
The code writers got it right this time. Hurricane shuttersare not pretty, no matter what anyone says. Hurricane shutters often appear to be “stuck on” as an afterthought and distort the architectural lines and original design aesthetic of fine homes.
Coincidentally, these homes also happen to have lots of windows with ‘million dollar’ views and typically sit right on the shore line – ground zero forhurricaneforce winds and Nor’easters.
What to do?
Fortunatly, there’s a solution from3M and Window Film Depot. 3M window films not only protect against premature fading, excessive glare and unwanted heat gain, but are also available in a “super strength ” version called 3M Ultra Prestige,which protects people and property during severe weather.
Designed to mitigate the hazards of high winds and flying glass, this 3M protective window film is truly remarkable. Near invisible, the applied film bonds to the interior surface of existing windows creating a 24-7 clear, distortion free barrier to the elements.
This3M innovation protects by holding glass in place when broken by high winds or forced entry. Designed to withstand powerful wind cycling and pressure fluctuations, this ‘thin film technology’ has a lifetime warranty from 3M, is tough enough to handle harsh marine environments and will not corrode, bubble, purple or de-laminate.
For more information on how these 3M hurricane films can work for you on The Cape and the Islands, please call Steve Franson – my Dad – for a free in – home assessment @ 781-932-8502 or e-mail steve@windowfilmdepot.com
Steve has an uncanny ability to mix business and pleasure. He continues to claim that the long walks on the sands of The Cape is a prospecting activity…and I still believe him, kind of……
San Clemente, Window Film: This is the first thing the owner of Fairy Tales said to us when she called Window Film Depot for a solution to her fading problem at her high end OCboutique.
“Fix it guys – today!”, she demanded (nicely!)….. Window Film Depot got to work and helped save the day – and considerable money from premature inventory turnover.
Problem: Expensive merchandise fading and too HOT!
A serious problem presented itself once they moved the merchandise into the new location. The glass faces due west and the sun’s damaging UV radiation streemed directly into the store in the afternoon. It was too hot for “casual browsing” and the expensive, unique merchandise was fading fast! Customers were uncomfortable due to the heat coming through the storefront windows and it was causing real problems that needed immediate attention.
That day, after showing a variety of film options, Window Film Depot installed 3M’s clear Prestige Window Film on all of the glass to help reduce the heat and protect the merchandise from being destroyed. The Prestige film rejects 99.9% of the harmful UV Rays and up to 59% of the sun’s total solar energy (TSER). This non-metalized, 3M Window Film technology looks fantastic on the glass and allows for 2 way visibility both day and night. See the finished result here:
For more information on Window Film Depot and our products and services, you can visit us at www.windowfilmdepot.com or call us toll free at 1-866-933-3456. You can also contact Window Film Depot’s Southern California market manager at chris@windowfilmdepot.com.Chris is team lead for window film installation in Orange County, including Newport Beach, Laguna, La Jolla, Huntington, Cosa Mesa, and Santa Anna. Window Film Depot.There where you need us – and fast!
Security window films installed for windstorm / hurricane protection are a smart investment for homes and businesses in severe weather prone areas. Applied to existing windows to hold glass in place once broken or shattered, these optically clear films (and “attachment systems”) provide an added layer of 24-7 invisible protection for any building. Yet, like most security measures, they are not a “silver bullet” and there are facts, myths and realitiesyou need to be aware of before making the decision to invest in these thin film technologies or not.
Without question, the application of security window film to your existing glass is an intelligent and responsible decision. Under considerable stress, film performance has proven impressive in the past -and has indubitably saved lives.
Window Film Depot – A 3M NATIONAL DEALER OF THE YEAR- sells and installs security film (’hurricane window film’) throughout the US, The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for homes and businesses. Our family owned and operated Company takes our responsibility to install the best security window films available very seriously.
Credibility? For the past 3 years, WFD has been chosen by the USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers) to install these same security films on over 800 recruitment centers across the US.
3M Security film is applied directly to the interior surface of existing windows in order to mitigate the dangers caused by shattered glass. Available in clear and ‘tinted’ versions, these security films protect by holding broken glass together within the window frame(think about a broken windshield on a car)
Recently, Consumer Reports profiled 3M Security films and have recommended these products for residential use.
Be it severe weather, smash and grab / forced entry or seismic concerns, 3M Security films have a long history of proven performance when it matters most. Window Film Depot – 3M’s largest installing dealer of applied window films – offers consultation and installation services of these films both in and outside of the US.
For more information, please call Jeff @ 866-933-3456 to see if security films make sense for you and your property.
The United States Military is concerned about security at thier field offices and when they think about protecting its assets from shattered glass, they call Window Film Depot. In every state across the country, Recruiting Centers are going up and WFD is contracted to install Glass Fragment Retention Film (”FRF” film). Fragment Retention Film holds glass in place upon impact, protecting people and property from flying glass shards. With installers based all throughout the country, WFD is capable of getting any installation done in even the most remote locations. To date, WFD has installed 3M Security Film with Ultra Flex at over 800 locations in every state in the union – including Alaska and Hawaii.
Recently, Window Film Depot installed over 1,500 square feet of 3M Security Film with Ultra Flex on an Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Port Angeles, WA. Port Angeles is the Northern most city on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State and a major point of transit between the U.S. and Canada. With Window Film Depot’s willingness to work around the tight schedule, we were able to respond quickly and get this large application done in a single afternoon. Mike Mosby, (mike@windwofilmdepot.com) WFD Market Manager for the Pacific Northwest, and his Team of Certified 3M Ultra Flex installers report that the installation was performed flawlessly.
For more information on Window Film Depot and our products and services, you can visit us at www.windowfilmdepot.com or call us toll free at 1-866-933-3456.
