Window glass security film?

Let me start by saying my question is about whether this stuff works or is it just snake oil?

I've got a house that I lived in as a bachelor. Great place but small. Before I was married I tried to unload it but the real estate market was crap. I'm now renting it until I can dump the house.

The renters are great folks. A nice young couple who recently got married too. The other day they were burglarized. The thieves came in by breaking out a front window. Broad daylight, smash and grab.

I can replace the windows but I'd rather fix a glaring security flaw in the house. I did some research and it looks like the best way to go about this is to add a security film to the windows making them, in theory, smash proof.

I investigated security alarms but in this case, with a LEO response time of 15 minutes at best, it's worthless. I'd also like to avoid getting into some ironclad 3 year contract with security company.

So - the question: Is window security film snake oil or will it work? I know I'll need a full plate glass window so as to avoid the weakness a wooden frame would create. Anything else I should consider?

A rabid Pit Bull on the inside of the glass? Just look for the perp with an arm chewed off.

OK, Security Expert here. Some of the window film is effective, but relies on the window frame to provide strength. The film does not keep the glass from breaking, it keeps it from coming apart. If the broken glass can be pushed out of the frame, no good. 3M makes a good one. An alternative to this would be polycarbonate clear sheet plastic, 1/4" thick. This will, if properly mounted, stop a concrete block from coming through your window. I had recorded video of a burglar throwing a brick at one of these at a porno shop. Bounced back and hit him in the head. Fun times. Understand that over a period of time, the plastic will become cloudy. As far as the alarm system is concerned, there are companies that will offer alarm monitoring without a long contract, for as little as 20.00 per month.. Also, I am a great believer in making as much noise as possible. Inside, outside, at least 30 watt sirens. The sirens included with most of the cheapy systems from Brinks and ADT are next to useless. I used to install two 30 watt horns above the entry door to stores. Never had a successful burglary. There are also voice dialers that can call your cell phone and read off a message. Police will not accept those calls, though. PM me if you want more info. Chuck

use security film and use a dow corning sealer that attaches window film to frame , also get some faux security alarm signs . Tell renters to get renters insurance . I can sell you a piece of film get me the size , easy to instal dow corning sealant 10 bux a tube . www.enter-guard.com

My guess is they left the curtains open, and the burglars could see there was no one home and there was something inside worth stealing (happened to me once when I was younger and not as smart.) It's often a crime of opportunity; if they can't see an easy grab, they'll move on to find one somewhere else.

Funny you should say that PorksBoy. When I lived there I didn't have curtains. I figured my neighbors shouldn't be looking in my windows because what is seen cannot be unseen. (first rule of 4chan.org) I was never broken into. Then I remembered that I had 3 70lb dogs at the time. Instant home security system. Just add puppy chow.

CWH and Karl - thanks for the hot tips. I'll check with my window installer to see whassup. I'll also look into the low cost security system with no contract. Good tip there. Might make my renters feel better. They did have renters ins thank goodness. I would've felt horrible if they didn't.

Stuart - supposedly they kept the blinds drawn. I wonder if it was an inside job of some sort. Maybe someone was talking a bit about their new TV, laptop, etc and was overheard by the wrong person. Either way, what's done is done.

CWH is right as usual on security issues- and the film needs to be adhered to the frame using a silicon sealant like Karl mentions. Not the same thing as the modified silicon sealant they sell at Lowes/HD- this is more so a structural glue.

The only downside to the film is if you can't break in, you can't break out in the event of a fire. Something to think about as a landlord or occupant. Make sure the windows are operable and can be unlocked easily from inside without major effort and you should be good to go.

A fireman's axe can get through the stuff, but it takes a bit. Baseball bats, bricks, and obviously CMU blocks aren't going to do much more than star the glass. I keep thinking about doing this at my house- maybe this will push me that way sooner!

if you're renting out the property, why not just let your renters get into an ironclad three year contract? the company that did my alarm installed it for free, when i asked them what they would do if i moved before the contract was up, they said they'd come and install a new system in my new place, and leave the old one behind to try and get the new people to sign up for monitoring.

there was a group of kids that got caught a couple months ago down here that would send someone to the door to see if anyone was home, if nobody answered they'd come back later and see if there was still nobody home, and then kick in the back door. they would take guns and liquor, sell the guns on the street to pay for a cheap motel room, party till the booze ran out, then go out to find more money, guns, and booze

tempered glass helps, usually stuff bounces off of it and back at whoever threw it.

Patgizz- nonononono. Tempered glass is designed to break into little pieces when it breaks, so nobody gets hurt on big ass shards. It might be a bit stronger than plate, but not much.

hit plate glass with hammer and it breaks. hit tempered glass with hammer over and over, then realize you can break it by nicking the edge.

i have been installing windows for years, we can literally pound on tempered glass without breaking it.

Pat- I really did not realize that. Have always been scared of tempered glass. NICKED a sliding glass door with a drill bit once, poof, pile of expensive pebbles. Never tried to smack it. Learn something new every day here.

Op, it's probably too expensive for your situation but I like hurricane windows. They are expensive but safer and it is much quieter inside.