Best Security Window Films To Stop Burglars In Their Tracks

Today I’ve got something really important to share…

A Complete Guide To Buying (& Installing) Window Security Film

Thinking about installing security film on your home’s windows?

If so, good for you!

Not enough people take home security serious.

At least not until it’s too late.

But before you make a purchase you should do some research.

To ensure you get the right ones and install them properly.

TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE…    ↓(click to jump)

• Best Security Window Films
• What Is Security Window Film?
• 3 Reasons To Add Window Film
• Best Places To Install The Film
• Best Window Film Features
• Other Window Security Options
• How To Install Window Film

Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?

Best Security Window Films For Sale Today

The good news is:

There are many security films to choose from.

The bad news?

It’s overwhelming to decide which is best for YOU.

That’s why I put together a shortlist of the best window security films:

1.

BDF S8MC Window Film Security 8 Mil (24in X 12ft)

BDF is one of the best options for any window security DIY project.

This film will reduce property damage. How? By absorbing impacts and holding shattered glass together.

And you can buy with confidence.

Why? Because all their window films have passed all necessary testing standards and requirements.

BDF film is also crystal clear. This ensures excellent transparency and gives you 99% UV rejection as well.

The film comes with very strong adhesives to slow down any intruders.

BDF sells films that come in two common thickness options: 4 Mil and 8 Mil

You can also find a ton of different BDF film sizes in each thickness to ensure you get the perfect size for all your windows.

Check Today's Price

We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

2.

VViViD 12 Mil Clear Safety Anti-Shatter Film Window Protection (6ft x 5ft)

Now, if you’re looking for a security window film that’s a bit thicker, then look no further than VViViD.

This security window film is 12 Mils thick!

This means you get superior protection - even for commercial store displays!

This film also helps save energy on air conditioning.

These block sunlight and heat (90% VLT with 99% UV protection).

Check Today's Price

We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

3.

HOHOFILM Clear Anti Shatter Glass Film Self-Adhesive

Look, this is not the most secure window film available, but security might not be top of mind for everyone!

Now for some, the following might be hard to imagine.

But sometimes people want the cheapest option to meet the code.

Some regions and locations require security film on certain windows.

It depends on your municipality and your area's hazard potential.

But if this happens to be YOU, then this very affordable 2 Mil window film may be exactly what you're looking for.

Check Today's Price

We earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

What Is Security Window Film? 

Window film is a thin strong piece of transparent plastic.

One that’s designed to adhere to the inside of your windows.

We all know if you hit a window with a baseball bat it will shatter.

And will leave a gaping hole.

Making it easy to blast out the remaining shards.

But security window film holds ALL these shards together.

This prevents a fast forced entry AND flying shards of glass.

Turning a 5-second forced entry into a minutes delay (or longer).

THAT may not seem like much of a delay…

But here’s the thing, burglars take the path of least resistance.

Every second delay can mean the difference between getting loot or getting caught.

Even a few seconds is a significant deterrent!

The bottom line is:

Security window film makes your home much harder to enter.

Thus, safer.

Watch this overview video below to catch up on Security Window Film Basics:

↓ Security Glass Basics

Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?

3 Reasons For Installing Security Window Film

One of the most overlooked home fortification upgrades is securing your windows.

But home fortification doesn’t just mean protection against forced entry.

There’s also another crucial reason to invest in security window film.

So, let’s go over both now.

1. Prevent Break-ins And Forced Entry

Of course, preventing forced entry is the most obvious “reason,” and it’s a good one!

Windows are one of the most vulnerable entry points in any home.

Why? Because professional burglars are not stupid.

They know doors have alarm systems and are often reinforced.

And THAT’s why they target windows.

A burglar can break an unprotected window in mere seconds.

• Quietly using tools like a window punch to shatter the glass.
• Or blasting the window out using a hammer or baseball bat.

And once a window’s glass is gone, it’s easy to slip into and back out of a home undetected.

Especially ground access windows in backyards of homes.

Want some proof?

Watch this video to see the power of installing window security film on your home:

↓ Safety Window Film Forced Entry Education

This isn’t rocket science.

Your unprotected windows are vulnerable to burglars.

2. Safety From Flying Shattered Glass Shards

Glass is fragile.

Anyone with kids learning how to hit a baseball knows this.

Any hard object (bat, ball, rock, etc.) can break a windowpane.

And what happens when it breaks?

It shatters into chunks of razor-sharp shards.

These shards are extremely dangerous to anyone nearby.

Especially during:

• inclement weather
• a natural disaster
• or even a bomb blast

For example:

High winds from a hurricane or tornado can easily break windowpanes.

The shattered glass creates flying shard bullets.

These glass shards can cause serious injuries and even death…

Earthquakes can blow out windows and rain down knife-like shards on anyone below.

And a bomb blast can blow glass shards inward into unsuspecting occupants.

Bomb blast shards can even cause permanent blindness.

The bottom line is:

Adding security window film is a massive home fortification upgrade.

And even more important, at a fair price without sacrificing aesthetics.

3. Better Looking Than Window Security Bars

Burglar bars might provide even MORE window security but at a cost.

They look like a prison.

If you want security without the bars, window security film is the answer.

Best Locations To Install Window Security Film 

If you can afford the investment, add security film to ALL your home’s windows.

This is especially true for small homes with only a handful of windows.

But what if you have a larger home with many windows?

Well, then, focus on the MOST vulnerable windows first.

Ok, but which ones are those?

Ground Access Windows

For break-in prevention, it’s any window someone can access from the ground unassisted.

These are the windows that don’t need a ladder to access.

Thus, making them more susceptible to burglar entry.

This goes double for any windows in hidden locations (usually behind a house).

These are locations someone could enter undetected, away from public view.

Install security film on these FIRST.

Bedroom Windows

Now let’s look at it from a safety standpoint.

You should add security film to all bedroom windows.

Especially those apart of a small child’s bedroom.

You don’t want shards to fly toward anyone sleeping during a storm, earthquake, or bomb blast…

Roof Access Windows

Next would be any windows with roof access.

Some homes have dormer-type windows or unique rooflines.

If a burglar can get on a roof and access the windows, add security window film on those.

All remaining windows are a lower priority.

But if you want ultimate security, do them all.

Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?

Best Window Security Film Features To Look For 

First up is the film thickness.

There are different thickness options.

They come in 100 micrometers (or 4 mils) through 525 micrometers (or 21 mils).

The film thickness affects the level of protection.

The thicker the film, the more window strength and protection they afford.

As a rule of thumb, manufacturers recommend a 100-micrometer for glass up to 3mm thick (or 1/8 inch).

And 175 micrometers for glass over 6mm thick (or ¼ inch).

And while thickness is important, there are a few other aspects to consider, such as:

• Adhesive bond strength of the film
• Quality of the application
• Window structure and frame construction

Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?

Some Alternative Window Security Options

You have several options for window security.

But window security film is the best in my opinion.

But you shouldn’t just take my word for it.

But it’s important to understand ALL your options before investing.

1. Burglar Bars

From a pure break-in deterrent standpoint, you can’t beat burglar bars.

These bad boys will not only keep a burglar out but prevent them from even trying.

This is called target hardening.

They see the bars and immediately decide it’s more lucrative to move to easier targets.

But few people think burglar bars look good.

Functionally, burglar bars are great but aesthetically in the dumps.

And most people prefer NOT to look out through a set of bars.

It’s too similar to looking out a jail cell.

Plus, burglar bars don’t prevent dangerous shards during high winds or explosions.

2.  Riot Glass

Riot glass is amazing if you’re willing to spend A LOT of money.

This makes sense for places such as storefronts, especially stores with valuables inside.

This type of glass is an upgrade to prevent quick smash-and-grab jobs…

But these are best for commercial applications and “overkill” for most homes.

↓ Regular Glass Vs. Riot Glass

3. Security Screens

This option might be appealing to homeowners.

Instead of adding a transparent film to your windows, you upgrade your window screens.

These are newer and more proprietary options.

But are not an easy DIY project option…

Plus, I tend to worry about quick egress with these screens.

How easy and quick are they to remove in a fire?

I haven’t found a great answer to this question yet.

But feel free to investigate if these seem a solution for YOU.

4. Upgraded Window Locks / Alarms Sensors

Some people add security lock upgrades and alarm sensors to all their home windows.

Sometimes these are in addition to and sometimes instead of security window film.

And these can be helpful but not worth it.

Upgraded locks don’t provide as much security as people think.

Why? Because preventing a window from sliding open is useless if a burglar can break out the glass.

A wise burglar will break the window and lay a thick cloth over the shards.

This allows them to safely slip into the home with ease.

NO need to slide the window open at all…

But if a burglar can’t shatter the glass in the first place, they can’t gain entry or access to even the most basic window locks!

So, after considering alternatives, I believe window security film is the best home fortification option.

Not only do they provide protection from break-ins, but they’re also transparent.

When installed properly, you can’t even tell they’re on your windows.

With security film – the burglar will quickly realize,

“This is not an ordinary window.”

They will likely shatter it, realize it has security film, and get the hell out of there FAST.

There’s no way they’ll risk all the noise.

Someone might wake up to a single crash sound but quickly drift back to sleep after a few minutes.

But quick and quiet entry is NOT possible with window security film.

A delay of anywhere from 20 seconds to over a few minutes AND preventing the quiet break-ins…

Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?

How To Install Security Window Film

Like any DIY project, if you take your time and do it right, you can do it as well as any professional.

But if you rush the job, you can screw it up big time.

Here are a few videos showing you how to install security window film properly.

Watch them all and you’ll have the knowledge you need to tackle this project:

↓ Installing Security Film

↓ Window Security Film Installation Guide

Note: IF possible, try to secure the film across the window AND to the frame as well.

Otherwise, someone can bust out the entire window from its frame.

Sure, installing it that way won’t be as easy.

But by securing the film to the glass AND frame, you’re making it a stronger.

Try finding a strong bonding agent or caulk bead to run a bead along the frame.

Final Thoughts

Too many people only focus on their home alarm systems and motion lights.

But if you want true home fortification and security you MUST protect your windows.

Windows are the most vulnerable entry points people forget to protect.

Don’t be like most people…

Do yourself and your family a favor and protect them with security window film.

Otherwise, you may end up wishing you had a “do-over.”

But there are no “do-overs” in home security.

You either make it a priority today or wish did later…

Why Trust Skilled Survival...

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

Who We Are

Our Credentials

Our Mission

& Product Recommendations...

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

• Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
• Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
• Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
• Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
• Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
• Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
• Bachelor's Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
• Bachelor's Degree In Civil Engineering
• Bachelor's Degree In Biomedical Engineering

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." - Warren Buffett

We're fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we'll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create...

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

Cofounder Of Skilledsurvival.com & TheResilientLife.com

Born & Raised On A Rural Farm In The Midwest

Mechanical Engineering Grad From A Major University

Engineer With A Major Food Manufacturing Company

10+ Years Researching, Writing, & Teaching Preparedness

Mission: Help Folks Stop Living A Life Fragile To The Future

P.s. Do You Live In A 'Danger Zone' County?

Find out now using my Danger Zone County List & Special Report it’s absolutely FREE.

In minutes you’ll know EXACTLY where you stand and if you should be worried or not..

So click here to get my FREE Danger Zone County List & Report…

Get My 10 Steps To Basic Preparedness Video For FREE.

Plus daily survival tips (unsubscribe anytime).

Get The 10 Steps