Security Glass Vs Security Film

TL;DR

• Security glass and security film are two effective ways of protecting your windows from forced entry, impacts, and natural disasters.
• Tempered or laminated security glass is built into the window itself and offers strong protection. 
• Security film may be applied to existing windows. It is a more affordable option that still delivers meaningful protection.
• Security film is the practical, cost-effective choice for most homes and small businesses.

Choosing Between Security Glass and Security Film for Your Home or Business 

Your windows are often one of the most vulnerable parts of your home or business. They are a common target for break-ins, and criminals know it.

At the same time, windows also face constant exposure to the elements. Wind, hail, and severe storms can weaken them over time and make your property more susceptible to damage.

This is why more property owners are looking into security glass or security film to figure out how to protect their home or business.

At Control of Minnesota, we’ve been helping home and business owners protect their spaces with safety and security window film since 1978. In this post, we will break down the difference between security glass and security film, how they work, what they cost, and how to choose the best one for your specific situation.

What Is Security Glass?

Security glass is a specially manufactured glass that can resist impact, forced entry, and even bullets depending on its grade. It is unlike standard glass and designed to stay in place when broken or crumble into harmless fragments rather than dangerous jagged shards. It is commonly used in commercial buildings, banks, government facilities, and high risk properties.

There are two main types of security glass worth knowing about:

1. Tempered Glass

Tempered glass goes through a heat and chemical treatment process due to which it is significantly stronger than regular glass. Rather than long, sharp shards, it shatters into small, rounded pieces when it breaks, reducing the risk of injury. 

It is typically found in car windows, shower doors, and buildings in areas prone to earthquakes. However, tempered glass may not withstand repeated physical attacks and will eventually give way under sustained force.

2. Laminated Glass

Laminated glass sandwiches a tough plastic interlayer between two panes of toughened glass. As the layers are chemically bonded during manufacturing, the glass is extremely difficult to break through. If struck, laminated glass cracks but stays in the frame instead of falling out or shattering. The more the number of layers added, the stronger the glass becomes. When the thickness reaches around 5 centimeters, the glass becomes bulletproof. It is why laminated glass is the preferred choice for banks, embassies, and jewelry stores.    

What Is a Security Film?

A security film is a thick, transparent polyester film applied directly to the interior of your windows. It does not replace your glass, but reinforces what you have. By holding broken glass together, the film prevents it from spraying inward and causing injury or allowing easy entry. 

Security film can be highly effective against natural disasters. The film adds a meaningful layer of protection by keeping glass intact during high-wind events, which is especially useful for property owners in the Midwest who deal with severe storms, tornadoes, and hail. As it comes in a range of thicknesses and tint levels, you can customize it based on your needs and privacy preferences.

What are the Types of Security Film?

Not all security films are the same. At Sun Control of Minnesota, we offer three distinct options depending on how much protection you need.

3M Security Film

This is the foundational option that works well for most residential and small commercial applications. Apart from holding shattered glass together, it slows down forced entry attempts, and protects against flying glass debris during storms. 

While it is budget friendly and nearly invisible, it can also be installed in a matter of hours.  

DefenseLite

DefenseLite provides stronger security compared to standard security film. It is a multilayered product that offers stronger resistance against impacts, forced entry, and even minor explosive blasts. 

DefenseLite is suitable for retail stores, medical offices, and any business that handles cash or valuables on-site.

BulletShield

BulletShield offers the highest level of protection. Engineered to resist ballistic impacts, it is suitable for high risk commercial environments and government buildings. 

For those facing serious risk, BulletShield is the film equivalent of bullet proof glass.

Security Glass vs Security Film

Here is a simple comparison to help you decide between the two:

Feature	Security Glass	Security Film
Cost	Requires full window replacement, making it significantly more expensive	Applied to existing glass, reducing material and labor costs
Installation	Must be manufactured and installed as a complete unit	Installed in hours with no construction required
Protection Level	High-grade laminated glass resists sustained attacks and ballistic threats	Strong protection; advanced films like BulletShield perform well in real-world scenarios
Appearance	Clear and visually clean	Nearly invisible after installation
Flexibility	Requires full replacement; may not suit older buildings	Works with most existing windows
Storm Protection	Effective against storm debris	Also highly effective, especially useful in tornado-prone Midwest areas

Which Option is Best for You?

When weighing security film vs glass, the best answer depends on your property type, budget, and your level of threat. The standard 3M security film almost always works for homeowners because your home does not need the same level of protection as a bank or government building. The film provides meaningful protection against break-ins, storm damage, and UV exposure. 

However, for businesses, it mainly depends on what they are protecting and where they are located. For example, the standard security film might work just fine for a small boutique in a low-crime area. A pharmacy, pawn shop, or convenience store in a higher-crime corridor may need the protection of DefenseLite or BulletShield. 

Get the Right Protection from Minnesota’s Window Film Experts

You have two strong options for protecting your windows against forced entry and impact. The right choice depends on your needs, budget, and level of risk.

At Sun Control of Minnesota, we focus on recommending solutions that fit your specific situation. Whether you need help comparing security film and security glass or want a full property assessment, our team is here to assist. With multiple locations, including St. Paul, Plymouth, Rochester, Duluth, and Hudson, professional support is always close by.

Call (651) 490-1060 or visit our website to book a consultation and find out which security film tier suits your home or business.

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