Every year around this time there is a steady drumbeat heard throughout the state of Florida. Hurricanes are coming for sure! Each year we consider he alternatives that might give us some protection against the powerful winds. Our collective memory isn’t so short that we’ve forgotten Hurricane Charlie, Frances, Wilma or Katrina. The Tampa Bay area was fortunate in missing the brunt of these storms, but the small taste of the howling winds left us shaking our heads and thanking God for the hard right hand turn of Charlie. The Bottom line: We all know we need to do something , but just what?
The Window Film business has generally been circumspect when it comes down o overstatements of benefits. The best security films like Vista and LLumar Magnum films have been strenuously been tested at independent labs. These tests indicate that the 8 ML thick films properly installed with a wet silicone sealant around the perimeter can withstand very high winds and an impact from a 4.5 missile shot from a cannon gun. The key is the 8 ML thickness of the film since no window film less than that thickness can pass the test threshold of impact and cycling. Window films , I repeat, WINDOW FILMS like Vista and LLumar Magnum properly installed can protect homes and dramatically limit the flying glass and maintain the structural integrity of the windows These same films reduce high energy costs since they reduce the heat gain by 75% if you select a darker or more reflective film type. These fims reduce the UV by 99.9% . UV is a key factor in Skin Cancer and an obvious destroyer of home furnishings . Window Films slow down an intruder, providing covert 24/7 protection against smash and grab or simply an errant golf ball. Yet the careful window film provider must always be clear that no matter the benefit, despite the most stringent and exact installation properly following the manufacturers guidelines or the International Window Film Associations guidelines, these films are not hurricane proof! The shutter companies that meet the larger missile test criteria of 9 LBS decry any benefit for window film installations. I wonder at the % of homeowners that can afford their product? As a strong believer in window film and the features advantages and benefits I advise consumers that if they can afford to get these expensive shutters they should buy them. The other 364 days of the year my Vta Window Films and LLumar Magnum Films will still be working.