What is security window film?
Security window film is a clear, tough polyester film bonded to the inside face of existing glass with a strong adhesive. When the glass breaks, the film holds the fragments together, which reduces injury from flying glass and slows down anyone trying to get through, without replacing the glass itself.
Film is the lowest-cost way to improve glass you already have. Safety films, typically around 100 to 175 microns thick, are used to bring ordinary glass in low-level or door positions closer to safe-breakage performance. Thicker security films of 200 microns and more add resistance to smash-and-grab attempts, and when they are anchored into the frame with an edge-retention system they are also used to reduce flying glass from explosions.
Film has limits, and we explain them before quoting. It improves glass but does not turn it into laminated glass of an equal class unless that combination has been tested, and an unanchored film on a pane that is pushed out of its frame will not keep the opening closed. Before fitting, the installer checks the glass type and size, because some sealed units and tinted or coated glass can crack from heat build-up if the wrong film is used. Fitted inside, a good film lasts many years and can be removed later without damaging the glass.
How much does security window film cost?
Our guide range is £54 to £132 including VAT (£45 to £110 plus VAT) per m², supplied and fitted. The exact figure depends on size, glass makeup, frame condition and access, and your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the free survey. See all glass prices.
Minimum job charge £295 + VAT (£354 inc VAT).
Specification and options
- Clear safety films from about 100 microns
- Security films of 200 microns and thicker
- Edge-retention anchoring into the frame for blast mitigation
- Fitted on site without removing the glass
- Thermal-stress check on sealed units and coated glass
- Blocks most UV light to slow fading
- Frosted and privacy versions for meeting rooms and bathrooms
- Removable later without harming the glass
Where security window film is used
- Existing shop windows that are not due for replacement
- School and office glazing in low-level positions
- Listed buildings where original glass must stay
- Offices wanting flying-glass protection
- Large areas of glazing on a tight budget
What to decide before you order
Safety or security film
Thinner films improve how glass breaks; thicker films add resistance to attack. We match the film to what you want it to do.
Daylight application or anchored
A film applied to the visible glass is quickest. Anchoring it to the frame holds the whole pane in place and is the choice for blast mitigation.
Is the glass suitable
Some double-glazed units and coated or tinted glass can suffer heat stress with certain films. We check the glass and the unit maker's guidance first.
Film or new glass
Where frames are being replaced or very high resistance is needed, laminated glass usually gives better value over its life than film.
Rules across the UK
Safety glazing, building regulations, planning and listed building rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are the points most relevant to security window film; local pages show the version for your nation.
Safety glass in critical locations
In England, section 5 of Approved Document K treats glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door edge, from floor level up to 1,500 mm, and any other glazing below 800 mm, as a critical location. Glass there should break safely, be robust, or be guarded. Laminated or toughened glass meeting BS EN 12600 class 3 is the usual answer, rising to class 2 for door and side-panel panes wider than 900 mm.
Glazing in workplaces
Regulation 14 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 requires windows and transparent surfaces in walls, partitions, doors and gates to be of safety material or protected against breakage where health or safety makes that necessary, and to be marked so people notice them. The employer or the person in control of the premises decides what is needed through their risk assessment.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
In England, listed building consent from the council may be needed to replace historic glass such as crown or cylinder glass, or to alter glazing bars, sashes and frames. Historic England publishes guidance on traditional windows. Secondary glazing and window film are often easier to agree because they can be removed later, but the council's conservation officer makes the decision.
How it works
Tell us what needs securing
Use the guide price tool or form, or call. Pane sizes and a few photos help us give a guide figure straight away.
Free survey
A surveyor measures each pane, checks the existing glass, frame and beads, and talks through the rating that suits the risk.
Fixed price in writing
You get a written quote listing each pane, the glass type and class, the price and the lead time. Nothing is ordered until you accept.
Made to measure and fitted
Glass is made to order and fitted by glaziers working under our contract with you, then cleaned, checked and explained.
Security window film: questions
How much does security window film cost?
Security window film usually costs from £45 to £110 plus VAT (£54 to £132 inc VAT) per square metre fitted, depending on the film thickness and whether it is anchored to the frame. A minimum job charge applies to small areas. Your fixed price follows a free survey.
Does security film make glass as strong as laminated glass?
Not usually. Film greatly improves how glass breaks and slows an attack, but it only matches a laminated glass class where that film and glass combination has been tested together.
How long does window film last?
Fitted on the inside, quality films typically last many years. Life depends on sun exposure and cleaning, and we give the manufacturer's expected life with the quote.
Can film go on double glazing?
Often, but not always. Some units and coated glass can crack from heat build-up with certain films, so we check the glass type and the unit maker's guidance before fitting.
Can I still see through security film?
Yes. Security films are optically clear. Frosted and tinted versions are available where privacy or glare control is wanted.
Can film be used on listed buildings?
Film is fitted inside and can be removed, so it is often an acceptable way to protect historic glass. Check with the council's conservation officer for listed buildings.
Find security window film near you
Choose your county or region for local information and the rules that apply where you are.
England
- Bedfordshire
- Berkshire
- Bristol
- Buckinghamshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Cheshire
- Cornwall
- Cumbria
- Derbyshire
- Devon
- Dorset
- Durham
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- East Sussex
- Essex
- Gloucestershire
- Greater London
- Greater Manchester
- Hampshire
- Herefordshire
- Hertfordshire
- Isle of Wight
- Kent
- Lancashire
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Merseyside
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- Northamptonshire
- Northumberland
- Nottinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Rutland
- Shropshire
- Somerset
- South Yorkshire
- Staffordshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Tyne and Wear
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands
- West Sussex
- West Yorkshire
- Wiltshire
- Worcestershire
Wales
Scotland
- Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray
- Highland
- Dundee and Angus
- Perth and Kinross
- Fife
- Edinburgh and the Lothians
- Forth Valley
- Glasgow and Clyde
- Lanarkshire
- Ayrshire
- Argyll and Bute
- Dumfries and Galloway
- Scottish Borders
- Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles