Glass is the most vulnerable part of most commercial buildings. Ground-floor storefronts, lobby windows, and glass entry doors are all potential points of forced entry — and in the event of an accident, natural disaster, or civil disturbance, unprotected glass can become a safety hazard. 

Commercial security film is one of the most cost-effective ways to significantly improve the safety performance of your building’s glazing without replacing the glass. 

How Security Film Works 

Security film is a thick polyester film, typically 4–12 mil in thickness, applied to the interior surface of glass. While it doesn’t prevent glass from breaking, it holds the shattered pieces together in the frame — preventing the kind of glass scatter that causes injuries and slows forced-entry attempts. 

This makes security film effective against: 

• Smash-and-grab break-ins — glass breaks but holds, frustrating rapid entry 

• Accidental impact — from equipment, vehicles, or falls 

• Storm and blast events — contains glass fragments in high-wind or pressure-wave events 

• UV and solar gain — many security films also provide solar control benefits 

Where to Prioritize Installation 

Not all glazing in a commercial building carries equal risk. Property managers typically prioritize security film for: 

• Ground-floor retail or lobby glass — highest forced-entry exposure 

• IT rooms or areas with high-value equipment 

• Buildings in high-traffic or higher-crime areas 

• Any glazing identified in a vulnerability assessment 

Security Film vs. Window Replacement 

Tempered or laminated safety glass is an alternative, but the cost comparison strongly favors film: 

• Security film installation costs a fraction of glass replacement 

• Film can be applied to existing glass without disruption 

• Film can be replaced if damaged; glass replacement is more disruptive 

• Some film products combine security, solar control, and decorative properties in a single application 

Certification and Compliance 

Some security film products are rated by ASTM and GSA standards for blast resistance and forced-entry delay. If your building has specific security compliance requirements, MetWest can provide product specifications and certifications to support your documentation. 

Get an estimate

Commercial Security Film

Find Sales Rep