Security film, to hold the glass together
Film that helps hold glass fragments in place after impact or breakage, slowing forced entry and reducing injury risk.
Security film is a thick, multi layer polyester bonded to the glass with a strong adhesive. It does not make glass unbreakable and no film does. What it does is hold the fragments to the film after the glass breaks, so the pane stays in the opening instead of collapsing. That changes two outcomes: someone attempting entry through the glass has to keep working at it rather than stepping through, and the fragments do not spread across the floor as loose shards. Thickness is specified in mil, and the level chosen depends on what the glass is protecting and how exposed it is.
Best for
- Storefronts and commercial entrances at street level
- Schools, daycares, and institutional entrance glazing
- Ground floor glass in exposed or low traffic locations
- Interior glass where breakage would be an injury risk
- Buildings where glass replacement is disruptive or costly
What it solves
- Glass breaking into loose fragments across a floor
- Forced entry attempts through glazing
- Injury risk from broken glass in occupied spaces
- Vulnerable entrance and vestibule glass
- Repeat glass replacement costs from breakage
What to know
- Security film does not make glass unbreakable. It holds fragments together, which slows access and reduces injury. Anyone claiming otherwise is overselling it.
- Thickness is measured in mil. Higher mil means more puncture and break resistance. 4 mil, 8 mil, and 14 mil are the standard tiers.
- Clear security film adds no privacy and little solar control on its own. Those needs are met by specifying a combined product.
- Anchoring matters. Film alone holds the glass together, but attachment systems at the frame edge determine whether the pane stays in the opening under sustained force.
- Combined versions exist, such as 8 mil security with a silver solar finish, which delivers glass retention, daytime privacy, and heat rejection on the same pane.
Product types to consider
Start here before the SKU level. These are the categories we use to narrow the right XPEL film.
Clear security
Transparent, no change in appearance. Available in 4, 8, and 14 mil depending on the protection level required.
Combined security
Glass retention plus privacy or solar control on the same glazing, for exposed elevations that need both.
Anti graffiti
A sacrificial layer applied over glass that is removed and replaced after tagging or scratching, protecting the glass beneath.
XPEL examples we specify
Published performance data from XPEL VISION. Exact results depend on glass, orientation, and the full glazing assembly.
Security Clear 8mil (XVSC8M)
89% VLT, 99% UV rejection, multi layer construction, 240 lbs/in break strength, 141 lbs puncture strength.
Transparent protection with no change to the look of the glass.
Security Clear 14mil (XVSC14M)
88% VLT, 99% UV rejection, 420 lbs/in break strength, 230 lbs puncture strength.
The heaviest clear tier, for the most exposed glazing.
Security 8mil Silver 15 (XVSS8M15)
15% VLT, 79% total solar energy rejected, 99% UV rejection, 84% glare reduction.
Security, daytime privacy, and solar control combined on one pane.
Best spaces
Get a film recommendation for your glass
Tell us the space, the orientation, and what you need the glass to do. We specify the film and quote the install.
Values from XPEL VISION published data, tested on 1/8 inch (3mm) glass. Nominal and for guidance. Exact results depend on the product specified and the glazing assembly.
