Despite the fact that glazing tends to be the weakest point in a building, it’s often overlooked as a security risk. This means that windows are particularly susceptible to bomb blasts, break-ins and attacks, as they are fragile and can shatter very easily. A broken window is easy for intruders to force through and gain access to a building.
As well as being relatively easy to break, glass can be incredibly dangerous in the event of an attack. The force of a bomb blast or explosion can cause glass to shatter into numerous shards, which act like projectiles that can cause devastating injuries, so finding ways to strengthen windows can significantly reduce this risk.
What safety and security window film does
Safety and security window film is designed to hold shards of glass together in the event of an attack. It’s a thick, durable film that can absorb energy from an impact to reduce the chances of injury. Flying glass shards are a significant cause of injuries as a result of bombings and explosions, so safety film was created to keep broken glass in the frame. Because it holds the glass together and doesn’t create gaps in the frame, it also doesn’t give an easy access point for would-be intruders.
It doesn’t stop the glass from breaking during impact, but it creates an extra layer of security by holding the pieces together, making forced entry more difficult, and strengthening your glass windows against impact.
Why anchoring matters as well as film
Whilst safety window film can significantly improve the security of a building, film alone doesn’t prevent the glass pulling away from the frame. An anchoring system is used in conjunction with window film to secure a window directly to the structure of the building itself, keeping it firmly in place. Anchoring makes a window film more stable against impact, adding an extra level of security.
How OVAGLAS® Flexible Anchoring System works
The OVAGLAS® Flexible Anchoring enhances the performance of safety and security window films in the event of an explosion. They secure the filmed glass to the frame, creating a continuous connection between the glass, window film and the frame. Using an anchoring system allows a window to better absorb shock, rather than failing under pressure from an impact. The OVAGLAS® system has a FlexZone, which is an energy-absorbing design to allow for this.
Just like security window film, the anchoring system can be retrofitted into existing buildings, which is significantly less disruptive than installing new windows.
Testing, certification and what buyers should look for
The security and safety of your building should be a high priority, so checking that a window system has been thoroughly tested and complies with safety standards is key. Although laboratory testing can give a good idea of how a window film or anchoring system could work under impact, it’s better if there is evidence of real-world testing to see how it holds up.
There are recognised safety standards that products should comply with, like ISO or EN, as this is evidence that the products have been tested and are legally compliant, so you can be assured that they can be trusted. Our anchoring system has been tested to European and international standards, including ISO 16933 EXV25.
Additionally, you should feel confident that the installer of the film or anchoring system is accredited, as if they are fitted by someone without the relevant knowledge or experience, you can’t be certain that the film will be up to scratch.
Typical applications for safety window film
All venues and building types can benefit from safety window film, as it’s a simple, effective and durable way to improve the safety of a property. It can be used in:
- Venues – No matter the size of the venue, window film can add extra security and help to protect crowds
- Transport hubs – A more common target for terrorist attacks as there is high footfall
- Retail premises – Shops can be targeted by thieves, so window film can help to prevent this
- Government buildings – Also a potential target of attacks and threats
- Commercial offices
If your property has any valuables on site, carries sensitive data, or is frequently busy, it might be more at risk of attacks.
How this fits into wider protective security planning
There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re planning how to improve the security of your property. From training your staff on safety procedures to controlling access to your building, taking a multi-layered approach to security means that more bases will be covered. This is especially important with the new regulations that will be coming into force under Martyn’s Law, which was passed in 2025 to improve protective security and preparation by requiring public venues and events to implement measures against terrorism.
Using window film and anchoring systems can reduce the risk of injury caused by flying glass in the event of attacks, or can help to buy time in which to react or call authorities during forced entries. It’s an incredibly straightforward way of upgrading the safety of your existing windows, and comes with little downtime, so it’s an excellent way of further bolstering the security of your property.
Speak to OVAGLAS about assessing glazing risk in your building
As part of your practical preparation for Martyn’s Law, reviewing the glazing risk in your building can be an excellent precautionary measure. To find out more about how window film can add extra security to your commercial property, get in touch with the OVAGLAS team.
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