Fragment Retention Window Films

Fragment retention window films are designed to increase the shatter resistance of glass and are similar to regular

Fragment Retention Window Film 

Fragment retention window films are designed to increase the shatter resistance of glass and are similar to regular window films in that they are polyester laminates. The difference, however, is that these products are usually thicker – they are offered in thicknesses ranging from 4 to 21 mils - and use a heavier and more aggressive adhesive system. This material is available in clear or a variety of tinted, solar energy-reflective versions to get not only the benefit of increased glass strength but to conserve energy and make the building more comfortable.

Window With No Film Attachment Video

How Fragment Retention Film Is Made 

Fragment retention window films are the result of a sophisticated manufacturing process in which the finest raw materials and state-of-the-art technology is used.

Window Attachment Options 

Depending on fragment retention performance and budget constraints, fragment retention window film can be installed on the glass only (known as a daylight application) or physically attached to the window frame (known as attached systems).

Daylight Application 

The easiest, quickest and least expensive method is to use the daylight application. The daylight application involves placing the fragment retention window films onto the vision area of the glass only. This approach will hold glass fragments together but does little to increase the blast resistance of the glazing system. If the blast pressures exceed the strength of the glass itself - somewhere between ½ and 1 psi - the entire filmed piece of glass could be pushed into or sucked out of the room. The purpose of the fragment retention window film is to hold the glass shards together in one piece. Since the glass fails before the film, minimum thickness fragment retention films are usually specified.

Attached Systems

To address the requirements of some of our more vulnerable customers with advanced security needs, Commercial Window Shield developed its proprietary Blastight window film attachment systems. The attachment can be on one, two or all four sides of the frame and can be achieved with either a mechanical (metal) or chemical (structural silicone) attachment.

Mechanical Systems 

Mechanical systems are installed using some type of metal batten system similar to our Blastight Film Attachment System. The Blastight is secured with screws or other fasteners. Mechanical systems can be configured for various strengths in that they can be attached on one side, two sides, or on all fours sides.

Top attachment (one-sided)

Top attachment (one-sided) is the method specified and used by the FBI. To keep the glass from being ejected out of the window frame and into the room, the film is overlapped onto the head of the window frame and mechanically attached with screws using a batten system. When the other three unattached sides of the glass fail, the film holds the glass together in one piece and the glass/film unit hinges up toward the ceiling and then falls back into place - similar to a "doggy door". This system is designed to allow the glass to fail, which relieves blast pressures. Because of this, the film itself does not see high pressures and a minimum thickness fragment retention film is generally specified. This system should only be used with single pane glass.

Two-sided attachments

Two-sided attachments increase blast resistance to an existing window or glazing system. The film is overlapped onto two sides of the window frame - either top and bottom - or usually side to side. The two unattached sides will fail and the blast pressure will be vented. The attached sides are designed to hold the glass at the window opening. This system is very strong. Failure of this system is usually a result of the window frame itself giving way. Since the film receives a much higher load than either daylight or one-sided attachments, heavier gauge films are required.

Window with 2-Sided Film Attachment Video

Four-sided attachments

Four-sided attachments are the strongest of the mechanical attachment systems. The films are designed to withstand tremendous loads and the full pressure of a blast event is transferred to the window framing. Most standard commercial windows or storefront systems cannot withstand this intense pressure and the window frame system will fail before the film attachment does. Four-sided attachments are often specified in Day Care facilities, areas where no glass particles can afford to penetrate, or as an inexpensive insurance policy against a large blast event. Since the film will experience severe pressure loads, heavier gauge films are required.

Window with 4-Sided Film Attachment Video

Wet Glaze Systems 

Wet glaze systems are similar to mechanical attachments except a silicone adhesive (caulking) is used for the attachment instead of a metal batten. This method is also sometimes called a chemical attachment. The film is applied to the vision area of the glass or daylight opening and then a bead of high strength, high quality structural adhesive is placed around the perimeter of the window frame. It is imperative that a minimum half-inch of adhesive contact the film and half-inch of adhesive contact the window frame. This system is comparable to a four-sided mechanical. It’s easier to get a quality installation but it’s highly installer sensitive. This system may be the only choice for certain window frame types. It also may be ideally suited to historical buildings - especially with windows with multiple small panes where a mechanical attachment can't be used or won't fit. It’s imperative that the proper thickness and overlap of structural silicone be used. Heavier gauge films are generally used with this system. Here’s a link to a Dow Corning article on the proper use of structural silicone.

Window with Wet Film Attachment Video

The above systems have been tested, both in a shock tube at Wilfred Baker Engineering, and in open air tests conducted by Applied Research Associates. The systems meet or exceed the standards required by the General Services Administration for blast mitigation.

A Major Threat: Flying Glass 

Glass is usually the weakest security link in a building, and flying glass is the primary source of death and injuries during an explosion or extreme weather event.

The images below detail the damage effect radius of glass and other flying debris on surrounding buildings sustained during the Oklahoma City bombing.