* Most security companies are in the crime detection business more so than the crime prevention business. While security detection devices such as motion sensors, glass break sensors, contact sensors and cameras may suggest that a break-in is taking place, they do not slow down the forced entry process.

* It is a well known fact that glass windows and doors are the weakest link in perimeter security. By the time a break in is detected, the perpetrators or malfeasants are already in the process of vandalism or theft. Thieves need very little time to take what they are after and it is well documented that policing agencies are not often able to catch them in the act. In fact, with as much as 95% of the calls received from monitoring companies are false alarms, police are hesitant to respond quickly unless the break-in is actually being witnessed.

* So what can policing agencies recommend to deter or even prevent break-ins? One option is the installation of bars on ground level glass. However, most facilities do not lend themselves to bars and even if they do, bars are not viewed as ‘welcoming’ to the public. If perpetrators want to get in they will. A not uncommon procedure is to use a vehicle and chain to pull the bars off a building. This can cause more structural damage than the cost of stolen property. Major business interruption can be another consequence.

* 3M Security Laminate, when properly installed by a Certified 3M Dealer/Applicator, complements existing security/alarm systems while providing an effective deterrent by slowing down the forced entry process such that would-be thieves simply leave to find an easier target. When 3M Security Laminate is used in conjunction with a glass break sensor, the would-be intruder is detected but still outside the building. Using glass break sensors without film is similar protection to motion detectors – they are activated only after the crime occurs.

* Different levels of security are available to address different levels of risk. Higher levels of security may involve installing laminate under door or window stops, two sided applications and most importantly bonding the frame, laminate & glass together using the 3M Ultraflex Frame Bond System. The Frame Bond System is a must for tempered glass.

* Laminates with higher break strengths are typically used on doors and sidelights to inhibit access to door locks while higher tear resistant laminates are used on all other windows. 3M Security Laminate has proved its effectiveness time and time again. The Ontario Provincial Police (and regional police) provide CPTED training sessions to policing authorities, consultants, city planners, etc., which includes protection offered by security laminate and how they complement CPTED principles.

* Blast mitigation laminate, applied to the inside of the glass on exterior windows and doors, has been used on numerous buildings around the world to protect people and property from the effects of a bomb blast.

* The primary standard for testing laminate is GSA (General Services Administration). While it provides a benchmark to ensure that laminate/glass combinations meet a basic standard, in real life situations a blast is likely to be bigger & closer and on larger windows than those used in the tests.
The highest rating that can be achieved for any security laminate installed on standard commercial IG window units is Performance Condition “2” with a protection Level “Very High”, in which the glass breaks but little if any glass enters the interior of the building.

* There are essentially two laminate technologies available for blast mitigation security applications. Standard Polyesters are available in 2 to 3 ply and range in thickness from 8 mil to 14 mil. While they can meet Performance Condition 2, they are primarily used for safety or forced entry applications where break strength is a key variable. The other is a patented 3M technology that incorporates up to 39 cross grain micro-layers in a 6 mil laminate that can provide a tear resistance up to 6 times that of an equivalent thickness of standard polyester. Once the laminate is penetrated by glass shards in a blast situation, the shear weight of the glass can tear the standard polyester which defeats the whole purpose of the installation. The ability of a laminate to stretch and be punctured without tearing are key attributes in blast protection.

* Although most installations utilize an attachment/anchoring system to attach the laminate to the window frame, a key performance indicator of the 39 micro layers vs. 2 ply polyesters can be seen when no attachment (i.e. Daylight application) is used (Performance Condition 3B vs. 5 as per test results).

* The 3M Ultraflex Frame Bond system utilizes a ½” leg of Dow Corning 995 architectural adhesive to bond the laminate, glass and frame together to ensure that the glass stays in the frame in the event of an explosive force. Fastening aluminum angle around the perimeter of the frame has been utilized to ‘anchor’ the laminate but it is unsightly and has not proved to be more effective than the Ultraflex System.

* 3M is the only manufacturer that offers both the standard polyester and micro-layer technologies. While the patented 3M Ultra S400 26 layer Laminate as well as 3M 8 mil 2 layer Laminate meet Performance Condition 2, most customers have selected the higher performing Ultra S600 39 layer Laminate to provide protection against real life blast situations.

* Industry recognized testing has been completed and is available upon request.

The use of wireless networks and other mobile communications has put sensitive information at risk. 3M™ Counter Intelligence Films offer the latest technology to help keep your information secure. Available in both standard and Ultra Security version, these films offer unrivalled signal attenuation to reduce or eliminate the risk of industrial espionage. 3M™ Counter Intelligence Films block FR (cell phones, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) signals leaking out your windows, prevent the use of laser microphones to listen and record voice data, and prevent IR communication signals from being intercepted and analysed for information. In addition they provide many of the same benefits of 3M Sun Control Window Film, UV reduction, glare reduction, energy reduction and solar heat reduction.

Glass can pose a serious personal injury risk on commercial and residential buildings. When standard commercial plate glass breaks, it can produce extremely sharp knife-like shards. While it is impractical for the public to protect all glass in their building, there is an economical and practical solution to address higher risk areas.

* The application of 3M Safety Laminate holds the glass together in the event of breakage. There are many different films and thicknesses available depending on the protection required. If protection from forced entry is required, films with higher break and tear strengths are recommended. Please refer to security section.

* Most building codes require the use of tempered or laminated glass in higher risk applications such as glass doors. Tempered glass offers increased safety over standard plate or float glass by providing increased break strength and a different break pattern. However if tempered glass is used as a safety barrier, the risk still remains that the glass will break and individuals can fall through the opening. The other risk with regards to tempered glass is that of spontaneous breakage. Tempered glass is highly stressed and presence of sulphide inclusions can cause the glass to shatter without any external factors.

Although the glass will break into myriad small pieces, it can still pose a risk if the glass is located above an area inhabited by people such as a glass railing.

Graphic artists are changing their techniques to create their ‘works of art’. In place of using only spray paints and markers to deface glass and other smooth surfaces, vandals are also using glass-etching solutions and tungsten carbide styluses for scratching and defacing your property.

In fact, the graffiti artists will see their works of art as they damage the film and likely leave satisfied. However, the glass remains protected under a replaceable film – simply remove and replace the film as required. Once applied, the film will also protect people from broken glass by holding the glass together.

While Canada has historically not experienced the same level of natural disasters as the US, we are still at risk from fierce coastal storms, tornados and even earthquakes. Exterior plate glass can produce extremely sharp knife-like shards that pose a serious personal injury risk to the public. There is also the risk of increased damage to interior space when the glass has been breached. While it is impractical for the public to protect all glass in their building, there is an economical and practical solution to address higher risk areas.

The application of 3M Safety Laminate holds the glass together in the event of breakage. There are many different films and thicknesses available depending on the protection required. If protection from forced entry is required, films with higher break and tear strengths are recommended. Please refer to Security – Forced Entry & Vandalism for more information.