Installing Security Laminate on Annealed Glass

Installing Security Window Film

Security window films, or laminates, are becoming a more and more popular protection solution for homes in Canada and the U.S.  They are often called 'shatterproof' or 'anti-shatter' films because of the ability to hold glass together in the event of either an intentional (ie. break-in attempt, vandals) or accidental impact (ie. golf ball, tree branch, etc.)

If you visit our YouTube Channel:  "Window Film Information and Help" you can find some informative videos, including a demonstration by a Toronto Police Officer trying to break protected glass with a bat, and a series of DIY videos on how to install security window films yourself.

Installing security film is pretty much the same as installing other types of window films, however, since the film is thicker it requires heavy-duty tools and more effort to push water out.  We recommend a professional-grade chisel-tip squeegee for pushing water out during installation.  When installing these wet-mount films, the squeegee is an important tool to ensure that water is pushed out from behind the film.  You will need to pass over the film several times with your squeegee to be sure there are no water or air bubbles remaining.  If you see bubbles, keep pushing!

Detailed installation instructions are available in the DIY videos on our YouTube Channel.  If you are experienced at installing other types of window film, please take note, security film should be accurately trimmed to size before applying it to the glass (thinner films, like solar control tints can be trimmed on the glass).

It is important to point out that security films work best on regular annealed glass.  When installing on tempered* glass, security laminates must be anchored, where possible beneath the stops, with a structural silicone caulking.  We like Dow Corning 995 for this purpose. 

*You can identify tempered glass by checking each of the corners of the window or door.  Tempered glass windows will usually be etched in one of the corners.  In homes, tempered glass is typically used in patio doors, sidelights, doors, skylights and showers.

How to Remove Old Window Film

As the use of window films becomes ever-more popular, the incidences of our DIY customers encountering old window film they would like to remove increases.

Removing window film that has been mounted with an adhesive (some are static mounted and very simple to just pull off in one pieces) can be a little picky, but is fairly straightforward and made much easier with the use of a couple of simple tools and supplies.

You will need:

• Snap Blade Knife
• Mild soap solution in a squirt bottle (water with one or two drops of baby shampoo)
• Razor Scraper

Begin by trying to peel off the film from corners and seems and pull off larger pieces as best you can.

Next, spray the film down with the soap solution and use a razor scraper to remove the rest of the film.

If you are planning to install a new window film, be sure to thoroughly clean the windows before installation.  You can find a library of DIY window film installation videos on our website:  www.Apex-Window-Film-Store.com.


Watch this video for detailed instructions on how to remove window film from our YouTube Channel: