Safety & Security Window Film
Attachment Systems for Safety, Security & Impact Film
Safety and security window film improves how glass behaves, but on many projects it is the attachment system that makes the difference. Attachment systems help anchor the filmed glass to the frame so that, when glass breaks, the filmed lite stays in place longer and performs closer to its tested potential.
What Is an Attachment System?
Film Alone vs. Film with Attachment
Safety and security window films are designed to hold broken glass fragments together, but the glass can still pull out of the frame under impact, wind pressure, or forced-entry. An attachment system ties the filmed glass to the frame, helping the entire glazing system stay intact longer under stress.
How Attachment Systems Work
Attachment systems are applied around the edge of the glass, bridging between the filmed glass surface and the window frame. In an impact or blast event, the filmed glass flexes and cracks, but the attachment system helps keep the glass in the opening instead of releasing as a single large shard.
This can significantly reduce the risk of flying glass hazards and improve the time it takes for an intruder, windborne debris, or blast pressure to breach the opening. On many higher-level specifications, film without attachment is not considered a complete system.
What an Attachment System Helps With
- Helps keep broken glass attached to the frame longer.
- Improves performance in certain forced-entry and impact scenarios.
- Reduces the chance that the entire glass lite releases as one large piece.
- Supports some tested systems for blast, security, or storm mitigation.
- Helps align site-installed film systems with relevant test data.
Important: Attachment systems do not make glass unbreakable or guarantee code compliance. They are one part of an overall glazing solution.
Attachment System Options
Anchoring Methods We Use on Commercial Projects
Glass Wrap designs attachment system solutions based on glazing type, frame construction, and performance goals. Below are some of the most common approaches used on safety and security film projects.
Structural Silicone
Silicone Anchored Systems
Bead-style structural silicone, applied over the film edge and tied into the frame, to create a continuous, flexible attachment between the filmed glass and framing.
Mechanical
Mechanical Profile Attachments
Rigid or semi-rigid profiles that clamp or fasten over the filmed glass edge and attach to the frame to provide a more defined mechanical connection.
Secondary Glazing
Retrofit Polycarbonate Systems
Retrofit systems that add a secondary lite (often polycarbonate) in front of existing glass and incorporate film, framing, and fasteners into a more robust assembly.
Hybrid Systems
Hybrid & Engineer-Driven Solutions
On complex projects, we may combine methods or work with engineering guidance and manufacturer inputs to align with specific test standards or project requirements.
When Are Attachment Systems Recommended?
Security, Storm & Public Safety Use Cases
While every building is different, there are common scenarios where attachment systems are strongly recommended, or may be referenced in testing and design standards.
Forced Entry
Forced-Entry & Smash-and-Grab
Storefronts, schools, and facilities where the goal is to slow intruders and help keep openings closed longer during an attack or break-in attempt.
Storm & Impact
Windborne Debris & Storm Mitigation
Openings where film is used as part of a broader strategy to reduce glass hazards during hurricanes or wind events, especially on the Gulf Coast.
Public Safety
Public Spaces, Schools & Government
Installations where glass hazard reduction, occupant safety, and liability mitigation are key drivers for the project.
Our Process
How Glass Wrap Designs Attachment System Solutions
Every building is unique. We take a practical, field-based approach that respects existing glazing conditions, budgets, and performance targets while aligning with relevant testing and best practices.
Step-by-Step Approach
- Site Evaluation: Review glass types, frame conditions, and priority areas.
- Performance Goals: Clarify whether the focus is on forced-entry delay, glass hazard reduction, storm mitigation, or a combination.
- Attachment Strategy: Recommend film type and attachment method based on conditions and relevant test data.
- Phased Implementation: Coordinate installation to minimize disruption to operations and occupant activities.
Integration with Safety & Security Film
Attachment systems are always designed in combination with specific safety or security films and, when needed, with guidance from manufacturer data and industry testing.
For projects driven by testing standards, blast criteria, or hurricane requirements, we may reference the appropriate standards and direct you to our testing and specifications page for further details.
Performance & Limitations
Important Notes About Expectations & Liability
It is important to clearly communicate what safety and security films, and their attachment systems, can and cannot do. This protects your occupants, your organization, and sets the right expectations for performance.
What Film and Attachments Can Do
- Help hold broken glass fragments together.
- Help keep glass in the frame longer under many impact conditions.
- Reduce the risk of flying glass hazards inside the building.
- Improve forced-entry resistance and delay, when designed correctly.
- Support certain tested security, blast, or storm mitigation systems.
What They Do Not Guarantee
- They do not make glass unbreakable.
- They do not ensure compliance with building codes on their own.
- They do not replace engineered impact, blast, or ballistic glazing systems.
- They do not guarantee that an intruder, storm, or blast will be prevented from breaching an opening.
Performance is always dependent on glass type, frame construction, film selection, attachment method, and how closely the installed system matches tested configurations.
Disclaimer: Safety and security window film, with or without an attachment system, is intended to enhance the performance of existing glazing. It does not, by itself, convert non-rated glass into a code-approved hurricane, blast, or forced-entry glazing system unless used as part of a tested and approved configuration. Glass Wrap does not claim or imply that film or attachment systems alone will prevent injury, damage, or entry in all conditions. For projects requiring compliance with specific codes or standards, we recommend reviewing applicable testing, engaging the appropriate design professionals, and using our testing & standards overview as a general educational resource only.
Ready to Review Your Glass and Frames?
Schedule an Attachment System Assessment with Glass Wrap
Tell us about your building, security goals, and areas of concern. We’ll walk the site, document glazing conditions, and recommend appropriate film and attachment system options for your specific situation.