Blast Protection Window Film
Premier Security Ballistic & Blast Ltd supplies blast protection window film and edge retention systems for commercial and public buildings, extending glazing protection to areas outside the scope of certified blast resistant assemblies. Combining decades of expertise in certified blast resistant and ballistic resistant glazing with a proven anti-shatter film programme, we help architects, security consultants and facilities managers deliver whole-building glazing protection strategies for high-risk and public-facing environments.
Why Blast Protection Window Film Matters
Structural blast resistant windows and doors form the primary line of defence in high-security environments, but most commercial buildings contain large areas of standard glazing that become extremely hazardous during a blast event.
The United Nations has reported that the majority of casualties from explosive incidents are caused by the fragmentation of structural materials, with flying glass fragments responsible for a significant proportion of those injuries and fatalities. Historically, the Home Office has cited figures of up to 95% of all injury, death, and property damage during a blast being attributable to flying glass.
of all injury, death, and property damage during a blast event has historically been attributed to flying glass fragments, according to Home Office figures.
Blast protection window film addresses this threat directly. By holding shattered glass onto the film matrix rather than allowing it to become airborne debris, the right film specification can significantly reduce secondary blast injuries in buildings that are not designed to full blast resistant standards.
Considerations Under the Protect Duty
The growing legislative landscape in the UK is placing increased responsibility on venue operators and facilities managers to take proactive steps to protect the public. Martyn's Law, championed by Figen Murray following the loss of her son Martyn Hett in the Manchester Arena attack of 2017, has driven the Protect Duty legislation, which requires qualifying venues to have documented security plans in place to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack.
Blast protection window film is one of the practical, cost-effective measures a venue operator can consider in response to these requirements. It can typically be retrofitted to existing glazing with minimal disruption during normal working hours, requires no structural modification, and provides immediate uplift to a building's overall safety profile as part of a wider, risk-assessment-led security plan.
Blast Protection Window Film in Application
The Armorcoat Range: Film Specifications
Premier Security's blast protection window film programme is built around the Solar Gard Armorcoat range, a series of high-tensile safety and security window films tested to demanding performance criteria. Four core specifications are available:
| Film Specification | Gauge | Break Strength | Puncture Resistance (ASTM D4830) | UV Blocked | VLT Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armorcoat 7 Mil Clear | 175 micron | 38 kg/cm | 52 kg | >99% | 88% |
| Armorcoat 8 Mil LX 70 | 200 micron | 43 kg/cm | 64 kg | >99% | 72% |
| Armorcoat 8 Mil Silver 35 | 200 micron | 43 kg/cm | 64 kg | >99% | 35% |
| Armorcoat 8 Mil Silver 20 | 200 micron | 43 kg/cm | 64 kg | >99% | 14% |
Armorcoat 7 Mil Clear (175 Micron)
A clear, optically neutral film preserving natural light transmission at 88% while blocking over 99% of ultraviolet light. Ideal for heritage buildings, listed properties, and locations where aesthetic impact is a primary concern.
Armorcoat 8 Mil LX 70 (200 Micron)
A break strength of 43 kg/cm and puncture resistance of 64 kg. Transmits 72% of visible light while rejecting 53% of total solar energy, combining blast mitigation with meaningful solar heat reduction.
Armorcoat 8 Mil Silver 35 (200 Micron)
Moderate solar control alongside blast containment properties, transmitting 35% of visible light and rejecting 63% of total solar energy. Popular for commercial offices and retail environments.
Armorcoat 8 Mil Silver 20 (200 Micron)
The most aggressive solar control option, rejecting 79% of total solar energy and reducing glare by 84% on single glazing. Best suited to buildings with significant solar loading.
Edge Retention Systems
Film specification alone is only part of the blast mitigation picture. To achieve maximum performance during a blast event, film installation should be combined with an appropriate edge retention or glass anchoring system. These systems bond the film to the window frame, helping to prevent the filmed glass pane from being ejected into the occupied space during a pressure wave event.
Dow Corning Silicone Sealant
A structural silicone sealant anchors the film to the window frame via a triangular glazing joint, with a sealant bite of between 3/8 and 1/2 inch. High tensile and tear strength with long-term flexibility.
3M Impact Protection Adhesive
Applied around the window frame perimeter, bonding glass, film and frame into a single composite assembly. Strong tear and tensile strength, curing fully in under seven days. Available in black and white.
3M Impact Protection Profile
A clean, factory-finished edge retention solution using a flexible gasket-style attachment with 3M VHB Tape. Frequently installed without cutting existing gaskets. Available in black or white.
Framelok and Anglelok Systems
A rigid edge retention solution using high-bonding adhesive to evenly absorb and transfer impact loads across the frame. Effective against blast events, forced entry and windborne debris.
Explainer
Glazing with and without blast protection window film shows the difference in glass fragment behaviour during a blast test.
Beyond Blast: Additional Benefits
Blast protection window film delivers value well beyond its core counter-terrorism application. Once installed, the film provides:
- Enhanced resistance to smash-and-grab attacks and opportunistic break-ins
- Protection against windborne debris during storms and extreme weather events
- Containment of glass fragments in the event of spontaneous glass failure
- Ultraviolet light reduction exceeding 99%, protecting occupants and interior furnishings
- Solar heat rejection and glare management, contributing to reduced energy consumption on solar control variants
- Additional impact resistance during seismic events and industrial incidents
Where Blast Protection Window Film Is Used
Blast protection window film is specified across a range of public and commercial environments where existing glazing falls outside the scope of certified blast resistant assemblies, particularly for venues considering their obligations under the Protect Duty.
- Government & Public Buildings
- Transport Hubs & Stations
- Commercial Office Buildings
- Data Centres
- Retail & Hospitality
- Event Venues & Stadiums
- Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities
- Financial Institutions
- Heritage & Listed Buildings
A Complementary Layer Within Your Security Strategy
For buildings that already incorporate Premier Security's certified blast resistant or LPS 1175-rated door and window assemblies at primary openings, blast protection window film extends that protective philosophy to secondary glazing areas such as internal partitions, roof lights, atrium glazing, and facade areas that fall outside the specification for certified blast assemblies.
For facilities managers undertaking a comprehensive glazing audit, Premier Security can advise on which panes would benefit from film treatment and which are already adequately protected, ensuring the specification is targeted and cost-effective rather than blanket-applied.
Frequently Asked Questions: Blast Protection Window Film
What is blast protection window film?
Blast protection window film is a high-tensile safety and security film applied to existing glass. It holds shattered glass fragments onto the film matrix during an explosion rather than allowing them to become airborne debris, reducing secondary blast injuries.
Is blast protection window film the same as a certified blast resistant window?
No. Blast protection window film is a retrofit mitigation measure applied to standard, non blast rated glazing. It should not be confused with Premier Security's certified ISO 16933 blast resistant door and window assemblies, which are independently tested as a complete system against arena blast conditions. Window film reduces hazard on glazing that is not designed or tested to a formal blast standard.
Can blast protection window film be retrofitted to existing glazing?
Yes. The film can typically be installed directly onto existing glazing during normal working hours with minimal disruption and no structural modification. For maximum performance, an edge retention or glass anchoring system is fitted alongside the film to secure the pane within its frame.
Does blast protection window film help meet the Protect Duty (Martyn's Law)?
Blast protection window film is one of the practical, cost-effective measures venue operators can consider as part of a documented security plan under the Protect Duty. Specific requirements depend on the venue's risk assessment and qualifying tier, so it should be considered alongside wider security planning rather than as a standalone compliance measure.
What film specifications does Premier Security offer?
Premier Security's blast protection window film programme is built around the Solar Gard Armorcoat range, including 7 Mil Clear, 8 Mil LX 70, 8 Mil Silver 35 and 8 Mil Silver 20, each offering different levels of visible light transmission and solar control alongside blast mitigation performance.
Related Premier Security Solutions
Blast protection window film works alongside our certified security ranges to deliver whole-building protection strategies.
Request a Glazing Audit
Our team can assess your building's glazing and identify where blast protection window film will deliver the greatest risk reduction for your occupants and visitors.
Get in TouchRelated Premier Security Pages
- LPS 1175 Security Doors & Windows — Comprehensive intruder resistance
- Bullet Resistant Windows & Glazing — EN 1522/1523 and EN 1063 certified
- Blast Resistant Doors & Windows — ISO 16933 and EN 13123/13124
- LPS 1175 Security Ratings — Forced entry resistance explained
- Maintenance Services — ongoing support and system reliability
- Contact Premier Security Ballistic & Blast — technical consultation and project enquiries
