Tips for Buyers

Tips for Buying Safety & Security
Window Coatings & Tints
Here are some things to consider when you’re shopping for glass coatings.
Click any link to jump to that question, or scroll down to read them all.

How can I compare safety and security window coatings from different companies?
What kind of window coating do I need?
Does the coating thickness measurement include the backing material?
Is your product testing done ‘in-house’ or by third parties?
What warranty is offered and what does it cover?
Are there restrictions on cleaning the window coating?
How many installers are sent to do the job?
How is the material secured? Won’t it pull out at the edges?
Is the material pre-cut whenever possible?
Is a good security laminate on my window and door glass all I need for protection?
Won’t the coating peel?
Will my insurance company give me a discount if I have security laminate on my windows?
Will the window coating affect my plants?
I’ve heard these coatings are a problem for firefighters…?
Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact Ace Clear Inc.

How can I compare safety and security window coatings from different companies?
Learn the right questions to ask. Although thickness is a common reference point when people are shopping for window coatings, other important factors are break strength and elongation.

What kind of window coating do I need?
The kind(s) of window coatings you will need will depend on the duty. The thinner safety films are for situations where the greatest danger is accidental glass breakage, not forced entry. For forced entry situations, the thicker, higher-ply security laminates are recommended.

Does the coating thickness measurement include the backing material?
Good question. Different companies report their glass coating thicknesses in different ways. Always ask if the coating thickness measurement includes the depth of the protective backing. For example, a 14 mil security window coating (14 thousandths of an inch), measured without backing, is equivalent to a 15 mil security coating measured with the backing in place. At Ace Clear Inc., we’ll always quote what’s going on your window, not the thickness including backing.

Is your product testing done ‘in-house’ or by third parties?
Third-party product testing by an accredited testing firm is always more reliable. Ask for documentation of the testing. At Ace Clear Inc., we’re happy to show you our product testing results and explain how they prove that our safety and security window coatings are the best on the market.

What warranty is offered and what does it cover?
Ace Clear Inc. provides a lifetime limited warranty on all its products. The warranty covers peeling, cracking, yellowing, and delaminating.

Are there restrictions on cleaning the window coating?
Some companies’ tint coatings can’t be cleaned with ammonia-based cleaners, because it damages the adhesive. All tint coatings sold by Ace Clear Inc. can be safely cleaned with any chemical window cleaner. Similarly, all our safety films and security laminates can be cleaned using any non-abrasive window cleaner.

How many installers are sent to do the job?
A minimum of two people should do the install. This makes for a cleaner, faster job, with better handling of the film when it’s being applied.

How is the material secured? Won’t it pull out at the edges?
The ideal anchoring system depends on the kind of glass that is used. For a security laminate to provide effective break-in protection on tempered glass, the edges of the laminate must be secured. Otherwise a smash-and-grab ‘expert’ can break the glass, remove the entire sheet of laminate, and complete the break-in. If your windows use tempered glass, Ace Clear Inc. will assess your existing window design and recommend an effective anchoring method. Proper anchoring increases the chances that when the glass is broken, the barrier will remain in place as a deterrent to smash-and-grab and other forms of theft.

As the photo at right shows, if the security laminate is properly installed on tempered glass, the edges will not just pop out.

Because plate glass tends to break in a spider-web pattern, anchoring the security laminate is usually not required.

Is the material pre-cut whenever possible?
Pre-cutting the coating material in the shop gives the installer access to better cutting tools, and gives a cleaner cut than trimming on the window. When the coating material is pre-cut, installation is also faster. At Ace Clear Inc., our preferred installation method is to visit the home or business where the coating will be installed, measure all the glass to be coated, and pre-cut the coating materials in our shop.

Is a good security laminate on my window and door glass all I need for protection?
Unfortunately, no. An effective break-in protection system has many elements: good locks, an alarm system, glass protection, and possibly other components. At Ace Clear Inc., we try to stress that we’re a part of your building security system. When we install your security window coatings, we’ll be happy to have you show us your premises, then offer some very specific free tips on how you can increase your building safety and security.

Won’t the coating peel?
Our unique patented adhesives ensure that our films do not peel. Other companies use pressure sensitive adhesives that dry out, cannot move with the glass as it expands and contracts with heat and cold, and eventually peel away. Ace Clear Inc. adhesives actually enter the pores of the glass, stay supple, and move with the glass, so they don’t cause the coating to peel.

Will my insurance company give me a discount if I have security laminate on my windows?
Some insurance companies have given discounts to customers who have ACE security laminates installed. With the proper, adequate installation of security laminates, you may qualify for lower rates. Ask your broker to check around for you.

Will the window coating affect my plants?
If plants are in a ‘rapid growth’ phase, they may seem to slow down or even perhaps drop buds. However, it is just an adjustment period and they will resume normal growth once they have adapted.

I’ve heard these coatings are a problem for firefighters…?
Firefighters have the time and the necessary equipment to break through any laminate material—and unlike burglars, they don’t care how much noise they make doing it, because they’re not at risk of being caught and jailed. Although a security laminate may slow firefighters down slightly, it can more than offset that drawback by protecting firefighters and passersby from flying glass shards that would result if an unprotected window were to explode. Since ACE has installed our security laminates on the homes of firemen and police officers, we’re confident that the factors in favour of the laminates far outweigh any potential risks!

Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact Ace Clear Inc.