If you think that retrofit window film installations will stand up to hurricane force winds and flying debris, think again. Misleading claims in product flyers or on websites may have confused you. It’s easy to jump to this conclusion due to false statements and the public’s experience with auto glass films – except for one important detail. Auto glass is tempered to contain glass in highway accidents, not hurricanes. Technically, the installation of home widow films doesn’t even come close to the ASME standards that are proscribed for replacement impact windows by Miami-Dade building codes. But, some recent hurricane protection promotions would lead you to think otherwise.

Among all the available options, including plywood, window film certainly has a price advantage and can provide good solar and UV protection. But what about frame strength, correct fastening within the opening and the attachment of the glass itself? Close inspection of windows installed in older homes frequently proves to be substandard. Ok, so some glass will stick to the film, but the entire installation will more than likely blow out of the wall when facing hurricane force winds.
Protect yourself from misleading promotions. If you want true hurricane protection, hold film installers to the same test standards that replacement impact window manufacturers and installers must meet.
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For additional information about this topic, you can call us at 1-305-328-3198.

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