Install Security Film to a Glass Door and Protect Your Home
The folks at Allstate Insurance have graciously sponsored this post, which will help you learn how to install security film to safeguard your doors (or windows) from a potential break-in! It’s a simply DIY solution that could potentially save you the heartache of having your home burglarized.
I’ve noticed an unsettling trend in our area. There are more thefts popping up around our neighborhood. Luckily the majority of them are burglaries with no violence. But, it’s still unsettling. If you want the latest on crimes around you, sign up for SpotCrime.com. Simply enter your address and you’ll get emails when crimes are reported around you. Then again, this could lead to a bit of paranoia {raising hand.}
Regardless, there are two doors in our home that have always caused me some concern. We have two half window doors that needed some added security measures. The first one is the entrance to our mudroom. The second one is the back door to our garage (and you know I’d be heartbroken if anyone stole my power tools!)
If you have a door like this, a burglar can simply break the pane of glass closest to the knob, reach in and turn the deadbolt and handle. One option is to install a two-sided keyed entry deadbolt lock. Because we have little children, I worried about them not being able to find the key and get out of the house in the event of a fire.
This past week I happened to hear about security film and did a little research. I was skeptical until I tested the material myself. The results seriously amazed me! You can watch my test in the video later in this post.
In the meantime, here are the supplies you’ll need and the very simply installation instructions!
(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)
Materials:
- 8 Mil Security Window Film
- Spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap (or baby shampoo)
- 4 inch Squeegee
- Paper towels
- Razor blade
- X-acto knife (or scissors)
- Metal Ruler
- Ball point pen or fine-tipped sharpie
- Cutting surface
 Instructions:
1. Begin by removing the grill if you have one solid piece of glass with faux dividers (see my video below for more details on removing the grill.) If you have true divided light, move on to the next step.
2. Measure your windows. Reduce the size by 1/8″ to leave space at the edges for the water to escape. Transfer the measurements onto the film with pen. Cut the window film with the x-acto knife and ruler. (You could use scissors in a pinch.)
Test fit the film.
3. Clean the window with the water and soap mixture. Use the razor blade to scrape the window to remove any dirt, debris, dried paint, dog hairs, boogers…(oh sorry that must just be on our windows. Did I mention I have two young boys?)
4. Your windows must be 100% clean because once the film is installed any dirt or lint will show up in the film…forever….and ever, (or until the film is removed.)
5. Spray the window thoroughly with the soapy water. Then peel off the top 1″ of the backing from the security film.
6. Position the sticky side onto the window and pull the backing off from the top down. (You’ll have to reach underneath the film to pull the backing off.)
Press down from the middle and then out to each side. While the window is still wet you can move and reposition the film. Just be aware that each time you pick up the film you run the risk of getting dust or folds in the film.
7. Use the squeegee (or a credit card) to push the air bubbles and liquid out of the film. Start from the middle and push the air out toward the edges of the film, always radiating from the middle.
8. Wipe the liquid that has been squeezed out with a clean paper towel.
Repeat until all your glass has the security film installed. You could get by with just the windows closest to the door handle being protected, but it was so easy to install that I did all of the panes. Besides, did I mention I have two young boys? The film also helps protect your glass from errant balls and other dangerous objects.
Can you see the security film? No?
How about now? You have to get super close to see the edge of the film.
Here’s the video I created to install and testing of the security film. Hang onto your hammers, you won’t believe your eyes!:
Now our door only welcomes guests and family into our home, not any unwanted intruders.
I’m curious — am I the last person on earth to hear about this cool product? Or is this the first time you learned about security film?
P.s. Although you can do your best to add security measures to your home, it is important to plan ahead and protect your family and your home. Even if you think you live in a safe neighborhood, I can’t stress how important it is to have good home insurance. Last year we had the unfortunate situation of having to file not one, but two claims. Neither were planned for, but I am soooo thankful that we had good quality home insurance and I truly felt like we were in good hands during the restoration.
Disclosure: This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. I was not told what to write about. As the nation’s largest publicly held insurance company, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most—but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day. For more great tips like this, visit our exclusive Good to Know community.
Getting ready to go out of town? You’ll need to find out how to burglar proof your home!
Hi,
I want to use this on my basement windows , but am I able to use a privacy film over the security film since the security film only comes in Clear?
I think you can. Maybe test a small glass window first.
Great post, looking forward for more. 🙂
I have never heard of security film before! I love to see that you can’t even tell that the film is there on your door windows. I’ll be sure to try this out with my doors, so thank you so much for this help!
I’m going to be moving into my first home soon and this is something that I will definitely do as soon as possible. Adding this security film will give me a peace of mind. Thanks for sharing!
Nice video. I’ve been aware of this stuff for a while and was interested in putting it on my ground floor doors with glass, however a security professional (who actually started out doing security laminate for windows) actually advised me against it, as he said that realistically, the door/door lock is going to be kicked in. Even if breaking the glass was tried first. So it might be good as a additional layer of protection, but his advice was to reinforce your doors and door locks first. For the sake of protecting it from accidents, then yes-it definitely still serves that purpose, and for that reason I wanted to post and ask you whether you just installed the film on one side of the glass or both, and if only one side, why? And if both, did you test/notice a difference?
Thanks!
Great info and a another well done tutorial. Many thanks.
What a great idea! I followed your link to 8 mil security window film, it took me to a website with several different brands to chose from,they range from $35.00 for 6 ft. to 345.00 for 25 ft. Can you tell me which brand you used in your demo?
I need to window proof my daughter’s room, she lives on ground floor in a dorm. Thank you!
Angelina, I ordered directly from this seller on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LD9NB4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004LD9NB4&linkCode=as2&tag=prett041-20&linkId=GVNOQAYEBKDAPQRV
Be sure to choose the quantity you need which will translate into the number of yards on the roll.
I have never heard of this product before, so I’m super glad you did a post and video about it. I live in an apartment on a ground-level floor, so I need to ask if this film can be removed if I move out. I would think the owners wouldn’t mind, but you never know. If it can be removed, do you think it could possibly be re-used by going through the installation process again?
Great videos, too. The effects are cool.
I never knew such an incredible product existed! I have several doors this would work easy on. Great video tutorial & I must say I have a bit of Delta scroll saw envy.
I used to have one that I bought a long time ago that was on a sturdy floor stand. I used the heck out of that thing. After moving it to so many different homes, I finally sold it to this darling 80-ish man who was beginning some woodworking hobby. His wife was very ill & he told me he needed something to keep his sanity. I gave him all my left over 1/4″ birch wood. He was so thrilled & now I’m teary-eyed just thinking about that.
LOL. But did you have junky messy workbench envy? I’m surprised you were able to see the scroll saw. I rarely use it, but really should dust it off. What a great new home for yours.
I think this would be great for safety reasons. I once knew a family whose son put his arms through a window running to see a fire truck pass by. I have floor to ceiling windows in the bedrooms and an 18 month old who loves to look out. This is going on my to do list immediately.
Marta, oh my goodness, how scary is that! Yes, this would definitely prevent that type of accident.
I haven’t heard of this product either. Amazing and a great video! I bet that was a fun one to make eh!
LOL. Actually I was cringing the whole time because I hate to waste anything. That window frame will likely be re-used for something, but I might have to replace the panes I broke now.