Window Film vs. Storm Shutters
 In coastal areas, such as ours, the potential for glass breakage during tropical storms and hurricanes is particularly high. 3M Scotchshield Ultra Safety and Security Films are an excellent, invisible choice for improving security, because they seal out wind and water even when the glass is broken.
Recognizing the need to develop a film that provided superior tear resistance, 3M developed the Scotchshield product to surpass the performance of thicker monolayer standard PET films. This patented microlayer process gives the film a “rip stop” action that distances 3M from the rest of the “fragment retention” film providers.
In fact, the 3M films meet the Factory Mutual ™ Small Missile requirement and wind load requirements and the highest performance levels of the Federal Government’s GSA requirements Level 2 and 3.
| 3M™ Scotchshield Films |
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Storm Shutters |
| Forms a watertight barrier if glass does crack |
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Does not prevent water from entering |
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| Prevents glass shards from causing damage and injuries |
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Does not prevent glass shards from causing damage and injuries |
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| 3M™ Scotchshield films protect windows |
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May break windows in a hurricane by bending inward |
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| Protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
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Leaves your windows defenseless unless you have time to close them |
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| 3M™ Films are invisible to the eye |
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Shutters in the down position alert burglars that the building/home is vacant |
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| Maintenance free, easy to clean |
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Shutters may require electricity to go up and down; they can rust also requiring manpower |
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| Adds to the look of your building/home |
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Detracts from the look of your building/home |
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| No structural work is required |
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Structural work is required |
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| Is a fraction of the cost of shutters |
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Many times as expensive as 3M™ Scotchshield |
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| Energy saving of up to 12,000 BTUs/hr per100 square foot of sunlight windows during daylight hours |
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Cannot use during daytime- no energy saving |
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| Screens out up to 99% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and cuts glare in half |
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Does not protect against ultraviolet rays and distracting glare |
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| Protects against fading of merchandise, fabrics, carpets and furniture |
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Does not protect against sun fading |
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