Why Naperville Schools Should Invest in Security Window Tint is a question that comes up when administrators and facility teams look at a simple reality: schools have a lot of glass, and glass is often the fastest way to create an opening. Whether the concern is after-hours break-ins, vandalism, or impact events during the school day, security window tint can play a practical role in a layered safety plan.

At Perfection Window Films, we install safety and security window film for schools and facilities across Naperville, IL, Chicago, IL, and Countryside, IL. We’re 3M certified and an authorized 3M dealer, and we help you match the right film, installation method, and scope to your building layout.

If you want to start with the school-specific options on our site, these pages are a good foundation:

What security window tint is (and what it isn’t)
Why schools are uniquely exposed when it comes to glass
Core reason 1: It helps hold shattered glass together
Core reason 2: It can delay forced entry when paired with the right attachment
Core reason 3: It supports a layered school security approach
Core reason 4: It can reduce downtime from vandalism and breakage
Core reason 5: It can improve comfort in learning spaces
Where security window tint matters most in Naperville schools
Security film vs safety film vs decorative film
What to look for before you specify security window tint
What installation looks like in an active school building
FAQs
Sources

What security window tint is (and what it isn’t)

Security window tint (often called safety and security window film) is applied to the interior side of existing glass to help change how that glass behaves when it breaks. The most important concept is glass fragment retention: the film helps hold broken glass together instead of letting it fall away in sharp shards.

The International Window Film Association (IWFA) explains that properly specified, installed, and attached security window film can slow down an intruder, and it also discusses the safety benefit of holding glass together in impact scenarios.
Reference: IWFA Safety and Security

Now here’s the thing: security window tint is not bulletproof glass, and it does not guarantee that an attacker cannot enter. Even standards organizations like ASTM emphasize that forced-entry test methods provide comparative evaluation and should not be used to claim absolute prevention.
Reference: ASTM F1233 overview

So the best way to think about security window tint in a school is as a time and safety tool:

It can help keep broken glass together (safety).
It can help delay opening creation when paired with the right system (time).
It supports the broader security plan rather than replacing it.

Why schools are uniquely exposed when it comes to glass

Schools typically have more glass than many other building types:

Main entry vestibules with glass doors
Side entrances and staff doors with glazed panels
Classroom sidelites and corridor glazing
Gym and cafeteria glazing
Administrative office storefront-style glass

That glass helps with supervision, daylight, and welcoming design. The tradeoff is that glass can also be targeted for break-ins or damaged by impact. A school setting also has unique daytime risks: students moving quickly, sports equipment, maintenance activity, and crowds during events.

For school leaders, the question isn’t “Should we have glass?” It’s “How do we make the glass we already have safer and harder to defeat?”

That’s where security window tint fits into planning resources like CISA’s K-12 School Security Guide, which promotes a systems-based approach to physical security.
Reference: CISA K-12 School Security Guide (3rd ed.) PDF

Core reason 1: It helps hold shattered glass together

In school buildings, broken glass is a hazard even when there is no malicious intent. If glass breaks in a hallway, entry door, or classroom area, the risk is immediate:

Sharp fragments on the floor
Jagged edges in a door opening
A scramble of students moving away from the area

Security window tint helps hold the glass together after breakage. IWFA’s safety and security education materials focus heavily on this “hold together” benefit in impact and safety contexts.
Reference: IWFA Safety & Security Education Manual (PDF)

In practical school terms, security window tint can help:

Reduce flying or falling glass fragments
Reduce the scatter that makes cleanup slower and more dangerous
Keep the opening more controlled until staff can secure the area

If you’re looking at retention-oriented products on our site:

Safety Window Film
Shatterproof Window Film

Core reason 2: It can delay forced entry when paired with the right attachment

For many districts, the biggest reason Naperville schools should invest in security window tint is delayed entry. When someone tries to breach a door or window, the first goal is usually to create a clean opening fast. Film changes the way the glass fails, which can increase time and effort.

But film selection is only part of the story. 3M’s guidance for its Safety & Security Window Films notes that certain applications (including break & entry) require the use of an attachment method on frames, such as 3M Impact Protection Attachment (IPA) Sealant, to anchor the filmed glass to the frame.
Reference: 3M Window Film for Schools and 3M Safety & Security Window Film Safety Series

The simplest explanation:

Film helps hold the glass together.
Attachment helps keep the filmed glass connected to the frame.
The combination is how you get better delayed-entry performance.

If your school is evaluating “how strong is strong enough,” the Glass Association of North America (GANA) has a dedicated technical paper on school security glazing that emphasizes assessing threats, vulnerabilities, and selecting tested options before specifying glazing solutions.
Reference: GANA School Security Glazing (PDF)

Core reason 3: It supports a layered school security approach

School physical security works best in layers: access control, visibility, staff procedures, communications, and building hardening strategies that don’t interfere with learning.

CISA’s K-12 School Security Guide is built around the idea of a layered, systems-based methodology rather than a single product “fix.” Security window tint fits that model because it strengthens a common vulnerability (glass openings) without changing daily operations the way gates or barriers might.
Reference: CISA K-12 School Security Guide (3rd ed.) PDF

In real-world school operations, security window tint can support:

Entry management at vestibules
More controlled lockdown zones by slowing breach points
Safer, more controlled responses after glass breakage
Reduced temptation for opportunistic break-ins after hours

Core reason 4: It can reduce downtime from vandalism and breakage

Even when incidents are “just vandalism,” the impact on a school can be large:

Cancelled classes in affected areas
Rerouted traffic through hallways
Temporary closures of entrances
Increased custodial workload and disposal costs

Security window tint can help keep glass more contained after breakage, which often speeds up the process of securing the area and getting the building back to normal. Some schools also pair security film on exterior-facing glass with protective options on vulnerable storefront glass.

If vandalism and tagging are common issues at certain doors or low windows, you may also want to look at:

Core reason 5: It can improve comfort in learning spaces

Many schools in Naperville, IL have bright classrooms, media centers, and offices where glare makes screens harder to see. While “security window tint” is often discussed for protection, many projects are planned as a combined improvement: safer glass plus better learning conditions.

Window film can also address:

Excessive brightness at certain times of day
Screen glare on smart boards and monitors
Hot spots near south and west-facing glazing

If your learning spaces struggle with glare, these pages are helpful:

Anti-Glare Window Film
Solar Control Window Film
Commercial Solar Control Window Tint

A good scope often separates goals by zone:

Security-focused glazing at entries and high-risk openings
Glare and comfort-focused glazing in classrooms and offices
Privacy and decorative needs in specific admin or counseling areas

Where security window tint matters most in Naperville schools

If you’re planning a phased approach, start with the openings that create the biggest risk and the biggest operational disruption.

Main entry vestibules and front offices

This is the highest-priority zone in many schools:

It’s the controlled access point
It’s heavily used during arrival and dismissal
It often includes large panes and multiple doors

School Window Tint
Security Window Film

Side doors and staff entrances

These doors often see less supervision and may be closer to parking or service areas. Security window tint can reduce how quickly glass can be cleared.

Classroom door sidelites and corridor glazing

Many schools use interior glazing for visibility. Some projects focus on keeping that visibility while improving breakage behavior. Others combine security film with targeted privacy strategies in specific rooms.

For privacy-related options:

Gyms, cafeterias, and high-traffic common areas

These spaces see more impact risk from sports and large groups. Glass retention benefits can be a strong reason to include them.

Service areas across the region

Many districts coordinate projects across multiple sites. We support campuses in Naperville, IL, plus nearby areas in Chicago, IL and Countryside, IL. For additional local service pages (useful for admins comparing coverage), see:

Security film vs safety film vs decorative film

School decision-makers often hear multiple terms. Here’s the clean breakdown.

Security window tint

Focus: delayed entry and glass retention
Best locations: entry doors, vestibules, side doors, vulnerable exterior openings
Often strongest when: paired with frame attachment methods recommended by the manufacturer
Reference: 3M Window Film for Schools

Safety window film

Focus: glass fragment retention to reduce injury risk
Best locations: gyms, cafeterias, corridors, high-traffic glass areas, doors where impact is likely
See:
Safety Window Film
Shatterproof Window Film

Decorative and privacy films

Focus: diffusion-style privacy while keeping light
Best locations: counseling areas, admin spaces, interior glass where privacy is needed
See:
Frosted Window Film
Commercial Decorative Window Films

Bottom line: you can mix these in the same school, and many campuses do.

What to look for before you specify security window tint

If you want the investment to be meaningful, align the project with a real assessment.

1) A vulnerability and risk-based plan

CISA’s guide promotes a structured approach to assessing vulnerabilities and implementing physical security options. That’s the best starting point for deciding where security window tint belongs.
Reference: CISA K-12 School Security Guide (3rd ed.) PDF

2) Tested systems and realistic claims

If someone promises “this stops everything,” that’s a red flag. Even ASTM’s F1233 page states the standard provides a basis for comparative evaluation and should not be used to confirm absolute prevention of forced entry.
Reference: ASTM F1233 overview

3) The role of frames and attachment

Film alone can help with retention, but delayed-entry performance often depends on how the filmed glass behaves at the frame. 3M’s school guidance calls out the importance of using the required attachment method for certain applications.
Reference: 3M Window Film for Schools

4) Clear project scope and sequencing

Many districts phase work:

Phase 1: primary entries and front office glazing
Phase 2: secondary doors and vulnerable exterior openings
Phase 3: interior glass and common areas (safety retention and learning comfort)

That sequencing helps you show progress quickly while staying aligned with the security plan.

What installation looks like in an active school building

School installs need planning. The goal is to protect learning time and keep traffic moving safely.

A typical project flow looks like this:

Step 1: Walkthrough and prioritization

We review:

entry zones, door types, and glass sizes
high-risk openings based on access and visibility
schedules that avoid peak student movement

Step 2: Film selection and system planning

We confirm:

glass type and condition
the correct film for your application
whether an attachment method is required based on the manufacturer’s guidance

Step 3: Staged installation

We usually work in stages so the school can keep operations steady:

after-hours work in high-traffic zones when needed
summer or break scheduling for broader building scopes
careful control of work areas for student safety

Step 4: Post-install guidance

We provide care instructions and explain what’s normal during the settling period.

If you want to plan security window tint for a campus in Naperville, IL, call (630) 355-6461 or schedule a consultation here: https://perfectionwindowfilms.com/contact-us/

FAQs

1) Does security window tint make school windows unbreakable?

No. It helps hold broken glass together and can support delayed entry, but it does not make glass impossible to break.
Reference: ASTM F1233 overview

2) Does security window tint stop an intruder completely?

It’s best viewed as a delay and safety measure. IWFA notes that properly specified and attached security film can slow down an intruder, buying time for response.
Reference: IWFA Safety and Security

3) Why do manufacturers talk about “attachment systems”?

Because anchoring filmed glass to the frame can improve performance in break & entry scenarios. 3M’s school guidance explains that certain applications require IPA sealant.
Reference: 3M Window Film for Schools

4) Where should Naperville schools start first?

Most schools begin with main entry vestibules, front office glazing, and secondary doors that are less supervised.

5) Can security window tint also help with glare in classrooms?

Sometimes, yes, depending on the film. Many campuses use separate film strategies: security at entries and glare-control film in learning spaces.

Explore:

Anti-Glare Window Film
Solar Control Window Film

6) Do you work on school facilities outside Naperville?

Yes. We serve Naperville, IL, Chicago, IL, and Countryside, IL, plus nearby communities.

7) How do we get a campus assessment started?

Call (630) 355-6461 or request a consultation here: https://perfectionwindowfilms.com/contact-us/. We’ll review your glazing, priorities, and recommend a scope aligned with your plan.

Sources

K-12 School Security Guide (3rd Edition), Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), February 2022, https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/k12-school-security-guide-3rd-edition-022022-508.pdf
K-12 School Security Guide Product Suite, CISA, (page date not listed), https://www.cisa.gov/k-12-school-security-guide-product-suite
School Security Glazing (FB71-24), Glass Association of North America (GANA), updated April 24, 2025, https://www.glass.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/FB71-24%20School%20Security%20Glazing_updated%204.24.25.pdf
Safety & Security Education Manual, International Window Film Association (IWFA), April 2024, https://iwfa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Safety-and-Security-Education-Manual-1.pdf
Safety and Security (Window Film Education), IWFA, (page date not listed), https://iwfa.com/safety-and-security/
3M™ Safety & Security Window Film for Schools, 3M Building Window Solutions, (page date not listed), https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/building-window-solutions-us/resources/window-film-for-schools/
3M™ Safety and Security Window Film Safety Series, 3M, (page date not listed), https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b5005059013/
ASTM F1233-21 Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials and Systems, ASTM International, 2021, https://www.astm.org/f1233-21.html

Our Google Reviews

Table of contents