Is there a difference?

[Guest MoW]

Between 4mil and 8 mil when it comes to dual pane insulated windows? Got a price for 4mil and 8 mil but was told that only 4 mil would be needed since I have dual pane insulated windows already. I thought 8 mil is the minimum for security and wind protection regardless. there is only a $2 price difference in the 4 vs 8 so I'm leaning towards 8. Any help---thanks.

[carolinatinter]

depends on the location/situation at hand...

why is it you are looking towards security film in the first place. that might get you some better responses

[Guest vclimber]

There is a difference between 4 and 8mil not matter what the glass is... One is 4mil and the other is 8mil thick.

[Guest MoW]

depends on the location/situation at hand...

why is it you are looking towards security film in the first place. that might get you some better responses

Location--Florida, about 35 miles inland

Why----security and wind protection during storms

[Guest Jacob]

4 mil = safety >>>>>>>>>>>(in case of one sudden impact of a stone, ball, kid etc.)

8 mil and above = Security >>>(intrusion attempt, natural disaster or terrorist acts)

[Guest tallscott]

8 Mil. is th ticket. Don't lean towards 8 Mil. RUN!!!!

[Guest Key West]

8 Mil. is th ticket. Don't lean towards 8 Mil. RUN!!!!

Scott is right. For wind born debris protection, at 35 mi inland, you are still well within the 110 mph wind zone.

http://www.thermatru.com/TradeResources/Bu...CodeSummary.pdf

The link above should explain the code in general terms.

You need more than small missile protection. But be aware that 8 mil, even with attachment, does NOT meet Miami\Dade protocol.

[Guest VOLTRON]

I would go for the 8 mil, you being that close to the water it would be better to be over protected then under. However like key said it will still not meet protocall.

[Guest MoW]

Thanks for the input----that's what I was leaning to. He said 4 mil was up to 120 and 8 mil was up to 155----he said that 4mil on a dual pane insulated was sufficient and different then applied to a single pane. 1 other thing, he DID present a document(that he said was just released) showing that the 8 mil Llumar Magnum PASSED both the small & large missile impact test. If I can get a copy of it I will pass it on.

[Guest Key West]

Thanks for the input----that's what I was leaning to. He said 4 mil was up to 120 and 8 mil was up to 155----he said that 4mil on a dual pane insulated was sufficient and different then applied to a single pane. 1 other thing, he DID present a document(that he said was just released) showing that the 8 mil Llumar Magnum PASSED both the small & large missile impact test. If I can get a copy of it I will pass it on.

Make sure that the "document" is from an independent test lab, and that it was multiple impacts of a NINE pound 2x4. Some tests were done with a 4 pound 2x4 Miami/Dade LARGE MISSILE IS A 9# 2X4 shot at a velocity of 35 ft per sec. Multiple (3) impacts with no penetration.

I dont believe for a second that the film passed. In order to pass, they would have to test the film on every conceiveable framing/glazing system. If LLumar passed, so would SolarGard, SunGard, SunTek, and everyone else. All S&S films are pretty much equal, except of course the beloved "Micro-Layered" stuff that WE ALL KNOW is superior!!!

4 mil passes small missile impact, and is ok on some high rise applications above so many feet. But it's not gonna save yer skin in a Hurricane.

What nobody who decides these things seems to understand, or be willing to look at, is the actual benefits of S&S film. Take a 5' x 5' window. With 8mil, even if a 2x4 penetrates, a 3" hole in your glass is CERTAINLY better than a 25 sq ft hole in your wall. 8mil really should pass, but again, it must be tested with every framing system. There is something else going on with that!!! The film itself should be the criteria, not the film/framing system. Let Anderson, Pella and the rest do thier own testing.