Serious discussion RE: Security Film Installation Malfeasance

[A Film Salesman]

Totally new here. I can barely install any tint or film, but I have been selling film for a very successful architectural/flat glass dealer for the last 2 years.  I recently learned about something that has been weighing on me quite heavily, and I thought someone here might be have some advice or help steer me in the right direction. 
 

The company I work for has benefitted greatly from the recent “security film boom”, especially with respect to schools, churches, etc. We have secured several contracts with school boards all across our state, as well as many local private schools and pre-schools. As one of the lead sales people, I have personally benefited from this boost in demand, securing many extremely large sales over the last 2 years. 
 

It recently came to my intention that my boss has been instructed our installation team to “bend the rules” regarding some of the manufacturing specifications of proper installation of certain products we use on a regular basis. This specifically relates to the installation of DOW 995 structural adhesive. Rather than take the time to pull the gaskets and back fill the channel with backer rod OR flush trim the gaskets to the frame, my boss has been specifically instructing our team to install the caulk directly over the rubber gaskets, which appears to be a big NO-NO with that specific product. (I realize that this is not a problem with 3M IPA, but we are about 50%-50% on use of one or the other on all projects)
 

Furthermore, we (the installation team) have been adding Jet Dry to the soap water mixture used when installing any and all security films to prevent the occurrence of “champagne bubbles” behind the film; no matter the brand, interior or exterior, or film thickness. I can’t find many resources as to whether this matters or what implications it might have for the effectiveness of the adhesive, but I can’t find any information that suggests this is advisable either. 
 

It is the case with many of these jobs, that I am the only real “face” the client knows with regard to the sale or installation of their products. I don’t know how much, if any, these “corner cuts” compromise the function of the products, but it seems extremely sleazy to do this simply to make a few extra bucks or save a day or two on a job site when those potentially being put at risk are school children. 
 

Anybody have any advice? Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill? Do I bear any liability as the person who sold this film that was not installed properly?

 

Im all ears. 
 

Thanks

[A Film Salesman]

“Recently came to my attention” not intention. 

1 minute ago, A Film Salesman said:

Totally new here. I can barely install any tint or film, but I have been selling film for a very successful architectural/flat glass dealer for the last 2 years.  I recently learned about something that has been weighing on me quite heavily, and I thought someone here might be have some advice or help steer me in the right direction. 
 

The company I work for has benefitted greatly from the recent “security film boom”, especially with respect to schools, churches, etc. We have secured several contracts with school boards all across our state, as well as many local private schools and pre-schools. As one of the lead sales people, I have personally benefited from this boost in demand, securing many extremely large sales over the last 2 years. 
 

It recently came to my intention that my boss has been instructed our installation team to “bend the rules” regarding some of the manufacturing specifications of proper installation of certain products we use on a regular basis. This specifically relates to the installation of DOW 995 structural adhesive. Rather than take the time to pull the gaskets and back fill the channel with backer rod OR flush trim the gaskets to the frame, my boss has been specifically instructing our team to install the caulk directly over the rubber gaskets, which appears to be a big NO-NO with that specific product. (I realize that this is not a problem with 3M IPA, but we are about 50%-50% on use of one or the other on all projects)
 

Furthermore, we (the installation team) have been adding Jet Dry to the soap water mixture used when installing any and all security films to prevent the occurrence of “champagne bubbles” behind the film; no matter the brand, interior or exterior, or film thickness. I can’t find many resources as to whether this matters or what implications it might have for the effectiveness of the adhesive, but I can’t find any information that suggests this is advisable either. 
 

It is the case with many of these jobs, that I am the only real “face” the client knows with regard to the sale or installation of their products. I don’t know how much, if any, these “corner cuts” compromise the function of the products, but it seems extremely sleazy to do this simply to make a few extra bucks or save a day or two on a job site when those potentially being put at risk are school children. 
 

Anybody have any advice? Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill? Do I bear any liability as the person who sold this film that was not installed properly?

 

Im all ears. 
 

Thanks

“It recently came to my attention” not “intention” 🙄

[Tintguy1980]

You definitely have a conundrum. 

 

Schools and govt have been doing safety film for years now. Sadly, if the film isn't anchored when applied to tempered glass, which is what might be in doors leading into a school, a shooter can put a couple bullets through film and glass and kick the panel out along the edges. In commercial window glass framing, there are no guarantees with these type installs from a 'keeping them safe' perspective. It really depends on the size of hammer used, if you get my drift. The instructions for attachments are based on laboratory testing, including field testing for blast protection.

 

It sounds as though the boss man might be putting people in harms way by cutting corners or eliminating steps in instructions to achieve maximum effectiveness. IDK what the client is trying to achieve. For instance, being confronted by an AK or AR wielding individual? Those weapons can easily cut a hole in filmed glass settings I less than a minute allowing the perp to kick out an opening or walk through in the event the panel simple collapse due to loss of structure.

 

I was once in sales and wound up leaving them to do their bidding without me. I know far too much for my own good in selling. If it troubles you enough, you'll find yourself selling yourself to some who has scruples like you and I.

 

Before I left the industry jetdry was coming on the scene. I don't remember what the chemist said about its use installing film, but you certainly can make an attempt to find out straight from the horse's mouth. Eastman Chemical owns many film brands and is 3M's largest and most formidable competitor, so you can call them in Martinsville, Virginia @ 276-627-3000 and ask to speak to one of the chemists in research to get the answer to jetdry use. I'm not as sure about getting the skinny through 3M.

 

That's all I can add to your dilemma.

 

Lots of luck.

Edited 13 hours ago by Tintguy1980