It’s a sad reality that property managers, school and university security and asset protection management have to consider methods to protect people and assets.
Perimeter protection; including stand-off barriers, etc. increased law enforcement and surveillance and access control are essential components of an enhanced security footprint.
Hardening of your facility glass windows and doors is another cost-effective and effective life safety improvement that has been effectively employed at government facilities, embassies and potential targets of terrorism throughout the world.
When evaluating physical security measures for educational institutions, commercial properties, and government facilities, glass represents the single most vulnerable entry point. Standard architectural glass—and even tempered glass—can be easily compromised within seconds using basic hand tools or blunt force.
To address this structural vulnerability, Advanced Film Solutions has spearheaded critical physical security enhancements across the Southeast USA, supplying and installing high-specification solar safety shatter window films for all Hillsborough County K-12 Public Schools as well as numerous other high-profile commercial and institutional facilities.
The Core Security Strategy: Delay, Deny, and Deter
Security experts and law enforcement agencies evaluate physical security measures through time-based friction models. In an active shooter or forced-entry situation, every second bought translates directly into lives saved. Heavy-duty window security film operates directly on this principle:
DELAY: When struck by blunt objects or ballistic rounds, standard glass shatters and falls away immediately. Security film holds the shattered glass fragment matrix intact within the frame. Even after repeated hits, the intruder must expend substantial physical energy and extra time trying to tear through or push past the reinforced layer.
DENY: By retaining structural integrity under impact, the film denies quick “shoot-and-walk-through” or “smash-and-grab” entry. Access to door handles, interior locks, and immediate entry points remains obstructed, preventing access into classrooms, hallways, and administrative suites.
DETER: Attackers operate on speed and element of surprise. When a window fails to give way after multiple strikes, it creates an unexpected physical barrier and audible disturbance. This psychological friction often forces the perpetrator to abandon the attempt or falter long enough for emergency response teams to neutralize the threat.
The protective glazing films and associated attachment systems all meet Federal GSA blast mitigation guidelines.
The various iterations of security film cover a wide spectrum of light transmissions and levels of privacy. The coatings range from clear to dark silver reflective versions
Why 8 Mil + Thick Film is the Professional Baseline
Not all window films offer security capabilities. While thin solar-tint films (1.5 to 2 Mil thick) provide excellent heat and UV rejection, true shatter-resistant security protection requires a minimum baseline of 8 Mil (0.008 inches / 200 microns) or thicker, constructed from multi-ply, high-tensile polyester layers.
Key technical advantages of 8 Mil+ safety film include:
High Tensile & Tear Resistance: Multi-layered construction resists puncture and tearing under intense impact pressure.
Structural Anchoring Systems: When combined with wet-glaze silicone anchoring systems (such as Dow Corning 995), the film locks the entire glass unit securely to the window frame, preventing the whole pane from collapsing inward.
Dual Solar & Security Benefits: Advanced films serve a dual purpose—blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays, reducing glares, and lowering HVAC energy costs, while simultaneously hardening the building perimeter against physical threats and storm debris.
Advanced Film Solutions partners with premier window film manufacturers to deliver customized protection tailored to each facility’s architecture. Our team installs thicker 8 Mil+ security solutions from industry-leading brands:
3M™ Safety & Security Window Films: Micro-layered nanotechnology designed for maximum tear-resistance during force-entry and blast events.
LLumar® & Vista™ Safety Films: High-performance optics paired with heavy impact-resistant adhesion.
Madico® SafetyShield® Systems: Time-tested threat mitigation systems trusted by government and institutional facilities nationwide.
Avery-Dennison & Armorcoat® (Solar Gard): Superior solar control combined with multi-ply resilience against severe physical impact.
By outfitting all K-12 campuses in Hillsborough County Public Schools—one of the largest school districts in the United States—Advanced Film Solutions has demonstrated that campus hardening can be retrofitted cleanly, efficiently, and cost-effectively without replacing existing glass infrastructure.
Hardening perimeter glass gives administrators, faculty, law enforcement, and first responders the most vital asset in an emergency: TIME.
To learn more about campus hardening, solar control, and 8 Mil+ safety film installation across Florida and the Southeast USA, contact the experts at Advanced Film Solutions today.
They are economical and practical solutions that should be considered as a major component for your perimeter and building envelope protection.
Get a no-cost estimate and take an active step in protecting your staff, visitors and property.
Florida summer is in full force. With ongoing heat advisories and storm season actively underway, homeowners and condo owners across Tampa Bay, Pinellas, Pasco, St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Sarasota face a double challenge: sky-high energy bills and the threat of severe weather.
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between extreme air conditioning costs and glass safety. Advanced Film Solutions delivers industry-leading 3M and Eastman Window Films designed to fortify your glass, slash electric bills, and keep your indoor space cool and comfortable year-round.
When heat advisories hit Central and West Florida, your HVAC system works overtime to keep your home cool. Windows are the primary entry point for solar heat gain in Florida homes and condominiums.
By applying high-performance solar control films from 3M and Eastman, you can reject up to 79% of solar heat before it enters your living space. The result?
Balanced room temperatures throughout your entire home
Our films bring your sliders and windows to the Sea Turtle light requirements for condos and homes along the gulf beaches.
2. Storm Season Protection Against Flying Debris
Severe weather requires a strong, proactive defense. Standard glass breaks easily when struck by airborne tree branches, flying debris, or violent wind gusts. Broken glass leaves your home exposed to wind-driven rain and severe internal damage.
Our micro-layered3M and Eastman Safety and Security Window Films act as a resilient protective shield. While no film makes glass entirely indestructible, these high-tensile films hold shattered glass fragments together upon impact—preventing flying shards from entering your interior and helping hold the envelope of your home against storm winds.
Tired of squinting at your television or battling blinding sun glare on your computer screen? Window film cuts distracting glare without turning your rooms dark or obstructing your beautiful outdoor views.
Furthermore, solar window films block 99.9% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, protecting your hardwood floors, leather furniture, drapes, and artwork from costly sun fading and premature damage.
Advanced Film Solutions recommends thicker security film applications when you are seeking solar benefits like lowered electric bills, comfort and privacy.
Dual purpose solar safety films stop heat and glare while providing the effective barrier against intrusion.
Dual benefit security solar films can block up to 80% of the heat from entering your home.
Privacy from the street.
UV is filtered by 99.9%
Lower monthly cooling costs by 50%
Meets deed restrictions.
Will slow down, deny entry allowing law enforcement addition time to respond.
May qualify for tax incentives.
Key Benefits at a Glance:
Energy Efficiency: Cut monthly cooling costs by up to 30%.
Storm Security: Keep shattered glass intact against storm debris and flying impact.
UV & Glare Defense: Block 99% of UV rays and eliminate screen glare while keeping natural light.
Condo & Home Friendly: Clear outdoor views without changing external aesthetic rules.
Get Your Free Estimate Today!
Don’t wait for the next heatwave or storm warning to take action. Protect your home, your family, and your wallet with the ultimate window film solutions from 3M and Eastman.
Serving homeowners and condo communities throughout Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Sarasota.
It takes an intruder mere seconds to shatter a standard window and gain access to your home or business. But you can stop them in their tracks.
Slowing down thieves starts with your first line of defense: premium shatter-resistant window film. At Advanced Film Solutions, we use industry-leading 3M Ultra and LLumar safety films to hold shattered glass firmly in place, making forced entry exceptionally difficult.
Alarm systems will alert law enforcement but the thieves will be long gone when they arrive.
That’s why thousands of home and business owners throughout Tampa Bay, Orlando and Sarasota select Advanced Film Solutions protective glazing window films.
Security films are much thicker than standard solar films.
These films are designed to keep the window envelope intact against forced entry.
Many clients take advantage of our solar tinted security films for maintaining comfort and decreasing glare.
Privacy can also be obtained while simultaneously protecting against theft.
Advanced Film Solutions represents global window film leader Eastman Chemicals and our LLumar, Huper Optik and SunTek films offer a variety of appearance and solar performance.
The 3M Ultra and Prestige Ultra Series. Ideal for deed restricted communities.
We are also pleased to offer Armorcoat, Madico and Avery-Dennison, Solar Safety and Security window film.
Slowing down burglars by denying entry may be your primary objective but solar versions will reduce your AC costs and provide a fast ROI.
But it’s not just about security! Our advanced combination films work overtime for your property by:
✅ Blocking Heat & Glare – Keep your space cool and lower your energy bills.
✅ Rejecting 99% of UV Rays – Protect your furniture, floors, and inventory from fading.
✅ Storm Preparedness – Home and business owners in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Sarasota know how vital it is to protect against high winds and flying debris.
Our films help maintain your building’s weather barrier during severe weather.
Protecting your home from burglary or shattered glass requires critical thinking and preparation.
When it comes to your home, “good enough” isn’t in our vocabulary. At Advanced Film Solutions, we understand that homeowners in Tampa Bay, Orlando, Sarasota, and beyond face a unique “triple threat”: relentless solar heat, fading from intense UV rays, and the ever-present need for storm and home security.
Our promise is simple: We provide the world’s best window film technology, tailored specifically to your home’s needs, installed with a level of expertise you won’t find anywhere else.
Most shops carry a single brand. We believe your home deserves a custom fit, not a one-size-fits-all sales pitch. By partnering with global leaders like 3M, Eastman (Vista and LLumar), and Huper Optik, we offer a portfolio of NFRC-certified solutions that are as diverse as the Florida landscape.
Our Premium Solutions
Product Line
Key Benefit
Ideal For…
3M Prestige
Uses 200+ layers of nanotechnology to reject 97% of IR heat without changing your home’s look.
HOA-restricted communities and homeowners who love their view.
3M Night Vision
Better sight at night with low interior reflectivity.
Homes with beautiful nighttime views of the city or water.
Huper Optik
Patented nano-ceramic technology that is 100% metal-free and dye-free.
Coastal properties; immune to salt-air corrosion.
Vista & LLumar
Superior optical clarity and diverse dual-reflective options.
Maximum daytime privacy and high-performance glare reduction.
We don’t just “tint windows”—we provide high-tech glass upgrades. Here is what you can expect when you choose the Advanced Film promise:
Expert Consultation: Led by a team with over 52 years of experience at 3M, we understand the physics of glass. We help you choose a film that meets your aesthetic goals while slashing your energy bills by up to 30%.
Safety First: Our 8-mil (and thicker) security films act as an “invisible shield,” holding glass together during smash-and-grab attempts or accidental impacts.
HOA Friendly: We specialize in non-reflective, spectrally selective films that satisfy even the strictest deed restrictions in communities like Westchase, Lakewood Ranch, and The Villages.
Professional Peace of Mind: We are a family-owned, BBB A+ rated company. Our installers are full-time employees—not subcontractors—ensuring a flawless, bubble-free finish backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
These thicker coatings (typically 8 ML) are available in clear versions as well as a host of tinted alternatives ranging in light transmissions and appearance.
Stop the Heat, Keep the View
Don’t spend another summer behind closed drapes. Whether you are in Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, or Hillsborough, Advanced Film Solutions is your one-stop source for a cooler, safer, and more comfortable home.
Ready to see the difference for yourself?
Delaying and denying entry will let law enforcement respond in time from your alarm systems and this will deter theft.
Advanced Film Solutions is the region’s leading provider of high-performance window film and security glazing systems.
With a specialized focus on 8 Mil solar shatter films and professional attachment systems, our team has secured thousands of homes, major commercial developments, and the entire Hillsborough County school system. We pride ourselves on delivering “The Ultimate Shield” for your glass, combining world-class solar protection with industrial-grade safety.
Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, Sarasota, Bradenton, Orlando
Living in Tampa Bay, Clearwater, Bradenton, or Orlando comes with some undeniable perks—the beaches, the theme parks, and that year-round vacation vibe. But there is a hidden cost to our “Endless Summer”:The Florida Sun.
In many of the newer housing developments across Florida, you’ll notice a recurring theme: beautiful architecture with massive sliding glass doors, but almost zero mature shade trees to protect them. The result? Excessive heat gain, blinding glare, and skyrocketing energy bills.
Is Your Living Room Doubling as a Sauna?
You shouldn’t have to keep your blinds drawn all day just to keep your home comfortable. When that unfiltered Florida sun hits your glass, three things happen:
Solar Heat Gain: Your air conditioner works overtime, struggling to fight the heat radiating through your windows.
Glare: Trying to watch TV or work on your laptop becomes a battle against the screen reflection.
UV Damage: Those beautiful, expensive floors and furniture are slowly fading under the constant assault of harmful UV rays.
The good news? You don’t need to replace your windows or plant a forest in your backyard to find relief.
At Advanced Film Solutions, we specialize in professional-grade window film technology that acts as a sunscreen for your home. Our films are engineered to reject the vast majority of solar heat before it ever enters your living space.
Why Choose Window Film?
Immediate Comfort: You will feel a noticeable drop in the temperature near your windows the moment the film is applied.
UV Protection: Our films block up to 99% of damaging UV rays, preserving your flooring, upholstery, and artwork.
Glare Reduction: Enjoy your views without the squinting. Eliminate distracting reflections on your screens.
Energy Savings: By reducing the load on your HVAC system, you’ll see lower monthly utility bills. For many homeowners, the film literally pays for itself in a short period through energy savings alone.
Take Back Your View
Don’t let the tropical sun dictate the comfort of your home. You bought your home to enjoy it, not to hide from the light. With a quick, professional installation from Advanced Film Solutions, you can keep the view, lose the heat, and start saving money on your very next energy bill.
Advanced Film Solutions team of installers are experts in the installation of thick clear and solar combination window film.
Homeowners who are interested in improving their security protection to reinforce glass openings against impact would be wise to consider the combination solar safety films since there will be an improved return on investment in lowered electric cooling costs and comfort.
Ready to Feel the Difference?
Don’t let the harsh sunlight dictate how you use your home. Whether you are in a brand-new build in Lakewood Ranch or a classic home in Orlando, we have the specialized films to meet your needs and budget.
Your home’s windows provide light and a view of the beautiful Tampa Bay landscape—but they are also the weakest point in your home’s thermal and structural envelope. In the heat of a Florida summer or the face of an unexpected intruder, standard glass offers very little protection.
At Advanced Film Solutions, we specialize in a “best of both worlds” upgrade for homeowners in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando counties. By combining Sun Control Window Film with Shatter-Resistant Mylar, we transform your existing windows into high-performance shields.
Here is why this dual-benefit upgrade is the smartest investment you can make for your home this year.
1. Superior Climate Control (And Lower Bills)
Florida sunshine is relentless. Without protection, your windows act like magnifying glasses, heating up your interiors and forcing your AC to work overtime.
Heat Rejection: Our energy-saving films block up to 80% of solar heat before it ever enters your home.
Cost Savings: By reducing the load on your HVAC system, many homeowners see a significant drop in their monthly cooling costs.
UV Protection: Our films filter out 99% of harmful UV rays, which are the primary culprit behind the fading of your expensive hardwood floors, rugs, and furniture.
2. Enhanced Home Security and Safety
While energy film handles the heat, our thicker, transparent Shatter Film Mylar handles the impact. This isn’t just a tint; it’s a structural reinforcement.
Burglary Deterrence: Most break-ins occur through glass. While it’s not “unbreakable,” shatter-resistant film holds the glass shards together within the frame, making entry extremely difficult and time-consuming for a would-be intruder.
Storm Protection: In the event of high winds or flying debris, the film prevents glass from shattering inward, protecting your family from dangerous flying shards.
Accident Safety: From a stray golf ball to a child playing nearby, “safety film” ensures that an accidental impact doesn’t result in a trip to the emergency room.
3. Maximum Comfort Without Losing the View
Many people worry that “protective” film means dark or reflective windows. Fortunately, modern technology allows for high-clarity films. You get all the benefits of a “cool” home and a secure perimeter without sacrificing your natural light or your view of the Gulf or the garden.
As Tampa Bay’s leading window film installation company, we understand the specific challenges of the Florida climate. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; we customize our installations to meet the specific needs of your Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, or Hernando County home.
The result? A home that is cooler, safer, and more energy-efficient from the moment we finish the installation.
Ready to protect your home?
Don’t wait for the next heatwave or a security scare to upgrade your windows.
Advanced Film Solutions asks that you consider the practical and affordable benefits of window film.
Even if your alarm system is down our coatings continue to strengthen your glass.
Advanced Film Solutions has been protecting schools and day care centers throughout Tampa Bay, Orlando and Sarasota with security glazing window film since early 2007.
Protecting Our Most Important Spaces: The Benefits of Advanced Security Window Film
In an unpredictable world, the safety of our children and community members is a top priority. Schools, daycare centers, and religious institutions are meant to be sanctuaries—places of learning, growth, and peace. However, these buildings often feature large glass entries and windows that represent a significant vulnerability.
At Advanced Film Solutions, we’ve dedicated ourselves to hardening these “soft targets” across Florida. Our experience includes large-scale projects like the Hillsborough County K-12 school system, where we installed high-performance security films to protect students and staff.
If you are a facility manager or board member, here is why a free estimate for a professional security film installation is your first step toward a safer environment.
Why Choose Shatter-Protective Film?
Window film does more than just tint glass; it acts as a transparent shield. When high-impact force is applied—whether from an attempted break-in, a storm, or a blast—the film holds the glass fragments together within the frame.
Mitigates Forced Entry: Security film denies easy access to an intruder by delaying entry, providing critical seconds for law enforcement to respond.
Safety from Spall: In the event of glass breakage, the film prevents dangerous shards (spall) from flying inward and causing injury.
Privacy & Solar Protection: By opting for a solar security hybrid, you can obscure the view into sensitive areas (like classrooms or offices) while reducing cooling costs by up to 30%.
The Power of Choice: Industry-Leading Brands
No two buildings are identical. During a free consultation, we help you navigate the specific strengths of the world’s most trusted film manufacturers:
What consumers may not know is that Eastman Chemical is the world’s largest manufacturer of solar and solar security window film.
3M has created the innovative Prestige portfolio that meets deed restrictions and is available in shatter solar combination versions.
Additionally our brands include LLumar, Vista, SunTek and Huper Optik.
3M is the leader in window film based on their well known Scotch brands, etc. and 3M window film is the top choice for residential and commercial films.
The decision concerning which choice to make will be based on your specific requirements and aesthetic preferences.
Solar Films:
The Eastman solar film portfolio includes a wide choice in light transmissions and appearance.
Reflective and dual reflective films as well as non-reflective ceramic and spectrally selective films.
Eastman’s LLumar film meets all critical testing requirements including GSA, DOD and ASTM and European Smash standards.
Choices include several neutral choices, silver and several dual reflective security films as well as thicker coatings of 7, 8, 11 ml or thicker for various applications.
The Huper Optik ceramic films are IR heat blocking choices ideal for deed restricted or gated communities.
3M Prestige series are available in shatter versions and are less reflective than glass. These meet gated community rules and provide safety and security benefits.
Additionally the clarity of the Eastman adhesives is incomparable.
Huper Optik is dye free so the heat filtering capabilities of the Huper Film will not degrade over time.
Consumers will benefit by a direct comparison by calling Advanced Film Solutions toll free at 877-575-3456
