Some people have discussed a 3M product that can be put on windows to keep them from being easily broken. We have one window that I feel is particularly vulnerable, and I was wondering if perhaps clear Contac paper might help prevent breakage. It wouldn't hold up under a direct sustained assault, but the 3M stuff probably wouldn't either. Might Contac paper keep a molotov cocktail or rock from landing on the dining room floor?

-- Pearlie Sweetcake (storestuff@home.now), October 12, 1999

Answers

Try DuPont Lexan, available at home Depot.

-- Pinkrock (aphotonboy@aol.com), October 12, 1999.

Good question, Pearlie. We've been thinking about making 'stockade' shutters out of corrugated steel. Paint 'em black, and they might look okay. 'Course, you've got to get them closed before they'll do any good, and it would be sooooo gloomy to have to keep them shut all the time.

Does the stuff from DuPont really work?

-- Arewyn (isitthatlate@lready.com), October 12, 1999.

Contact paper? Fat chance unless it is really sticky. All the contact paper I have seen has a pretty weak adhesive though. Next, it is going to look like crud on the windows, fairly obvious.

The 3M stuff is expensive, but meant for that sort of thing (security). It is supposed to be able to last a while (not perfect though).

Another alternative is to get the windows tinted. A lot of the tints can at least hold the glass together if it gets broken. Nowhere near the 3M stuff, but possibly better than nothing.

Another solution may be just to make something to fill in/cover the window (plywood or storm shutters) that you can put in when you feel the need.

Finally, remember, if someone wants to get in that window, they probably will. So the main goal you want is to at least have some warning that someone is doing so, so you can get your weapon of choice and greet them. :)

-- James Collins (jacollins@thegrid.net), October 12, 1999.

The lexan is wonderful stuff. If I wanted to make a window very difficult to penetrate, I would put a sheet of 1/4 inch clear lexan over the interior frame. A one piece sheet, installed with screws spaced evenly around the edge. Every 8 to 10 inches should do it. Lexan drills easily, not like plexiglass that will crack easily during drilling.

You will not be able to "throw" anything through such an arrangement. You could batter it in eventually with some sort of ram, but it would be a lot of work, and quite noisey.

The more readily available 1/8 inch thickness should stop most objects also.

I replaced some plexiglass with lexan on a horse trailer. I was worried about gravel going through the front windows into horsey's eye. Did some testing with 1 inch diameter rocks and a slingshot, it did not slow down going through plexiglass. But it just bounced off the lexan.

Sorry, I did not perceive molotovs as a threat at the time, so did not test for them.

The lexan is more pricey than plexi, but is well worth it.

-- justtryntohelp (beenthere@donethat.com), October 12, 1999.

Hi - Appreciate the info. on Lexan. Can you give me a general idea of the cost for a piece of Lexan to cover a window that's approximately 30" wide by 60" long. Does it come in standard sizes or do you have to get a big piece like a 48" x 96" (4'x8') and have it cut to size? Thanks.

-- Diana (healthy53@hotmail.com), October 12, 1999.

It has been a while since I bought any Lexan brand polycarbonate sheet. The name brand stuff lists for about $5 per square foot for the 1/8 inch (in a 3 year old supply catalog I found, Aircraft Spruce and Speciality) This is an aviation supply catalog, they usually have the highest prices on everything.

It is available in generic form, for less money. 30 to 40 percent less if memory serves me right. The best place to buy it is from a plastics supply house. They are listed in the yellow pages near larger cities.

If you end up with scraps, it makes great protective lenses for flashlights, gauges, etc.

Good luck..

-- justtryntohelp (beenthere@donethat.com), October 12, 1999.

Pearlie,

I'm assuming you're trying to save some money. The answer to your question is yes....sort of. Anything sticky on the window will absorb some impact and help to hold the glass together. The stickier that something is (as well as flexible), the better job it will do. The kind of contact paper that is made to be easily removable doesn't have a whole lot of adhesion, so it will only work for fairly light weight objects. If you can find the kind that is unshirted murder to get off your shelves (not even sure it's made any more), that will work better.

If you're not terribly concerned about the appearance factor, strips of duct tape would probably be a better choice. There are also transparent weather-stripping tapes available, which are pretty sticky, and have the added advantage of letting the light in.

-- Bokonon (nok0non@my-Deja.com), October 12, 1999.

Thanks for all of the help. I'm not only trying to save money, but to think of something I could put on the wondow right now and leave on it until... whenever this threat is over. Clear contac paper seemed feasible. I'm still pondering the possibilities.

-- Pearlie Sweetcake (storestuff@home.now), October 13, 1999.