Is The Window Place USA an authorized vendor for government window film procurement?

Yes. The Window Place USA is a SAM.gov-registered vendor (CAGE Code: 52MH9, DUNS: 807327700) and an authorized distributor of Saint-Gobain SolarGard architectural window films. We accept GSA SmartPay and P-Cards for federal and municipal procurement of ASTM F1642-compliant Armorcoat blast mitigation films and solar control films.

Which window film is recommended for school safety and delayed intrusion?

For school safety applications, we recommend SolarGard Armorcoat Safety and Security Window Film in 8-Mil or 14-Mil thicknesses. These films are tested to delay forced entry, buying critical time for law enforcement response, and hold shattered glass together to minimize injury during impact events. Both the 8-Mil and 14-Mil products are certified to ASTM F1642 blast mitigation standards.

Does SolarGard Ecolux 70 Low-E qualify for the Federal Energy Tax Credit?

SolarGard Ecolux 70 Low-E window film may qualify for the 30% Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit (Section 25C, IRS Form 5695) under the Inflation Reduction Act for qualifying residential installations through December 31, 2032, subject to an annual cap of $1,200. Consult your tax advisor to confirm eligibility for your specific installation.

Does The Window Place USA ship window film to all 50 states?

Yes. The Window Place USA ships factory-sealed SolarGard master rolls via FedEx Ground and Freight to all 50 states. Orders placed before 2:00 PM EST are eligible for same-day dispatch. We do not offer overnight or expedited shipping options.

GSA & DHS Guidance: Blast Mitigation & Safety Film Rolls for Historic & Federal Buildings

Posted by The Window Place USA on Mar 17th 2026

Sources: U.S. General Services Administration. Technical Preservation Guidelines: Upgrading Historic Building Windows. April 2009. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Shatter-Resistant Window Film Market Survey Report. January 2015. Public domain.

The Challenge of Securing Historic Facilities

Securing federal buildings against modern threats while preserving their architectural heritage presents a unique challenge for facility managers. Many government buildings, courthouses, and embassies feature historic, multi-paned windows that cannot simply be replaced with modern, bulky blast-resistant glass without destroying the building's character.

To bridge this gap, both the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommend a less intrusive, highly effective solution: shatter-resistant window film. For procurement teams, purchasing supply-only safety film rolls offers a preservation-approved method to meet federal security mandates using in-house maintenance crews.

Reversible Blast Retrofitting Measures

When upgrading historic windows, the GSA's Technical Preservation Guidelines mandate that "a demonstrated effort must be made to keep historic frames and sashes in place" [1]. To achieve this, the GSA lists "interior window film" as a primary "reversible blast retrofitting measure" [1].

The GSA specifically notes: "For some buildings, applying shatter-resistant Low-E film to window glazing is the least costly and least intrusive option for reducing heat gain from sunlight and reducing risk of injury from flying glass as a result of high wind or a blast condition" [1]. Because the film is applied directly to the existing glass, it provides critical fragment retention without permanently altering the historic muntins or window frames.

DHS Standards for Blast Mitigation

The DHS reinforces the effectiveness of this approach in its Market Survey Report on shatter-resistant window film. The DHS defines these films as a "laminate used to improve post-failure performance of existing windows," noting that they are "often used to protect critical infrastructure such as airports, transportation venues, government facilities, and other buildings vulnerable to attack" [2].

For historic buildings where full mechanical attachment (anchoring the film to the frame with metal battens) might damage historic wood or metal frames, the DHS notes that "wet-glazed systems" are the preferred alternative. This involves applying the film to the glass and using a structural silicone adhesive around the perimeter. The DHS report states that this method is "generally used in historical buildings—especially windows with multiple small panes where a mechanical attachment cannot be used or will not fit" [2].

Why Supply-Only Procurement Works for Historic Sites

Purchasing window film in bulk rolls is particularly advantageous for managing historic properties.

Procurement Benefit	Application for Historic Buildings
Custom Sizing	Bulk rolls (36" to 72" wide) allow in-house maintenance teams to custom-cut film to fit irregular, arched, or custom-sized historic glass panes [2].
Dual Performance	GSA guidelines recommend combining blast protection with energy efficiency. Modern Low-E security films reject solar heat while securing the glass, satisfying two mandates at once [1].
Cost Control	Retrofitting historic windows using specialized contractors is notoriously expensive. Supply-only rolls allow agencies to utilize their own skilled facility engineers for application, drastically reducing project costs.

The Window Place USA: Rolls for Federal Retrofits

The Window Place USA supplies heavy-duty, GSA-compliant safety and security window film rolls to federal agencies and historic preservation projects. Our bulk rolls provide the exact specifications required to secure historic glass without compromising architectural integrity.

SAM.gov registered. P-Card accepted. Agency quotes available. Standard ground/freight shipping to all 50 states. Contact: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the GSA approve window film for historic buildings?
Yes. The GSA's Technical Preservation Guidelines specifically list "interior window film" as a reversible blast retrofitting measure that helps keep historic frames and sashes in place while meeting security goals [1].

What is a wet-glazed installation system?
As described by the DHS, a wet-glazed system involves applying the security film to the glass and then using a high-strength structural silicone adhesive around the perimeter of the window frame to anchor it. This is highly recommended for historical buildings where mechanical metal anchors cannot be used [2].

Can security film also save energy?
Yes. The GSA notes that shatter-resistant Low-E (low-emissivity) films provide the dual benefit of reducing the risk of injury from flying glass while simultaneously reducing heat gain from sunlight [1].

References

[1] U.S. General Services Administration. "Technical Preservation Guidelines: Upgrading Historic Building Windows." Center for Historic Buildings. April 2009. https://www.gsa.gov/system/files/Windows.pdf
[2] National Urban Security Technology Laboratory. "Shatter-Resistant Window Film Market Survey Report." System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER). U.S. Department of Homeland Security. January 2015. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/SRWF-MSR_0115-508.pdf