Adding a Layer of Protection to a Wisconsin Government Facility using Security Window Film

Kenosha County in Wisconsin recognized the need to install safety and security window film on glass doors and windows of multiple buildings within the Kenosha County Courthouse Campus after severe riots and vandalism took place in 2022.

The government agency’s goal was to mitigate substantial risk to Kenosha’s citizens and public officials under potential terrorist threats and public riot behaviors.

Florida-based IES Window Films was awarded the contract to supply and install the safety and security window film.

Security Window Film: Identifying a Solution

After consideration of the market’s options for safety and security window film, keeping in mind any special conditions regarding the building’s construction, it was decided to move forward using Madico SafetyShield® 800 with an Impact Protection Adhesive.

SafetyShield® 800 is a high-performance safety and security film designed to provide a yield strength of 14,000 PSI average MD/TD and a break strength of 240 lbs per inch. At 9.5 mil thick, the safety tint is constructed with multi-ply laminate film. The security film works by holding shattered glass shards together after impact, protecting both people and property.  

SafetyShield® 800 also contains solar control properties. The film rejects 34% of the sun’s heat-producing infrared rays while also offering 99% protection against UV rays, a leading source of fading furniture and flooring. This leads to a more comfortable interior as well as an added layer of security.

Once the project commenced, Kenosha County requested that IES Window Films include the application of Madico’s Optivision® Reflective 15 solar film to the Skywalk Bridge that connects two locations within the Courthouse Campus. Optivision® Reflective 15 is a solar control film designed to reduce glare by 84%, reject up to 91% of the sun’s heat-producing infrared light and block 99% of UV rays. The film will increase comfort as people traverse from building to building.

Security Window Film: Overcoming Challenges

Based in Florida, IES Window Films decided to take the necessary equipment, including all of the film, materials and installation tools, to ensure its team could immediately begin work upon arrival. Mobilizing IES’ full in-house installation team and all of the necessary cargo across 1,200 miles was demanding, but in turn, helped shorten the completion time of the installation.

For this location, IES Window Films also had to maintain effective communication with Kenosha County to make sure the project had a constant flow of work, while avoiding any intrusion to the work hours and operations of the Kenosha County Courthouse. Establishing a good rapport with the Kenosha staff was critical in achieving this goal.

Security Window Film: Successful Outcome

Due to its efficiency and turnkey operations, IES completed installing the required 9,000-square-feet of film in just nine days. Ultimately, I.E.S was successful in providing the courthouse campus with a safe and uniform solution to mitigate substantial risk to Kenosha’s citizens and public officials.

“The safety and security of the American public is very important to IES Window Films, and we look forward to our next opportunity to provide our services in the hopes of protecting more learning and working environments,” said owner Saul Buchinsky.

Since 1985, IES Window Films has improved the comfort and safety of homeowners and business leaders nationally and internationally. As a Premier, 3M™ Certified dealer, our trained installers have a higher level of expertise on 3M™ Window Film products and solutions. For more information about IES Window Films, call (352) 245-0833 or visit ieswindowfilms.com.