Is Safety Window Film Fire-Code Compliant? What Bay Area Homeowners Should Know

More Bay Area homeowners are upgrading their windows with safety or security window film — especially after seeing how it prevents injuries during break-ins, earthquakes, or storm damage.

A common concern we hear at Low Price Window Tint (Dublin CA) is:

“If I add this film, will firefighters still be able to break through the glass? Is it against fire code?”

Let’s clarify what the safety window film in the Bay Area actually does, how California fire and building codes treat glazing, and why the film is completely compliant when installed on standard (non-fire-rated) windows.

What Safety & Security Window Film in the Bay Area Really Does

Safety and security film is a clear, high-tensile polyester layer applied to the interior side of your existing windows.

It’s designed to:

• Hold broken glass fragments together during impact, reducing injuries and damage (IWFA, 2024)

• Delay forced entry, giving occupants extra response time (IWFA, 2024)

• Provide UV protection and improved solar control when paired with solar films

What it’s not:

• It’s not a fire-rated glazing material

• It’s not unbreakable — firefighters and emergency personnel can still break through filmed glass using standard rescue tools

That’s exactly why fire codes do not mention or restrict safety film—it’s considered a passive safety enhancement, not a barrier.

Fire Code & Building Code in California

🔥 Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies

The California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 7 (§ 716) governs fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies—specific tested systems combining glass, framing, and sealants that can resist fire or heat for a set period.

These are labeled products tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263 standards.

Source: California Building Code 2022, Chapter 7, Section 716

🧯 Safety Glazing in Hazardous Areas

CBC § 2406 and CRC § R308.4 specify where safety glazing (tempered or laminated) is required — around doors, showers, stairs, or low-level windows (Building in California, 2014).

👉 None of these sections prohibit or even mention surface-applied window films.

Expert & Industry Positions

• International Window Film Association (IWFA) calls safety film a “fragment-retention enhancement,” emphasizing that it’s not a fire-rated glazing replacement (IWFA, 2024).

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and GSA documents on shatter-resistant films note that they improve occupant safety and blast protection but may slightly delay entry by only seconds—firefighters are trained for this.

• Solar Gard (Armorcoat) markets its 8 Mil film for impact protection, injury reduction, and debris containment — not as a fire barrier.

Firefighter Access: Myth vs Reality

Let’s clear up the biggest misconception:

“Once you apply film, firefighters won’t be able to break through.”

False.

Here’s the truth:

• The safety window film holds shards together, adding minor resistance (seconds, not minutes).

• It doesn’t stop tools like axes, halligans, or window punches.

• Thousands of schools, hospitals, and government buildings across the U.S. use 8 mil safety film specifically for occupant safety, and all remain fully compliant with local fire codes.

• The California Fire Code focuses on flame spread, combustibility, and egress obstruction — not surface films on existing windows.

In other words, the glass remains breakable and accessible to emergency personnel.

Pleasanton & Bay Area Building Code Clarification

The City of Pleasanton follows the California Building Code 2022 and has no local amendment restricting the use of interior safety or security film on non-fire-rated windows (ecode360.com Pleasanton Building Code § 15.04.010).

As long as:

✅ The window isn’t part of a labeled fire-rated assembly

✅ The installation doesn’t block emergency exits or create a new hazard

…the application of 8 Mil Safety Film is fully compliant with Pleasanton and California codes.

Summary

Category	Code Status	Explanation
Non-Fire-Rated Windows	✅ Compliant	Film enhances safety without changing fire rating
Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies	⚠️ Restricted	Film may void listing unless part of tested system
Firefighter Access	✅ No Issue	Still breakable with standard tools
Fire Code Mention	🚫 None	Film is not referenced in CBC § 716 / CFC

What It Means for Bay Area Property Owners

When installed correctly, safety window film is a code-compliant upgrade that:

• Improves occupant safety

• Helps meet insurance or security requirements

• Adds peace of mind without impacting emergency response

Before applying to fire-rated glass (doors in stairwells, rated partitions), confirm whether the product is listed for that specific assembly — otherwise, film all your standard glazing safely.

If you want to enhance safety without compromising compliance, Solar Gard Armorcoat® 8 Mil Safety Film is a trusted choice.

It keeps glass intact during impact, reduces injury risk, and remains fully code-compliant for typical residential and commercial windows across the Bay Area.

📞 Call 925-515-2979 or visit www.lowpricewindowtint.com to schedule your free on-site quote.

References

1. California Building Code 2022 – Chapter 7 Fire & Smoke Protection Features § 716 (codes.iccsafe.org)

2. California Building Code Summary of Changes (2022) – Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies (cao-94612.s3.amazonaws.com)

3. Safety Glazing Guide for Hazardous Locations (CBC § 2406 / CRC § R308.4) (buildingincalifornia.com)

4. International Window Film Association – Safety & Security Film Education Guide (iwfa.com)

5. IWFA – Safety & Security Film Overview (iwfa.com)

6. SAFTI First – IBC & Fire-Rated Exterior Openings (safti.com)

7. City of Pleasanton Building Administrative Code § 15.04.010 (ecode360.com)