Safety Film Protecting the Largest Home in Pinellas County, Florida
“When I see hurricanes approaching the coast, I feel secure in knowing I have Solar Gard safety film installed on my windows.” Matt Geiger, owner of the largest home in Pinellas County, Florida.
It’s no wonder that the largest home in Pinellas County, Florida, owned by 7-foot-1 former NBA player and real estate mogul Matt Geiger, has become a drive-by attraction for many local residents.
The provocative multi-million dollar estate spans 28,500 square feet (2,648 square meters) and rests upon 40 acres of land – it’s every bachelor’s dream consisting of a no-expense-spared entertainment level, atrium enclosed natural shower and elaborate aquarium walls. Plus, all of the home’s expansive windows offer phenomenal views of Geiger’s spectacular landscape, 300,000-gallon water wonderland and his menagerie of exotic animals.
Yet, the same windows that offer unprecedented views also posed a threat to his distinctive home accessories, beautiful high-end furnishings, and exquisite hardwood and stone flooring. These valuable possessions were vulnerable to two distinct harms: violent weather and ultraviolet light.
From June to November, hurricanes are a common threat for Geiger. The forceful winds are capable of turning outdoor objects into dangerous missiles, which could easily break his windows during impact and send hazardous shards indoors. Penetrating wind, rain, and airborne debris could cause further property damage. Plus, rain or shine, ultraviolet light was an everyday threat to Geiger’s fine furnishings – the leading cause of fading in fabrics, paintings and woodwork, which he was already noticing.
Seeking a single, proven solution for storm protection and furnishing preservation, Geiger called independent Solar Gard window film dealer Nick Tsamis of Shatterproof Security Laminates. For optimum storm protection, Tsamis suggested installing 2,800 square feet (260 square meters) of Armorcoat 8 Mil Clear safety film from Solar Gard with a wet-glaze anchoring system (a caulk-like substance applied to the film’s edge along the window frame). The resilient film helps hold the shards in place, while the anchoring system keeps it secure in the frame. Plus, the clear film blocks almost 100 percent of damaging ultraviolet radiation.
Extensive testing indicates that anchored Armorcoat 8 Mil safety film will provide Geiger’s windows a significant amount of glass protection during most storm scenarios. And, his home furnishings will retain their luster and color longer, thanks to the ultraviolet rejection properties of the film.
“When I learned that safety film provided storm protection, as well as ultraviolet radiation rejection, the decision was easy,” said Geiger. “When you live in Florida, any protection against hurricanes is a great investment.” What Geiger likes best is that no one can tell he’s had anything done to the windows.
Installation Summary
Problem:
- Expansive windows vulnerable to violent weather
- Premature ultraviolet damage of interior furnishings
Solution:
- Armorcoat 8 Mil Clear safety film from Solar Gard
- Dow Corning 995 Anchoring System
Amount of film:
- Over 2,800 sq. ft. (260 sq. meters)
Benefits:
- Optimum glass breakage protection
- Helps protect interior during violent weather
- Reduces risk of personal injury and property damage
- Helps protect against fade damage
