>Finally, I could go from 2 ml. to 4 ml. for some hurricane and security protection.

As a Floridian, the one thing we hear over and over and over from the state and local authorities is that NO film is really suitable for hurricane protection. There isn't a single one on the market that meets FL storm protection requirements, so I'm not sure how much you'll really get by going thicker.

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to respond, very helpful. I had tinted window film installed in 1979 on my prior Houston home. It had a slight purple tint, but we were happy with it. After about 25 to 30 years, it started to develop some ripples from the direct sun. I removed it when the home was put up for sale two years ago. Also, the film on several of the windows was scratched when our 60 lb. dog jumped on the windows trying to get at the cats and squirrels outside.

A lot of people in our town use a local window tinting business to tint their windows. I have never noticed a difference in the look of the windows inside the home, just less glare and a clearer view to the outside. There are several levels of film, just like sunglasses---some are almost like mirrors, some are barely tinted. From the outside, the more highly tinted windows have a reflective look to them, and some people use that on garage windows so people can't see in (at night with indoor lights on, they would be able to see).
We recently had a devastating tornado in the area, and many people with the tinted windows still had to replace the windows, but the glass didn't break into tiny pieces and end up in their furniture.
If you don't have a local supplier, Vista brand has a very good reputation. If you visit their website you may find a supplier in your area.

Gila window film is an easy DIY application and will save you a lot of money. You spray on a soap and water solution for the film to float on, and then trim it to fit with a razor and straight edge. Then squeegee out the water and it adheres. There are several different types including tinted or reflective, but I'm pretty sure they make a very light tint that reflects heat.

That price sounds high to me. We had several windows done in a previous home (some were triangle near the ceiling) and the cost was nowhere near $1000.
I would get more estimates and info. Maybe things have changed the past few years but I don't think you can get UV protection and perfectly clear windows.

Thank you to all responders. Sallymo, your info that the film held the glass in place was especially helpful. I have no illusions that the film will keep the glass from breaking, but if it decreases interior damage by holding the broken window in the frame, that would be a real benefit. Also, when I look into other brands, will check out Vista as you suggested. Annz, I believe that the ceramic film does allow clear windows and UV protection. We'll see when the samples arrive.

I had profession film put on 5 skylights with a slight blue tint, it's aids with UV and heat. In my LR and DR (quote was 1,000), I used Gila (as described above). The first two windows I re-did, the rest came out very good. The film I used on all helps with heat and UV light. I just bought more for my bedroom windows which faces East.