The Best Security Screens for Coastal Homes
Key Takeaways: Coastal Security Screens
What are the best security screens for coastal homes?
The best security screens for coastal homes are manufactured using 316 marine-grade stainless steel, which features added molybdenum to resist chloride corrosion and salt spray better than standard 304-grade steel.
How often should coastal security screens be cleaned?
Homes located within 1 to 5 kilometres of the ocean should wash their security screens every 2 to 4 weeks, while homes within 500 metres require weekly cleaning to remove corrosive salt build-up and protect the warranty.
Do coastal security screens require special testing?
Yes. Premium coastal screens, like the SaltWater Series, should be independently tested to withstand over 3,000 hours of neutral salt spray testing and comply with Australian Standard AS 5039.
The Best Security Screens for Coastal Homes
Living near the beach is one of the great Australian lifestyle advantages. Fresh sea breezes, natural light, and easy access to the coast make seaside living highly desirable.
However, coastal environments also present unique challenges for homeowners. Salt-laden air, strong winds, harsh weather conditions, and ongoing exposure to moisture can accelerate wear and corrosion on many building products, including security screens.
If you’re researching the best security screens for coastal homes, this guide explains what to look for and why not all security screens are designed for life near the ocean.
Choosing The Best Screen Doors & Windows For Coastal Homes
Watch Our Coastal Home Security Screen Upgrade
In this video, SP Screens upgrades a beachside home located just metres from the ocean using CommandeX SaltWaterSeries security screens. The project demonstrates how the right security screen system can provide security, airflow and long-term durability in a coastal environment.
Why do coastal homes need different security screens?
One of the biggest challenges facing homes near the beach is corrosion. Salt particles carried in the air can settle on building materials and, over time, contribute to deterioration if products are not specifically designed for coastal conditions.
While standard flyscreens may be suitable for keeping insects out, they typically provide little security and are not engineered to withstand the harsh coastal environment experienced by many Australian seaside homes.
What is 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel?
Not all brands of stainless steel security screens on the Australian market use the same grade of stainless steel mesh.
The two most common grades used in security screen mesh are 304 and 316 stainless steel. While both provide corrosion resistance, 316 marine-grade stainless steel is a superior grade as it contains an additional 2–3% molybdenum. This makes it significantly more resistant to chloride corrosion, salt spray, and harsh coastal environments.
Why testing matters for coastal screens
Products designed for coastal environments should be supported by independent testing rather than marketing claims alone. SaltWaterSeries security screens have been independently tested to withstand more than 3,000 hours of neutral salt spray testing, making them particularly suitable for harsh coastal environments.
Why is compliance with Australian Standard AS 5039 important?
When purchasing security screens, it’s important to understand that not every screen sold is actually a security screen. Security screen doors and windows sold in Australia should comply with Australian Standard AS 5039, which assesses whether a product can resist common methods of forced entry.
To comply with the standard, security screens are subjected to a series of independent performance tests, including:
- Knife Shear Test – Can the mesh withstand repeated attempts to cut through it with a knife?
- Dynamic Impact Test – Can the screen resist a heavy impact, such as a forceful kick?
- Jemmy Test – Can the screen be pried away from its frame using a levering tool?
- Pull Test – If the jemmy test creates a gap, can the screen be pulled from the frame?
- Probe Test – Can gaps be widened to gain access to locks, handles or latches?
How often should you clean coastal security screens?
One common misconception is that marine-grade security screens are maintenance-free. All mesh and sheet security screens act much like a large air filter. As air passes through the screen, airborne contaminants, moisture, and salt particles can accumulate on the mesh and frame.
{Maintenance Video Coming Soon]
Read Video Transcript: Security Screen Maintenance
Like any product exposed to the ocean environment, regular maintenance is important. SaltWater Series security screens act much like a large air filter, collecting salt and airborne contaminants over time. We recommend if you live close to salt water, wash your screens regularly to take away any debris of salt buildup and to lessen the effect of corrosion. Simple cleaning as outlined in the care guide helps keeps the screens performing and looking their best for years to come. With simple ongoing maintenance, SaltWater Series security screens are backed by a generous 20-year warranty.
The recommended cleaning frequency depends on how close your home is to the ocean:
- 1–5 km from the coastline: Every 2–4 weeks
- 500 m–1 km from the coastline (or within 5 km of a new development site): Every 1–2 weeks
- Within 500 m of the coastline, or up to 2 km on exposed escarpments: Weekly
Following the recommended cleaning schedule helps remove salt deposits and airborne contaminants, keeping your security screens looking their best and supporting long-term performance and warranty requirements.
Case Study: Beachside Home Security Screen Upgrade
For this project, SP Screens replaced ageing flyscreens throughout a coastal home located approximately 100 metres from the beach.
[Window Security Video Coming Soon]
Read Video Transcript: Securing Coastal Windows
Most homeowners think about securing their doors, but what about their windows? Standard fly screens are designed to keep insects out, not intruders. They can often be pushed through and cut or damaged with relatively little force. That’s why these street-facing windows are being upgraded from standard fly screens to SaltWater Series security screens. The stainless steel mesh is see-through, allows excellent air flow while also creating a strong barrier against forced entry. Security is not all about doors. Many homeowners are choosing security screens for both their doors and their windows, providing protection for their whole family.
Products Installed (All CommandeX SaltWater Series):
- Front porch sliding security screen door
- Balcony stacker door security screens
- Fixed security screen windows
- Fall Safe security screens to upstairs windows
The completed installation provided the homeowners with a security screen solution designed specifically for their coastal environment. The result was stronger security, improved airflow and a corrosion-resistant screen system engineered for life near the ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a flyscreen and a security screen?
A flyscreen is designed primarily to keep insects out, while a security screen is designed and tested (to AS 5039 standards) to provide a stronger barrier against forced entry while still allowing airflow and visibility.
Are security screens suitable for windows as well as doors?
Yes. Security screens can be installed on both doors and windows, helping improve home security while maintaining airflow and visibility, and can even act as Fall Safe screens for upper levels.
Need Security Screens for a Coastal Home?
If you live near the coast and are looking for coastal corrosion-resistant security screens, speak with your local SP Screens team. Book your free measure and quote today.
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