What Doors are Best for Security?
Key Takeaways: Quick Guide to Security Screen Doors
What separates a genuine security door from a flyscreen or barrier door?
A genuine security door features a triple locking system, mesh clamped deep into an extruded aluminium frame, and must legally pass AS 5039 forced entry resistance testing.
What are the best materials for a security screen door?
The top three security screen materials on the market today are 316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh, perforated aluminium, and traditional welded steel bars.
Does installation quality affect a security door’s performance?
Yes. Even the best security door needs professional, AS 5040-compliant installation to perform as designed and successfully withstand forced entry attempts.
How to choose a security screen door for your home
A secure front entrance isn’t one product — it’s a system. Your solid primary door does the heavy lifting, but it’s the certified security screen door working alongside it that lets you keep that primary door open without opening your home up to intruders, mozzies, or flies.
The catch is that not every screen door that looks the part is built to the part. A basic flyscreen or safety door might keep insects out and give you a visual barrier, but only a genuine, lab-tested security screen door is engineered to withstand an actual forced-entry attempt.
In this guide, we’ll break down what really separates a security door from a flyscreen, walk through the materials and styles on the market, explain the Australian Standards that matter, and help you find the right fit for your home.
FAQ: What is a security screen door?
A security screen door is a mesh and frame combination that’s engineered and tested to meet Australian security standards for everyday protection while helping to maintain airflow in your home and visibility outside.
Flyscreen, Barrier Door, or Security Door: What’s the Real Difference?
Quality security screen doors help protect your home against intruders and keep out insects while allowing you to enjoy the safety and comfort of your home.
So, what makes a security screen door secure? Unlike safety screens, manufacturers design and test security screen doors using robust materials like structural-grade aluminium and 316 marine-grade stainless steel to meet relevant Australian Standards. These tough materials help the screens withstand everyday wear, as well as defend against intruders.
A security screen’s design also plays an important role. Patented fixing systems help secure the mesh into the frame, and triple-lock mechanisms keep the screen firmly in place while improving structural integrity and longevity.
At SP Screens, we work with CommandeX security screens because of their premium quality, durability, and high-quality construction.
If you refer to the image and video below below, you’ll see they use a two-part wedge system that locks in the screen with an aircraft-grade adhesive and creates space between the screen itself and the aluminium frame to secure the frame and prevent corrosion over time.
Source: SP Screens The Ultimate Guide to Security Screen Doors & Windows
Security screen doors don’t mean closing your home off from the outside world. Their value goes beyond delivering protection against unwanted guests (intruders and insects alike), offering fresh airflow through your home, natural light, and unobstructed views to the outdoors.
And with custom manufacturing and professional installation, your security screen can complement and enhance the look of your home, rather than taking focus away from your style.
What is the difference between an Australian Standards-certified security door and a barrier door?
An Australian Standards-certified security door is a product that’s been independently tested to meet strict AS 5039 requirements, which assess performance through six tests. A barrier door isn’t required to meet the same criteria.
What are the best security screen materials? (and Why Diamond Grille Didn’t Make the List)
The strongest and most durable security screens on the market are constructed from stainless steel mesh, perforated aluminium, and traditional steel bars.
Stainless steel mesh
Stainless steel mesh is made from 304 or 316 stainless steel strands woven to form a mesh grid. It’s a popular option for homeowners wanting security without sacrificing airflow or visibility.
Benefits:
- Strong airflow and insect protection
- Clear outward visibility
- High tensile strength
Can you see through a stainless steel mesh security door from the outside?
While stainless steel mesh home security screen doors allow for outward visibility, they help to reduce visibility into the home during the day. Visibility depends on mesh grade, aperture size, and lighting conditions.
Perforated aluminium
Perforated aluminium is made from a single solid sheet of structural-grade aluminium with precision-punched holes. Perforated aluminium is a great choice for homeowners wanting a more solid-looking screen.
Benefits:
- Strong airflow and insect protection
- Solid appearance
- Acts as a sunshade to reduce heat
Traditional steel bars
Traditional steel bars are connected through patterns and are typically welded or riveted into the frame. Steel bars are often chosen for their traditional appearance and visible deterrence.
Benefits:
- High rigidity and strength
- Strong visible deterrent
- Durable
You may have noticed we didn’t include diamond grille screen doors on this list. These metal screens were once a popular option in Australian homes, but they’ve largely been replaced by the options above, which offer better visibility, airflow, design appeal, and safety compliance.
Now that you have an overview of the materials available, the next step is finding a design that’ll fit with your home layout.
Why do woven mesh security doors cost more than traditional diamond grille doors?
Woven mesh security doors are made from high-tensile 304 or 316 stainless steel mesh and are typically more expensive than traditional grille doors because they’re part of an engineered security screen system.
How do you match your home design with a security screen door?
Custom-made security screens come in a range of designs to suit your space, from single-entry doors and French doors through to large sliding and stacking options.
Security screen panels can be hinged or stacked, with both options folding away discreetly when you want to open up your living areas. The length and size of your entryway won’t impact the quality and protection of a security screen door when it’s custom-made and professionally installed.
Why installation matters just as much as the security screen itself
Our installation experts have seen enough doorways to know a standard door opening is rarely perfectly square, even in new builds. This means that, if you decide to install an off-the-shelf safety screen door yourself, you might be compromising on safety.
In fact, there are Australian Standards relating not only to the security screen doors themselves, but also to the professional installation of a security screen door, defined in AS 5040. That’s why you should always make sure your security installation company adheres to this code to make sure your door works as it’s designed to.
Many Australian states and territories stipulate licences that businesses and/or employees must hold in order to sell and install security equipment, including security screens. Make sure the company you’re purchasing a security door from, as well as their installer, has a licence. Ask to see it.
Our expert installers here at SP Screens all follow AS 5040 installation requirements and are trained through the National Security Screen Association to securely fit safety screens to industry standards. They also undergo additional in-house training for specifically installing CommandeX security screens — the security screens we work with.
How do our most popular security screen doors compare?
The table below gives you a snapshot of the three security screen doors we trust and install, including their benefits and safety features.
What’s the difference between security screen doors?
| Criteria | SecureView security doors | SaltWaterSeries security doors | Xceed security doors | Traditional steel bar security doors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 316 marine-grade stainless steel infill, aluminium frame | 316 powder-coated marine-grade stainless steel infill, aluminium frame | Structural-grade perforated aluminium infill, aluminium frame | Welded carbon steel tubing |
| Security performance | Exceeds Australian Standards (AS 5039), Cyclone rated, Fire rated | Exceeds Australian Standards (AS 5039), Cyclone rated, Fire rated | Exceeds Australian Standards (AS 5039) | High |
| Hole aperture | 1.57mm | 1.57mm | 2.20mm | N/A |
| Airflow | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Visibility | High, clear outward visibility | High, clear outward visibility | Moderate, reduced direct visibility compared to mesh | Moderate, partially blocked view |
| Privacy | Medium | Medium | High during the day | Low |
| Appearance | Modern and minimalist | Modern and minimalist | Modern, solid appearance | Traditional grille design |
| Best suited for | Homeowners who are looking for a balance of security, airflow, and clear visibility | Homeowners who are living in coastal areas or red-dust-prone areas | Homeowners who are prioritising privacy and a more affordable option | Homeowners with heritage-style homes or heavy-duty commercial doors |
If you’re interested in finding out how these products would work for you, our friendly and experienced local teams offer free in-home consultations, which include a free quote and expert advice on finding a product that fits your budget, home, and needs.
What Does Australian Standard AS 5039 Actually Test?
Security screens need to undergo independent testing designed to simulate forced-entry tests to meet Australian Standards.
The benchmark for security screens is Australian Standards 5039, which was developed to give our industry and customers specifications on the requirements and performance of security screen products.
The Australian Standards include six tests to assess the strength and durability of the product:
1. The knife shear test: Can you cut a knife through the screen?
2. The dynamic impact test: Can a heavy impact or kick break through the screen?
3. The jemmy test: Can the screen be pried off the frame?
4. The pull test: If the jemmy test creates a gap, can the screen be pulled from the frame?
5. The probe test: Can gaps be created in the screen, providing access to locks or latches?
6. Corrosion test: Is the screen durable and resistant to corrosion over time?
At SP Screens, the security screen systems we install are tested and certified through NATA-accredited laboratories and comply with AS 5039.
How do security screens stand up to extreme Australian conditions?
Living in Australia means having access to amazing beaches, national parks, and natural wonders. However, it’s not always sunshine and great views. Our rugged climate can leave homes exposed to some pretty extreme weather conditions.
Quality security screens are durable enough to stand up to even the toughest of Australian climates. Here are a few ways security screen doors can offer added protection for your home and your family.
Bushfire protection
Floating embers, radiant heat, and direct flame can affect homes in bushfire-prone areas. To make your home more resilient, CSIRO recommends installing metal mesh screens with an aperture of less than 2mm on openable windows to protect against floating embers. This is a strict requirement for the construction of new homes in fire-prone areas in accordance with AS 3959-2009.
Both SecureView and SaltWaterSeries security doors have a hole aperture of 1.57mm and satisfy the requirements for BAL 40 and under.
To assess the severity of risk posed by bushfires in your area, you can identify your home’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating using this detailed step-by-step tutorial. The scale runs from low (insufficient risk) to FZ, indicating direct flame exposure.
Cyclone resistance
Installing a high-tensile mesh can act as a strong shield against flying debris for homes in cyclone wind regions, where winds can reach up to 317km/hr. You can check with your local council to determine what wind region your home is in.
A security screen needs to pass testing under the Australian Standards 2010:AS/NZS1170.2 to be classified as cyclone-resistant. The test features a missile test and a ballistics test to simulate projectiles in extreme weather conditions.
Both SecureView and SaltWaterSeries security doors have been tested and certified for cyclone regions.
Saltwater corrosion resistance
If you’re a homeowner living in a coastal area, a security screen door that’s corrosion-resistant is a must. Salt air and sea spray cause tiny sea-salt particles to settle on surfaces and pull moisture from the air, speeding up the chemical breakdown of metal.
The SaltWaterSeries security screen features a heavy-duty powder coating to protect against rust and has passed a 3,000-hour neutral salt spray test, proving its durability in coastal environments.
Wear and tear durability
From overly excited dogs to nimble cats and active children, a premium security door needs to withstand more than the natural elements. Unlike fibreglass flyscreens that can stretch, sag, or tear, high-tensile 316 stainless steel and structural-grade aluminium mesh screens don’t bow to pressure or mark from scratches.
Both SecureView and SaltWaterSeries security doors maintain their rigidity and appearance, thanks to high-tensile stainless steel mesh and sturdy aluminium framing.
Some homeowners with pets choose to install a dog door into their security screen. While it’s possible to do so, it’s important to know the installation will mean your security door no longer meets Australian Standards.
Source: SP Screens
What our customers say about our security screen doors
At SP Screens, we love being able to help our customers find solutions to their unique home setups. Here’s some feedback from our customers:
| “SP Screens did an awesome job at coming up with a solution to block out the view of a neighbouring house. The finished look is stylish and durable. Thanks team for a seamless job!” | “Very good communication from SP Screens. Installation went very smoothly. Installer was very professional and friendly advising us of options during the installation to ensure the final job met our expectations. He left the worksite clean and tidy with a first class installation. The screen is of very good quality at a very reasonable cost. I would definitely use SP Screens again.” | “We saw some off-the-shelf DIY screens but decided to go with SP Screens and we are so glad we did. These are made to order, colour matched to our taste and look so much better than the flimsy ones we saw elsewhere, and they were installed for us. Definitely worth the wait. Our new retractable fly screen looks great on our balcony. We will definitely use SP Screens again in future.” |
Ready to enhance your comfort and security?
We want our customers to enjoy high-quality and custom-made security screen doors that provide safety and peace of mind.
At SP Screens, we work with trusted and reputable security screens from CommandeX to give our customers a range of options that enhance the security and protection of their home while matching their budget and needs.
Our knowledgeable local teams are trained and licensed to help you find the right security screen door solution, from measurement through to installation.
If you’d like to upgrade your home with security screens, our friendly team would love to help. Book a free measure and quote today.
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