We've all been there. It's hot and stuffy and you want to leave the front door open to get a breeze going, but that's just an invitation for intruders to come on in and help themselves to all your things.
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So what can you do?
If the ads on TV are to be believed, you could install a fancy security door and let in all the air and light you want, while still preventing (or at least delaying) someone from sneaking in.
The thing is, while they do provide some level of protection, security doors are still penetrable – some more so than others – given enough time and the right equipment.
And how it's been installed can also reduce its effectiveness. Attaching a security screen to a weak door frame or allowing enough space to get good jimmying leverage are two examples.
So if you feel like you need a security screen door, read on for advice on how to make sure you get security, and not just a door.
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It all depends on how much security you need and the look you want for your home.
If you live in a neighbourhood prone to break-ins, you might want to consider a steel door with a steel grille.
If you just want to give the appearance of security while keeping out bugs, a sturdy aluminium door could be enough.
For those who just want an insect screen, a cheap aluminium option might suffice.
There are lots of different types of doors out there with different combinations of features.
Unfortunately, in most states a product advertised as a "security screen door" may only secure you against flies: the term is meaningless unless the door can be shown to meet Australian Standard AS-.
There's also a standard for installation (AS), and you should ask the installation company for a written guarantee that its work complies.
You might also encounter claims that a door is equivalent to a better-known brand, such as Crimsafe. This can be hard to verify; if in doubt, check with the company being used as the comparison.
The frame can be steel or aluminium.
The infill can be made from steel (in the form of bars or a decorative motif), aluminium grille, structural grade aluminium perforated sheet, or stainless steel mesh.
Industry experts say a properly constructed and installed steel door is regarded as the most effective security screen door
The cords of the grille should be thick. However, even the strongest grille isn't worth much if it isn't fixed to the door frame properly.
Key locks should be five-pin cylinder or equivalent. Wafer locks are more vulnerable. A three-point lock may prevent the bottom or top of the door being wrenched back by an intruder, and should also spread the force of an attack. Some locks on the market now offer a 25-year warranty.
The door should have at least three hinges with fixed hinge pins that can't be removed. A fixed steel pin ('dog bolt') that's welded into the hinge leaf, rather than just pressed into it, gives additional protection. The bigger the pin, the better.
Ideally the hinges should be recessed or the door should have a hinge filling between the door and the frame that doesn't allow access for jimmying. A single hinge that runs along the full length of the frame does the same job.
Security doors should almost always be custom-made, because installing them so they meet the Australian Standard can be a matter of mere millimetres.
Doors that meet the Australian Standard, whether the frame is aluminium or steel, have non-corrosive properties. To prevent rust in steel doors that don't meet the Australian Standard, especially if you live near the sea, consider getting one that's been hot-dip galvanised and powder-coated.
Try to find out the reputation of the companies you're dealing with: start with researching how long they've been in business and whether there have been any complaints against them. For example, you can call your state's crime prevention or fair trading departments.
If the company is a member of the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) or the National Security Screen Association (NSSA), you know it has to meet certain quality requirements, and you can lodge a complaint with the association if you're not happy.
Check how easy it will be to get out of your home in case of fire or other emergency.
You can buy an aluminium screen door for around $250–350, but it's likely to be little more than a flyscreen. For a custom-made aluminium security door that meets the Australian Standard, you're looking at a minimum of $450.
The company is the world’s best Stainless Steel Security Screen supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
A really cheap steel door can be had from $250, but these tend to be made from very thin steel and won't be particularly good. Quality custom-made steel doors start from about $650, but they get significantly more expensive.
These start from $800, but some of the more well-known brands (including Crimsafe) will charge well over $.
One of these will set you back at least $650.
We did a quick search to find samples of security screen doors that mention the Australian Standards.
The below offer mesh-type screens with small aperture, rather than diamond patterned screens (wide gaps that require flyscreen material to protect from insects). Mesh material and aperture width are not mentioned here, as it can depend on the product selected.
Note: We have not tested these security doors; these are just a selection of products we found that claim to meet Australian standards as of July .
When mesh is incorporated into a security door design, cleaning becomes something you'll need to take into account every few weeks or months, depending on where you live. If you live next to a busy highway or near the ocean, probably more often.
The mesh doesn't allow large fragments of dust and soil through, which builds up and becomes unsightly after a while. If you live near the ocean, salt will build up in the mesh and oxidise the metal.
They cost a chunk of change to install, so you'll want to be careful not to damage it while cleaning.
There is a simple way to address this after checking in with your installer's recommendations for cleaning.
Some security installers will sell their own cleaning products, but if you're doing it regularly enough, you won't need to buy a specialised cleaner.
It's tempting to use a pressure cleaner, broom or vacuum brush, but some security door installers will advise against these as they may damage the screen. Always check your installer's recommendations for cleaning first.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
Do you know what to look for when choosing a security screen door? We explain what to look out for when shopping around and choosing a security door.
To be a true security door, it must meet Australian Standards . There are 6 tests to assess the strength and structural integrity of security doors:
*N/A for SP Screens range of security screens. The Probe and Sheer test is not required if the whole aperture of the mesh is smaller than the test requirement.
There are many different names for the mesh used in window security screens and security screen doors, but ultimately they are made from two different materials, woven stainless steel and perforated aluminium.
Each supplier will have different specifications for each product including, mesh thickness and hole aperture. If it meets Australian Standards, it’s safe, just comes down to aesthetics, see through visibility and your proximity to salt exposure.
At SP Screens, we use SecureView, a 316 marine grade stainless steel woven mesh, which exceeds the testing requirements. The benefit of 316 is that it is more durable along the coastline where there’s salt exposure.
Perforated aluminium is an entry level security option which is a great alternative to Diamond Grilles. They will filter more light than woven stainless steel, so it’s important to look at samples to check the thickness and visibility for yourself. SP Screens has showrooms in select locations from Sydney to Brisbane where you can view our products or as a sales representative to show you a sample during a consultation.
The other thing to consider is the frame and fixing method – or how it’s put together. There are a few different styles on the market – all strong, as long as they meet Australian Standards.
Our SecureView and Xceed security screens are assembled using a patented fixing system. 3M™ VHB™ acrylic bonding and a two-part wedge system is designed to create the precise pressure required to activate the VHB™ adhesive to its full potential. This eliminates the need for screws or rivets to fix the mesh into the frame. Click here to learn more about our fixing system.
Many suppliers use mid rails in their large protection screens to ensure the tension of the mesh is tight and doesn’t flex.
It is possible to have a pet door installed in your new security screen door and companies such as SP Screens can offer this. Pet doors come is three sizes; small, medium, and large and it is important to choose the correct size for your pet and be aware that the larger the size of the pet door installed, the more the security of your screen door will be compromised. It is important to be aware that a Security Screen Door will no longer meet Australian Security Standards once a pet door has been installed and will be referred to as a safety door.
It’s really important that your quote includes a triple lock to maintain the status of a security door. If a single lock is used then it automatically becomes a barrier door or safety door. Watch SP Screens video for lock safety tips.
Ensure your aluminium door security screens are installed by a licensed security installer. Many security doors on the market are barrier doors or safety doors. Make sure you ask your rep to confirm you are buying an accredited security door.
Check you are buying from a reputable company. You can usually find reviews online, such as Google reviews. Also ask who supplies the security door. Security screen doors and window screens are occasionally referenced as Crimsafe by the general public. It’s important to note that Crimsafe is one brand of this type of product, not security screen doors as a whole. A similar example is Champagne… Our security screen doors are supplied by CommandeX and come with industry leading warranties. CommandeX – a leading wholesale provider of security screen systems – developed and patented the security screen systems supplied by SP Screens.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Security Screen Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.