Make sure you know how to tell the difference between simple barrier doors and true security screen doors.
Many home security products on the market claim to be "security" but do not necessarily have the qualities or credentials to support that claim. So what makes a security screen door truly secure?
Security screen doors versus flyscreen doors
A standard flyscreen door or flyscreen window is appropriate for locations where the objective is to simply keep out insects while allowing ventilation. Some security flyscreen doors may also feature bars or grilles which give them the appearance of providing home security and may act as a visual deterrent. These can look protective, but under force or with the right tool, standard flyscreen doors are easily penetrated. These types of doors are more accurately called "barrier" doors.
Australia Standards for security screens
For doors to be labelled as true security screen doors they must meet the requirements of the stringent Australian Standards to demonstrate they will withstand attempts at forced entry. The two key Australian Standards are:
- AS 5039-2008: Security screen doors and security window grilles
- AS 5040-2003: Installation of security screen doors and window grilles
AS 5039 sets out the requirements for security screen door design and performance which ensures the doors are of appropriate strength and integrity to withstand forced entry. The Standard also describes a series of tests which simulate the various ways in which doors may be attacked. AS 5040 ensures security screen doors are appropriately installed so they cannot be removed or tampered with.
Products which meet the Australian Standards, such as
The qualities of window security screens and doors
Comparing simple fly screen doors to true security screen doors means examining the qualities and functions of each. Do they just need to keep out insects and let the fresh air in? Or do they also need to keep the home’s residents and property safe? Other important aspects are:
- Visual impacts: Mesh, bars, grilles or perforated aluminium sheets will impact light and views to different degrees.
- Suitability for location: For homes near the coast, anti-corrosion screens made from 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh are the best defence against the elements.
- Fall prevention: Simple window flyscreens do not prevent falls from windows. A security window screen which has been impact and force tested will keep children safe from falls, while retaining the same ventilation and insect protection qualities.
- Fire resistance: For homes needing bushfire protection, screens with the appropriate Bush Fire Attack Level (BAL) rating will help resist fire impacts and prevent further spread.
- Locking systems: a standard flyscreen is unlikely to have a force-resistant locking system. Security screen doors must include robust locks which withstand forced entry.
Invisi-Gard security screen solutions
For a detailed discussion of home security screening see our White Paper: Smarter Security: A Guide to Specifying Multi-Use Security Screen Solutions