The home security market offers a broad range of screen door solutions but not all of them can be described as security screen doors.
So what separates a simple barrier door or flyscreen door from a security screen door? In other words, what makes a security screen door – truly secure?
There are screen doors that keep out insects and let the fresh air in; there are others that also keep the home’s residents and property safe. Some of the important features include:
Visual impact: Mesh, bars, grilles or perforated aluminium sheets will impact light and views to varying degrees.
Suitability for location: Coastal homes need anti-corrosion screens made from 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh, which offers 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 in bushfire zones, screens with the appropriate Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating will help resist fire 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 that can resist forced entry.
Security screen doors versus flyscreen doors
Flyscreen doors
A standard flyscreen door or flyscreen window is recommended for locations where the objective is to simply keep out insects while allowing ventilation. Some flyscreen doors also feature bars or grilles that may act as a visual deterrent to potential robbers. While these can look protective, under force or with the right tool, standard flyscreen doors are easily penetrated. These types of doors are more accurately called ‘barrier’ doors.
Australian Standards for security screen doors
For doors to be labelled as true security screen doors, they must meet the stringent Australian Standards to demonstrate they can 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 that doors may be attacked.
AS 5040 ensures security screen doors are appropriately installed so they cannot be removed or tampered with post-installation.
Products that meet these Australian Standards, such as Invisi-Gard, will be clearly labelled indicating compliance, and suppliers should be able to provide proof of this certification.
Invisi-Gard security screen solutions
Invisi-Gard is a truly multi-function security screen door that meets and exceeds the Australian Standards. Invisi-Gard, Invisi-Scape and Invisi-Maxx are all anti-corrosion screens thanks to their 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh, and are securely adhered to aluminium frames with a patented mesh retention system.
Invisi-Gard’s range is known for its high visibility, fall prevention and BAL40 protection credentials, making these products the standout solutions for home security screening.
For more information on home security screening, read this White Paper: Smarter Security: A Guide to Specifying Multi-Use Security Screen Solutions.
