What to know before buying a security screen door

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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What kind of security door do you need?

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.

What to look for in a security door

There are lots of different types of doors out there with different combinations of features.

Meeting Australian Standards

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.

There are a number of tests under AS- that security doors can pass, depending on your needs, including:

• Dynamic impact test: pendulum weight of 100kg used on a specified point five times; must withstand all impact.
• Jemmy test: lever wedged between security door and all locking, fastening and hinge points; door must remain closed.
• Pull test: to be carried out if aperture of screen has sufficient gap to mount a pull test bracket.
• Probe test: a deflecting force of 150kg is applied to create a gap in the security screen; test is to see if a hand can pass through any created gap.
• Shear test: use of pliers to see if security screen's strands can be cut; test applied if aperture is wide enough.
• Knife shear test: applies mechanical force with a heavy duty knife to see if an incision greater than 150mm can be made; three attempts are made with a new knife each time.

In addition to this, there are other standards that cover elements such as cyclonic debris, corrosion ratings and bushfire attack level ratings.

Frame

The frame can be steel or aluminium.

• Industry experts say a steel door (if properly constructed and installed) is regarded as the most effective security screen door. If a steel door meets the Australian Standard, it'll be protected against corrosion.
• Aluminium is less prone to corrosion than steel.
• The frame should have a deep receiver channel for the grille, so the edge can't be pushed out of the frame easily. Make sure the connection between the main part of the frame and the receiver channel is sturdy.
• It should also be reinforced at the corners. Doors may have internal corner stakes, which you won't be able to see, but fully welded corner joints are likely to be stronger.

Infill

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.

• Steel bars, motifs or grilles are considered the most secure option.
• Aluminium grilles are generally little more than flyscreens. You can get heavy-duty ones which at least look secure.
• Stainless steel mesh doors are made with aluminium or steel frames that are in-filled with woven stainless steel mesh. These doors promise security without spoiling your view with bars and grilles &#; it's much like looking through a flyscreen.
• Structural-grade aluminium perforated sheets are new to the market. They look very similar to the stainless steel mesh, but aren't as expensive. According to industry insiders, they are as secure as stainless steel mesh.

Industry experts say a properly constructed and installed steel door is regarded as the most effective security screen door

Grilles

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.

• On many doors the grille is riveted to the frame. Make sure the door doesn't have aluminium rivets in accessible positions. Look for rivets that are clinched at the back of the frame, and that aren't too far apart: at least one every 25cm, and ideally every second connection point should be riveted. However, rivets may be badly aligned and therefore won't fully connect with the grille.
• Doors that use screw clamps claim the screws hold the mesh in place better than those that use plastic; doors that use plastic clamps claim there's reduced risk of galvanic corrosion from an aluminium frame coming into contact with stainless steel mesh. We haven't seen independent evidence to support either claim.
• A grille that's welded to the frame may be more reliable; again, no more than 25cm between welding spots and ideally at every connection point.

Locks

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.

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Hinges

Ordering Information
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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.

Custom design

Security doors should almost always be custom-made, because installing them so they meet the Australian Standard can be a matter of mere millimetres.

Protection from corrosion

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.

Company reputation

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.

Fire safety

Check how easy it will be to get out of your home in case of fire or other emergency.

Read more: What to know before buying a security camera

How much do security screen doors cost?

Aluminium

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.

Steel

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.

Stainless steel mesh

These start from $800, but some of the more well-known brands (including Crimsafe) will charge well over $.

Structural grade aluminium perforated sheet

One of these will set you back at least $650.

Security screen doors that claim to meet Australian Standards

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 . 

Adjusta-Fit

• adjustafit.com.au
• Available at Bunnings.
• Claims to comply with AS - for knife shear, dynamic impact, and jemmy tests (triple lock point model).
• BAL-29 rating.
• No mention of AS .3.1-.

Crimsafe

• crimsafe.com.au
• Available direct or from companies such as Wynstan.
• Classic, Ultimate, iQ and HeavyDuty models available.
• Claims to comply with AS - (all models).
• Claims to have passed AS .31 salt spray tests up to 10 years simulation.
• Claims that screens can be designed that pass AS .2:.

Doors Plus Ultrasafe

• doorsplus.com.au
• Claims to comply with AS - for impact, knives, and jemmies.

Havengard

• havengard.com.au
• Claims all models certified to AS, AS.2- and AS.3.1-.
• Mostly available in Western Australia.

IntrudaGuard

• amplimesh.com.au
• Made by Amplimesh, supplied by Capral Limited, and can be bought from many dealers including Decorlace and Le Sands Screens and Blinds.
• Claims to comply with AS - and AS - standards.
• BAL-29 rating.
• Can be suitable in cyclone regions.

Invisi-Gard

• invisi-gard.com.au
• Can be ordered through dealers (use your post code to find one).
• Claims to comply with AS - dynamic impact, jemmy, and knife shear tests.
• Claims to have passed AS .31 salt spray tests up to hours.
• Has a range that is rated to BAL-40.
• Has a range that can be suitable in cyclone regions,

ForceField

• prowlerproof.com.au
• Made by Prowler Proof.
• Can be ordered through dealers (use your post code to find one).
• Claims to comply with AS -.
• Claims to have passed AS .31 salt spray tests up to hours.
• Claims to be rated up to BAL-FZ.
• Can be suitable in cyclone regions.

PrivacyGuard

• amplimesh.com.au
• Made by Amplimesh.
• Claims to comply with AS - and AS -.
• BAL-29 rating.
• Not suitable in cyclone regions.

SupaScreen

• amplimesh.com.au
• Made by Amplimesh and can be bought from places such as Apollo Blinds.
• Claims to comply with AS - and AS -.
• BAL-40 rating.
• Can be suitable in cyclone regions.

SecureView EclipX

• commandex.com.au
• Made by CommandX and located in NSW &#; must contact them to find a dealer.
• Claims to comply with AS -.
• Can be suitable in cyclone regions.
• Claims to comply with AS .3.1- neutral salt spray test.
• Unclear what BAL rating is given.

How to clean your security screen door

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.

Dirty screen mesh on a security screen door.

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.

• Hose the screen down with water from the inside out.
• Gently rub the screen with a clean cloth with warm water and light detergent.
• Hose down the screen again to get rid of the detergent.

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.

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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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