When you’re working on your home, or purchasing one, it can be easy to forget to consider security screens as part of the equation. It might seem like a relatively unimportant thing at first but there are a lot of benefits security screens can bring to your home; when it comes to your home’s safety, comfort, and even efficient energy use, you should look to invest in security screens.
Australian Standards and tests for security screens
The first thing you should look at when getting a security door is whether or not it meets the Australian Standards: AS 5039-2008: Security screen doors and security window grilles and AS 5040-2003: Installation of security screen doors and window grilles.
The two standards above are the essential prerequisites for any security door to be fit for use within a home.
There is another standard you should look at, specifically: AS5041-2003: Methods of test – security screen doors and window grilles. Within it, there are six different tests conducted for a security screen to be considered fit for use:
- The Jimmy Test: Here, it’s tested whether a screwdriver can be enough of a lever to open the screen hinges or lock.
- The Dynamic Impact Test: This tests the screen’s ability to withstand a physical impact.
- The Pull Test: This tests the screen’s ability to withstand a strong pull to dislodge it.
- Shear Test: This tests the screen’s resistance to being cut by a sharp object
- Probe Test: This test checks whether an intruder would be able to make a gap within the security door enough to unlock it.
- Knife Shear Test: A version of the shear tests using a Stanley knife on the screen mesh.
All of our security screen doors (INTERNALLY LINK TO PRODUCTS) meet and exceed these Australian industry standards.
Airflow
Some security screen doors will give you an excellent wire mesh that lets fresh air into your home without obstruction. On top of that, it stops most insects and birds from getting into your home.
If you’ve got pets, then a security screen door is a great idea. Feel relaxed locking your security screen door open so your dog or cat can see out into the world, without reducing the security of your house. If you have particularly energetic dogs that seem to be able to get out from anywhere, our security screen doors will be their match.
Is The Screen Door’s Frame Tough Enough?
A security screen door needs a quality frame in order to be entirely functional. With a weaker frame, like one of a regular fly screen door, it can bend and flex under pressure. Having a frame made from a stronger material like aluminium is an important consideration when it comes to getting a security screen door. When it comes to security window grilles, then you’ll also need a bit of a different frame. For example, they should be connected with clamps, rivets, or a weld.
Should You Get A Mesh Screen, Bars, Grilles, Or Perforated Metal Screen?
The most common options given for security screen frames are generally referred to as infills. There are a variety of different ones, and the main factors with deciding on which one you should get are:
- How clearly you can see through it
- Where it is, and whether you require anti-corrosion attributes
- Whether you require fire-resistant materials
- Protection from wind
A well made stainless steel mesh is the ideal option to go for if you prioritize view clarity and corrosion resistance. On the other hand, in a region with an abundance of cyclones and harsh winds, then getting a product designed for that is a better idea.
Speak to a member of our friendly team today and find which security screen mesh is right for you!