Benefits of Security Screen Doors: Enhance Home Safety
Benefits of Security Screen Doors: Enhance Home Safety
Effective Home Safety with Security Screen Doors
According to the Bureau of Justice, a shocking 34% of home break-ins occur through the front door of a home. While a number of these are from unlocked doors, installing security screen doors is an incredibly effective way to safeguard your home from trouble and add security. Not only do reinforced doors provide an extra layer of protection, but security screens can also increase airflow/ ventilation/ etc.
For more information, please visit JINBIAO.
This article will discuss the benefits of security screen doors and provide tips on keeping your home safe while away.
Read on to learn more about the great benefits security screen doors offer, plus how to install them, and learn practical home security tips for the next time you’re away!
Five Amazing Benefits of Security Screen Doors
Installing a security screen door offers a variety of safety and comfort benefits. Here are our top five!
Home Security and Peace of Mind
With a security door, your home can enjoy increased protection against burglaries as they are usually made of strong frame materials (such as stainless steel mesh). Most come with both sliding and swing options and are easily fitted with additional security components for your home, making it harder for an intruder to break in.
Durability and Longevity of Security Screen Doors
One of the most significant advantages of security screen doors is their durability and longevity. Crafted with premium materials, these doors are built to withstand varying weather conditions, be it intense sunlight, heavy rainfall, or even snowstorms. The stainless steel mesh and powder-coated frame resist rust, ensuring that the door remains in prime condition even after years of exposure. This means not only do you get an immediate layer of security upon installation, but you also enjoy a product that minimizes maintenance costs and hassles over the years. When you invest in a security screen door, you’re not just enhancing your home’s safety; you’re also ensuring that this safety remains uncompromised for years to come.
Better Ventilation
Security screen doors also allow for improved ventilation. The mesh material allows air to flow freely into the house while still keeping out unwanted intruders. This is especially beneficial during those boiling hot summer days when you want to keep your home cool without having to constantly open and close the door.
Pest Control
Installing a security screen door keeps those pesky insects from entering your home too! The mesh material acts as a barrier that keeps out common pests without blocking out natural light or fresh air like solid wood or metal doors do.
Improved Privacy
Security screen doors also provide added privacy without compromising visibility. The mesh material allows you to see who is outside while still ensuring that people cannot see inside your home from the street or sidewalk outside.
A quick aside — Introducing Security Windows: The Perfect Complement to Your Safety Arsenal
When we talk about home security, it’s not just limited to doors. Security windows play an equally significant role in ensuring the safety of your premises. Let’s delve into some key aspects:
- Our Security windows come with a “quick escape” function, ensuring compliance with fire escape regulations. This thoughtful feature allows for quick and easy exit during emergencies.
- To ensure a consistent look throughout your home, window security screens are available in colors and finishes that match the doors. It’s not just about aesthetics; the congruency ensures ease of maintenance. Since all the security fixtures are made of high-quality materials, they have similar life spans and maintenance requirements.
Homeowners can achieve a comprehensive security solution that seamlessly merges style, safety, and functionality by integrating security windows. It’s an upgrade that reinforces your home’s protective barrier, ensuring you and your loved ones peace of mind.
Five Key Steps to Installing Security Screen Doors
Installing a security screen door is a relatively simple process to D.I.Y. in most cases, but it does require some basic tools and knowledge. Be sure to follow these general steps, as well as refer to manufacturer instructions when installing your door for best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Door Frame
Before installing the door, prepare the frame of the door. Measure the height and width of the opening and purchase a security screen door that fits within those measurements. Make sure to account for any additional hardware that may be needed, such as hinges or locks.
Step 2: Install Hinges
Once you have your security screen door, install hinges on each side of the frame so that it can open and close properly. Place one hinge at each corner of the frame and then attach them with screws. Make sure all screws are securely fastened into place so that they won’t come loose.
Step 3: Attach Security Screen Door
Place the security screen door into its frame and use screws to secure it in place at each corner of the frame. Make sure all screws are tightly secured so that they will not come loose over time.
Step 4: Secure Locks
Depending on what type of lock you purchased, you may need to drill holes to secure it in place onto your security screen door frame. Follow instructions provided by your lock manufacturer for proper installation instructions for their specific model type.
Step 5: Final Touches
After all the door hardware is installed, make sure everything is securely fastened together before testing out your new security screen door by opening and closing it several times to ensure everything works properly. If necessary, tighten any loose parts.
The Advantage of Professional Installation
While the DIY installation of security screen doors might seem tempting and feasible, there are undeniable benefits to opting for professional services. By choosing expert installation, you ensure that:
- Precision: Professionals have the expertise to ensure the door fits perfectly, minimizing any gaps or inconsistencies that might compromise security.
- Quality Assurance: Any potential flaws in the door or its components can be quickly identified and rectified by an expert, ensuring you receive a product in its best condition.
- Time-saving: Avoid the trial and error, and save valuable time. Professionals can typically install security screen doors efficiently, ensuring you can start enjoying the benefits sooner.
- Warranty Preservation: DIY installation might inadvertently void warranty terms. Professional installation ensures that all manufacturer warranties remain intact, giving you peace of mind.
For a seamless, worry-free experience, it’s always recommended to trust the experts. When you invest in your home’s security, ensure that the installation matches the product’s quality. Get a quote from Screenmobile.
Three Practical Ways to Keep Your Home Secure While Away
Having a secure home while away for the summer can help you relax and enjoy peace of mind. Here are three easy tips for keeping your home safe and sound while you’re out and about this summer.
Tip #1: Evaluate Your Home for Potential Security Risks
Protecting your home means understanding its vulnerabilities. For instance, large windows and patio doors are common entry points for burglars. These large openings offer intruders easier access and, in many cases, provide them the privacy they need to work undetected. Here’s how you can secure these potential weak points:
- Add Security Screens to Your Doors and Windows: Reinforcing these openings with security screens not only deters potential intruders but also adds a layer of safety. They are designed to resist tampering and forced entry, ensuring your home remains inaccessible to unwanted visitors.
- Invest in Rolling Security Shutters: For homeowners seeking a more robust security measure, rolling security shutters offer a formidable solution. These shutters can be drawn down when you’re away or during nighttime, providing a physical barrier against break-ins. They’re beneficial for large windows or patio doors that might otherwise be tempting targets for burglars.
By addressing these vulnerabilities, you’re not just securing potential entry points; you’re ensuring peace of mind for you and your family. It’s essential to regularly evaluate and upgrade your home’s security measures, adapting to new challenges and threats.
Tip #2: Install Timers
Installing timers for your electronics (such as lights or TV) can help deter burglars from attempting to break in. Setting your lights to turn on at night when it gets dark will give the impression that someone is home and can make potential thieves think twice before entering your property.
Tip #3: Purchase a Home Security System
Investing in a smart home security system can bring peace of mind while you’re away on vacation. Smart systems allow homeowners to monitor their homes remotely using phones or tablets and come with features such as:
- Motion sensors
- Alarms that notify neighbors or authorities of attempted break-ins
- Cameras that allow you to view what’s happening inside and outside of your home
- Automated locks that let you control access to your property remotely
Home Security with Screenmobile
Security screen doors are a valuable investment for protecting your home. They provide an added layer of protection against intruders, as well as providing ventilation for your home and peace of mind while you travel this summer.
What to know before buying a security screen door - CHOICE
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.
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.
On this page:
- What kind of security door do you need?
- What to look for in a security door
- How much do security screen doors cost?
- Security screen doors that claim to meet Australian Standards
- How to clean your security screen door
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.
Are you interested in learning more about Security Screen Manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
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.
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.
Hinges
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.
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.
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.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
The company is the world’s best Professional Window Screen Manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
- Previous: None
- Next: What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Window Screen Products