A Guide To Choosing the Right Security Screen Mesh? 

How To Choose the Right CommandeX Security Screen Mesh for Your Needs?

Have you been researching which security screen mesh is best for your home? That decision has been made easy with our guide below. Security mesh is categorised by two types of mesh, woven stainless steel and perforated aluminium. Woven stainless steel is made up of strands of stainless steel woven together, almost like a checkerboard.  Perforated aluminium is a single sheet of aluminium with holes punched out, “perforated”. Each mesh type has its own pros and cons and the right option is completely dependent on the needs and requirements of a home and family. If you want to know how to choose the right security screen mesh, just keep reading!   

If you want to learn more, please visit our website XZH.

SaltWaterSeries 

SaltWaterSeries (316 Stainless Steel Woven Mesh with Extra Protective Coating) is the newest addition to the CommandeX product range. Most security screens on the market are not suitable for homes in extreme environments, which means that screens installed in those areas may corrode. SaltWaterSeries has been designed and created to fill this gap in the market when it comes to top-of-the-line security and corrosion-resistance. 

The most common type of corrosion seen on screens in coastal areas is galvanic corrosion. Essentially, galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals come into contact and are then exposed to the elements. For example, some other screens on the market are made with stainless steel mesh (metal type #1) that is screwed into aluminium framing (metal type #2). Both of these metals are bonded by the screws. These screens begin corroding as soon as the two dissimilar metals are exposed to industrial/red dust or salt-spray. Our patented keyway fixing system was designed to counteract this issue, by providing a clear space between the mesh and the aluminium frame to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion.

 SaltWaterSeries mesh is made from premium 316 marine grade stainless steel and is powder-coated to prevent corrosion. This makes the product perfect for homes located within extreme environments such as those 500m of the coastline or up to 2km for properties located on an escarpment where prevailing wind will carry salt air, iron-rich and red dust prone areas, or heavy industrial areas.

Pros: 

• Top-of-the-line security product 
• Exceeds requirements for Australian Standard AS
• Specifically created for homes within extreme environments 
• Anti-corrosive 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh 
• Industry-leading 20-year extended warranty with online product registration

Cons:

• This product requires regular maintenance and cleaning schedules to be followed to guarantee its longevity and lifespan, so is not suitable for those who will not clean or maintain their screens 

SecureView 

SecureView is our core security screen product. It’s a premium product made from 316 marine grade stainless steel and has been installed in homes all over Australia for years. SecureView mesh is 0.8mm woven stainless steel and offers excellent ventilation for airflow into the home. Some alternative security screens on the market are created with a larger diameter mesh. This can sound like a good thing on the surface, but what many don’t consider is the extra weight that comes with it. Most sliding door suites, for example, are not capable of withstanding this additional weight and this can cause tracks to bow or sag over time. 

Each component of SecureView screens is made specifically to exceed the requirements for Australian Standard AS and is a far more compatible security product for the majority of existing door and window suites on Australian homes, without requiring any additions or structural fortification. You don’t compromise on security or strength with a SecureView screen.

SecureView screens are appropriate for any other home in Australia that isn’t located within the extreme environments covered by SaltWaterSeries screens. This includes homes in bushfire-prone areas, those that require security protection, or for homeowners who just want a security screen that looks good on their home. 

Pros: 

• Premium security product
• Exceeds requirements for Australian Standard AS  
• Excellent visibility and airflow 
• 15-year extended warranty with online product registration 
• Rated up to BAL-40 for bushfire-prone areas

Cons:

• Not appropriate for those who will not clean or maintain their screens 
• Not suitable for homes located within extreme environments (i.e. within 500m of the coastline)

Xceed Perforated Aluminium 

Xceed security screens are made from corrosion-resistant perforated structural grade aluminium panels. The aluminium used for Xceed screens is 1.6mm thick which lends a lot of strength to the screen. The strength of Xceed is backed up by its compliance with Australian Standards (AS ).

Xceed doors and windows are perfect for people who want a little extra privacy from their screens and a budget-friendly security option. Aluminium is a more cost-effective product than its woven stainless steel alternatives, while still offering excellent corrosion-resistance for coastal homes. The combination of like-materials used in Xceed screens (aluminium mesh and aluminium frame) in conjunction with our patented keyway fixing system, means the risk of galvanic corrosion is greatly reduced. 

Pros: 

• Value for money, Xceed is an affordable security screen option 
• Exceeds requirements for Australian Standard AS
• Offers more privacy than woven stainless steel mesh 
• 7-Year extended warranty with online product registration

Cons:

• Not appropriate for those who will not clean or maintain their screens 
• Not suitable for homes located within extreme environments (i.e. within 500m of the coastline)

BasiX Safety Screens  

BasiX Safety Screens are made from a thinner woven 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh than its security screen counterparts, but are still constructed with high-quality materials and components. BasiX screens have been designed as an affordable alternative to security screens, providing excellent corrosion-resistance, visibility, and style without the higher price tag. Its mesh has a smaller hole aperture which helps to keep out insects and bugs and is an essential feature for Australian conditions. 

BasiX Safety Screens are perfect for customers who want the appearance and similar features of a security screen, but aren’t concerned with having a security product installed. This is great for homes in gated communities, low-crime areas, or for second-storey windows where fall-prevention is required but security risks are lower. You can read more about Fall-Safe screens here. 

Pros: 

• Affordable alternative to security screens
• Excellent insect protection 
• Anti-corrosion 316 marine grade stainless steel 
• 7-year extended warranty with online product registration

 Cons:

• As BasiX is a Safety Screen, it’s not suitable for homes where a security product is required
• Not appropriate for those who will not clean or maintain their screens 
• Not suitable for homes located within extreme environments (i.e. within 500m of the coastline)

Summary of Which Security Screen Mesh is Right for You

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. 

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.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of stainless steel security screen. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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.

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