10 Things to Consider When Buying stainless steel security screen

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.

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.

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.

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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.

SECURITY SCREEN MESH TYPES

Once upon a time, there was only one Security Mesh. A woven 0.9mm 304 Stainless Mesh Wire screwed onto an aluminium frame. How things have changed. Nowadays there are many types of security screen mesh or sheet. Let’s have a look at the good, the bad and the woeful help you select the best one for your home, office or the whole apartment complex!

SECURITY MESH TYPES

There are two main types of security screen mesh.   

Woven Wire Mesh and Perforated Sheet. 

Woven Wire Mesh

• Starline Security manufactures and uses three different stainless woven wire meshes.  
  • BasiX: 316 stainless 0.7mm wire, 12×12 strand per inch weave.
  • SecureView: T316 high tensile marine grade stainless 0.8mm wire, 11×11 strands per inch weave.
  • Xtreme: 304 stainless 1.0mm wire, 10×10 strands per inch weave. At the time of writing Xtreme mesh and product is currently still in the development and testing stage but we hope this product will become available commercially late .
  • The different meshes have different applications and qualities.

• Visibility

  • Woven meshes have better visibility VS perforated sheet.
  • The smaller the wire strand the better the visibility.

• Ventilation

  • Woven meshes have better ventilation VS perforated sheet.
  • The smaller the wire strand the better the ventilation.

• Cost

  • Stainless woven mesh costs more than a perforated sheet.
  • The larger the wire the higher the cost. Apart from costing more for the actual wire, larger wire diameters are significantly more difficult to weave consistently and be free from imperfections. See “The good, bad and ugly” below for a detailed discussion regarding mesh quality and issues.

• Strength

  • Upping the wire diameter has a huge effect on the strength of a finished security screen. Starline Security will be conducting extensive testing to show you how much this difference is but anecdotally we are extremely confident in saying that Extreme’s 1.0mm wire mesh would be at least twice as strong a BasiX’s 0.7mm wire mesh.  

• Manufacture

  • Woven wire mesh is designed and manufactured similarly to insect screening using strands of wire woven into an even mesh structure.  These meshes are a lot stronger than metal fly screen meshes.

• Flat VS Rolls

  • Woven mesh used for security screens is manufactured into flat sheets rather than rolls like is typical for metal wire insect screens.

• Types

  • In Australia, there are now many types of woven mesh sold as “security screens” using varying types of steel. Types marketed include galvanised wire mesh (we don’t sell this poor quality product), 304, 316 and T316 stainless wire in varying diameters, strengths and weave profiles.

• Weaves

  • The various mesh weaves are specified in strands per inch (metric has not been adopted by the mesh industry yet) with smaller diameter wire strand mesh generally having more strands per inch while keeping the aperture or opening size square and similarly sized for mesh adopted and used in the security screen industry.

The good, bad and ugly

What is the difference? Mesh is mesh, right?  Actually, No. Mesh qualities vary across a range of issues.

1. Service Life

Security mesh will last decades in service but only when the highest quality stainless steel wire is used and general maintenance is followed.  There is considerable debate, but in our opinion, T316 marine grade high tensile stainless wire is the best. Then 316 and even 304 stainless wire has its place.  But if the wire is not stainless then forget it. Galvanised steel wire mesh will have a very poor service life when used in a security screen. Regularly washing down a security screen mesh will considerably extend its life while minimising aluminium oxidisation of the screen frame.

2. Weave consistency 

Just like all woven products, there are good weavers and there are poor weavers. The good ones result in a mesh that is easy to see through and has few manufacture imperfections.  Woven mesh wire imperfections include:

• Inconsistent weave. One wire is woven closer to another resulting in openings that are not identical in size across the mesh. This results in what is called “reed lines”. It gets this jargonistic term because the woven wire mesh looks like grass reeds going every which way. Not ideal.
• Note: The picture shown here has wire strands missing on purpose but demonstrates the effect.  
• Curved mesh.  This means the wires are not woven straight and true but curve slightly.
• Uneven wire weave.  This is where one wire is bent more than the other to create the weave.  Generally consistent with lower quality woven mesh. Results in mesh being more difficult to see through depending upon which way the mesh is rotated during the manufacture of a security screen.

3. Paint

Almost all security mesh screens are powder coated black. However, poor substrate paint preparation, application, paint quality and thickness all have an impact on how long your screen will remain looking like new. If your security screen mesh looks “cloudy” then you should wash it down immediately and then give it a good rub over with a soft cloth to remove as much of the fine debris embedded in the paint as possible. Do not spray your screen mesh with “Mr Sheen” style products to bring back that black shine as these products attract even more dust and debris exacerbating the problem. The best option is to purchase security screens from a reputable supplier who uses a mesh that has been applied with the highest quality paint possible.

4. Substitution

It is a big problem in the security screen industry. There are two main types of substitution:

Mesh Manufacturer Wire Substitution

1. • This is where a mesh manufacturer substitutes cheaper lower quality wire but markets it as a higher quality stainless steel mesh.  
   • Starline Security bypasses this problem entirely by using a mesh supplier that has their own mesh weaving and manufacturing facility where we know they use a high-quality stainless wire sourced from Japan. Quality control has been brought back “in house” so we have complete knowledge and control over the wire used in the manufacture of the mesh supplied to us.

Fabricator Substitution

• Although this issue is not specific to the mesh itself, cheaper, poorer quality meshes are too often substituted by local fabricators and sold to consumers as a higher quality mesh. When you can buy mesh at half the price of the good stuff many fabricators fall victim to this temptation.
• In over 25yrs+ of fabricating security screens and doors, Starline Security has never knowingly substituted inferior mesh in any of our products. We have always sourced our mesh from reputable suppliers and where we can trace who the mesh manufacturer is. Substitution is not worth it.  When the mesh fails consumers will complain, the substituting business will quickly become inundated with warranty claims, bad online reviews ensue and in many cases, the business closes leaving unwitting consumers owning sub-standard failing products. Consumer solutions to this issue:
• Buy only from a supplier, fabricator or installer you trust.
• If the quoted price looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Use a fridge magnet on your mesh. If it sticks to the mesh then it is not stainless steel and you have definitely been duped.
• If the mesh starts “rusting” not long after purchase then we suggest that it may not be manufactured from stainless steel. (or you live in a highly corrosive environment)

Perforated Sheet

Starline Security manufactures and uses one perforated sheet.  Xceed: Black 1.6mm flat structural grade aluminium with closely spaced 2.2mm round holes creating a perforated sheet

• Visibility

  • Perforated sheets tend to lose visibility VS woven mesh. Especially when viewed from an angle.
  • Thinner sheets offer better the visibility but in our experience even quite thin sheets have less visibility VS an equivalently strong woven stainless wire mesh product.
  • Another aspect to consider is the opening area. We do not have specifications on the opening area of Xceed (hey  supplier…where’s this info?) because the opening area can have a bigger impact on visibility than sheet thickness.  If the holes are positioned closer together you get more visibility at the expense of strength. So there is a constant compromise between sheet thickness, opening area and strength. We feel that Xceed has the best result when taking all factors into consideration. 

• Ventilation

  • Perforated sheets, even those with statistically equivalent opening areas, provide less ventilation than woven meshes in real life. We suspect the reason for this is that a breeze tends to deflect off the very flat surface of a perforated sheet whereas when a breeze hits woven mesh it may be “broken up” by the wire. Theoretical tests have yet to be conducted so this observation is purely anecdotal.

• Cost

  • Perforated sheet products generally cost less than Stainless woven mesh.

• Strength

  • Xceed’s 1.6mm thick hardened aluminium sheet is very strong. Certainly strong enough to pass all Australian standards for Security Screen and Doors.

• Types

  • In Australia, there are a few types of perforated sheet used in security screening. A thin stainless steel perforated sheet is quite good and there is a 1.2mm thick aluminium sheet available however we use and recommend Xceed’s 1.6mm thick aluminium perforated sheet for its great strength while still allowing good ventilation and visibility.

Diamond grille and bar type products have not been included in this discussion because they are not a security sheet type of product.

We hope this information has made it easier for you to choose the right security screen mesh type for your home. Contact us if you still have any question about our products. We will be happy to help you