Blog

Custom security doors can be a great way to help burglar proof your house. But it’s important that the doors you install on your home are up to the job.

Here are some of the features that make a security door strong enough to make the grade.

1. Multi-point locking system

Security doors typically come with a 3-point locking system. What this means is that the door locks at three points along the jamb. So when you turn the key, it not only locks at the mid-point of the door but also near the top and the bottom.

This provides much more secure locking and helps prevent the door from being wrenched back.

2. Strong key and lock cylinder

The door should also have very secure locks with 5-pin cylinders.

Crimsafe doors use Lockwood 8654 door locks. These locks have two 5-pin cylinders and provide two-stage locking that allows you to choose the level of security you want.

3. Tough construction materials

Security doors are constructed from various metals.

Steel doors are the strongest, typically using steel for the frame, screen, grille and fixings. The steel needs to be treated to prevent corrosion (through powder coating or galvanising). These doors can be a particularly suitable solution where there is a higher need for security, such as for commercial premises.

Some brands of security screen doors, such as Crimsafe, use aluminium for the frame and stainless steel mesh for the screen. While aluminium is not quite as strong as steel, it is nevertheless robust and is not subject to rust. Stainless steel makes for a strong non-corrosive mesh that cannot be easily cut or removed as might be the case with traditional flyscreen doors.

4. Very strong mesh

The mesh for a security screen should be virtually impenetrable.

To meet Australian standards for a security screen, the mesh has to demonstrate that it cannot be kicked in. The Dynamic Impact Test (AS5041) tests the strength of the mesh.

The mesh also needs to pass shear tests to show that it cannot be cut with a knife or pliers.

The mesh used on Crimsafe security screens is over 25% thicker than average, passes all the shear and impact tests, and has demonstrated it is at least 5.5 times stronger than the Australian standard.

5. Secure fixing method for the mesh

But strong mesh is not enough on its own. It also needs to show it cannot be easily removed from its frame using a lever or other instrument.
A pull test determines how easily a screen can be separated from its frame. To pass the test the screen must be able to withstand pulling forces of up to 200kg.

Crimsafe uses patented screw-clamp technology and tamper-resistant screws to secure the stainless steel mesh. This method makes it extremely difficult to prise it from its frame.

Other brands may use different fixing methods, but in any case, it’s crucial to check the door has passed the pull test and meets Australian Standard AS5039.

Choosing the best door

When shopping for security products, it’s always important to check any door or screen you are considering has undergone rigorous testing and meets or exceeds Australian standards for security doors.

For help choosing a security solution for your property or for a no-obligation free quote, please get in touch with our team.