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While screen doors offer a range of benefits for homeowners, not all can be considered ‘security doors’ in terms of Australian Standards.

For example, AS5041 stipulates that screen door mesh must pass six strength tests for the product to meet the definition of a security door.

So if your aim is to help burglar proof your home, it’s important to consider the type of mesh in a screen door before you buy.

Types of screen door mesh

There are five common types of screen door mesh:

1. Regular flywire – as the name suggests, this is designed to keep out the bugs. This mesh is usually made from fibreglass, aluminium or nylon.
2. Tuff Screen – a heavier-duty flyscreen made from vinyl-coated polyester. It is more resistant to tears or cutting than the regular variety and is less transparent.
3. Limited vision mesh – made from 1.2mm pressed aluminium sheet, this mesh offers some privacy, limiting the ability to see inside, and great airflow. It's one of the most popular meshes in Australia.
4. Premium privacy mesh – this mesh offers excellent security as it resists cutting and tearing and passes all the required tests. It is less transparent than most other types of mesh.
5. Stainless steel mesh – passes all the strength tests and resists corrosion while allowing for outside views and great airflow. This is the type of mesh used in Crimsafe doors.

Factors to consider when choosing mesh

• Level of airflow / ventilation – one of the reasons Aussies love screen doors is that they allow for cooling cross-breezes in summer, while keeping out the pesky flies. A quality security door such as Crimsafe offers the best of all worlds in terms of airflow, high security and keeping bugs out.
• Pet behaviours – some bored or boisterous pets have been known to charge or chew through flywire screens! This isn’t possible with security mesh.
• Privacy needs – if you want a screen that offers greater privacy, then premium privacy mesh might suit you best. However, it’s important to bear in mind that privacy can be compromised at certain times – like in the evenings when an indoor light is on, enabling people to see inside. You might need to consider additional means of protecting your privacy, and make sure you turn on your outside light as well.
• Level of security – for the best security, your mesh screen should be as impenetrable as possible. The stainless steel mesh used in Crimsafe passes all the tests to meet AS5041, including for knife-shear, anti-jemmy, anti-probe and dynamic impact.
• Replacement / maintenance – you should check the terms and warranties on any security door mesh you are considering. For example, Crimsafe doors come with warranties of 10-15 years.

If it’s top security you are after, combined with longevity, great airflow and bug-protection, you need a genuine security screen door that is compliant with the standards. Please get in touch today to find out more!