What Features are Important When it Comes to Security Screens?

Security screens and doors are a popular feature in households across Melbourne. Not only do they provide homes with a barrier against intruders, they allow natural ventilation to cool and air out your home while also protecting you against bugs and insects. As one of Melbourne’s most popular home security options, Security doors, and window screens can also protect your home against other dangers that you might not have considered, such as bushfires, cyclones, and fall prevention.

There is a vast array of choices when it comes to choosing which security door is right for you. But when you are deciding on which security doors and windows to choose for your home, how do you know what features are important? Making that decision can be bamboozling. The first step is to understand what features are vital to making a security screen effective, and then you need to consider your household’s needs.

So, what makes a security screen effective against burglars and intruders, and what are some other features that can enhance the security of your home?

A security screen must pass the Australian standards

Without fail, a security screen MUST pass the Australian standards – otherwise, a manufacturer can only call their screen a ‘barrier’. Three standards need to be met for security products:

• AS 5039: Security screen doors and security window grilles. This Standard specifies the minimum requirements for the performance of all types of sliding and hinged security screen doors and hinged, sliding, removable, and fixed security window screens. Mainly this Standard focuses on a screen’s resistance to forced entry. This Standard covers movable and removable security window grilles that can be used in such instances.
• AS 5040: Installation of security screen doors and window grilles. This Standard provides installers of security screen doors or windows with specific guides covering the general requirements for installing security screen doors or windows. If a product is not installed correctly, it simply cannot secure your home against intruders.
• AS 5041: Methods of test – Security screen doors and window grilles. This Standard tests security screens against seven methods of breaking through. The tests include: Dynamic Impact Test, Jemmy Test, Pull Test, Probe Test, Shear Test, and Knife Shear Test.

 The ‘security’ part of your security screen is not just an important feature; it’s absolutely essential. If a manufacturer cannot produce the required documentation that proves their screen passed the Australian standards, you can’t be confident that the screen will protect your home and family from burglars. And if a manufacturer is hesitant to provide these qualifications, you would be well advised to seek your security needs elsewhere.

Design features

The aesthetic appeal of your home is important, not only for resale value but for your own enjoyment. A sleek, modern-looking screen will clash with the old-world charm of a heritage-listed house, just as an ornate security grille would stick out against a modern construction.

The good news is that with a security door, you can keep the look and feel of your home while also improving your level of protection against burglaries and break-ins.

Security Door Melbourne has a range of doors from ornate heritage cast-iron grilles to simple security screens to match the aesthetic of every home. These premium quality security doors are custom made to suit your home’s aesthetic, are available in various color options, and can be fitted with one-way privacy mesh for enhanced protection.

Corrosion Resistance

Security doors spend their lives subject to the outdoor elements. That means rain, hail, humidity, wind, and ocean spray if you live on the coast. Corrosion is a big concern as damage to your security screen leads inevitably to it becoming ineffectual. You need to choose a security door that is resistant to the corroding effects of the outdoors by selecting a door made of premium aluminum with 316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh inserts.

Bushfire resistance

A security screen that is effective against intruders but is made of combustible materials could be a danger to anyone living in a bushfire zone. Even if the fire doesn’t reach your home, embers can travel up to 40 kilometers. Jim’s Security Doors offers a bushfire-rated version of security screens tested to BAL 40.

An escape feature

Many households are choosing to burglar-proof all weak points in their home by installing security screens on every door and window. This is a fantastic idea to ensure your home is secure, no matter how many windows you leave open for ventilation.

The trouble you will run into here is that because the window and door screens are built to be impenetrable, you might have difficulty escaping your home in the case of a fire or other emergency. The solution? A fire access feature!

Access Fire Escape Systems are part of the Jim’s Security Screens ScreenGuard™ range and are designed to allow every household member a quick and easy escape in an emergency. It’s a good idea to have a fire escape screen installed in every room of your home to make sure you and your household can escape tragedy, no matter which room of the house you are in.

Fall prevention feature

Installing a quality security screen on your windows – particularly windows higher than ground level, protects you from falls. Rather than restricting access to the window or keeping your upper floor windows closed, installing security screens that have passed the Australian standards offers households peace of mind while still enjoying the benefits of full ventilation.

Proper installation

Ensuring your security screens have been installed correctly is one of the most important features of a security door or window. A door that has passed the Australian standards in factory conditions can do nothing to protect your home if it has not been installed correctly. If a door does not meet the Australian Standard for the installation of a security door, it can no longer be considered a security door. Let’s explore the features of a proper installation.

Ensure the door is custom made

No door frame in Australia is 100% rectangular. Therefore, no security door made in bulk is going to fit precisely to your door frame. Since a perfect fit will stop a burglar from jemmying the door from the frame, a custom fit is essential to making sure your security door performs as intended.

Professional installation

Installing your own bedroom door is one thing, but a security door is the safety device that will keep intruders and burglars out of your home. It is a safeguard. Although you certainly can install your security door yourself, it pays to stop and think about whether you are actually capable. Improper installation will hinder the door’s ability to secure your home, so if you are not a very skilled handyperson or a qualified security installer, it’s a job that is best left to the professionals. Jim’s Security Doors has a team of professional installers across Melbourne, all police checked and qualified as security installers.

Jim’s Security Doors offers free measure and quote services on our range of security doors along with our legendary customer service and satisfaction guarantee. Every one of our security doors is designed with security, aesthetics, and convenience in mind. If you would like to talk to Jim’s about installing a security screen door or a secure entry enclosure, and if you are looking for the best lawyers and solicitors for Property Conveyancing Brisbane call our friendly customer service team on 13 15 46.