So, you've decided to add a security screen to your front door for enhanced safety. Bear in mind, this is no simple task because the market is full of options.
Here's a Quick Look at Common Oversights:
1. Security Screens and Fly Screens are All the Same:
As mentioned above both these terms are not synonymous. While a security screen does manage to protect your home from forced entry as well as pests, a fly mesh actually does not have a sturdy enough structure to resist forced entry. Before you finalise things with your technician, ensure the model you're going ahead with is certified to offer you the security you expect.
2. There are No Manufacturing Standards That Need to be Met:
Although most people do not consider this, a security screen needs to meet certain standards which verify its ability to withstand forced entry.
As per AS5039-2008, several tests are carried out on the product before it is passed off as 'secure'. These tests include a knife shear test, anti-jimmy test, lever attacks, etc. The tests asses the model's structure and composition to gauge the safety it offers you.
3. The Only Benefit They Offer is Security:
Yes, they do have 'security' in the name itself, however, they also serve other purposes. To begin with, they allow ventilation, which of course allows better energy usage in your home. It keeps insects and other pests from loitering into your home all the while ensuring your home has a breezy feel and unobstructed view.Security screen doors also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property, so don't forget to speak to the technician and review styles and designs that will suit your home's exteriors.
Another plus point is that since they act as visual deterrents they can help present your property as well-protected, thereby even influencing/lowering the insurance rates you are offered.
4. All Security Doors are Authentic:
As is the case with almost every other thing you buy, there are fake counterparts to security doors as well. Make sure you check the pieces being shown to you to verify that they meet Australian Safety standards.
You may even come across a deal/discount that you will want to finalise on impulse, however, sooner or later you will land up seeing just how flimsy and unreliable the make of those screens are.
When surveying your options, don't be hasty and ensure you're interacting with a licensed and reliable vendor so that you can be assured of the product quality and also of the customer service post-purchase.
In a nutshell, although security screen doors may seem like a relatively small addition to your home, the fact is that you need to be careful about minor things like whether it meets Australian safety standards.
This way you have a guarantee about its resilience and also the benefit of hassle-free installation at the hands of a licensed professional because the Australian safety standard mandates this.
About the Author: Nicholas Tsoulakos and George Gouzanis are co-owners of AAA Security Doors, a trusted and premium service for fly screens in Dandenong and window screens in Melbourne. All of their technicians are licensed to execute services in a customer-centric way while ensuring optimum satisfaction.