How Secure Is A Security Door?

The label ‘security door’ is quite often referenced incorrectly to include doors that do not actually meet Australian Standards. Let us explain…

What is a Security Door?

A certified security door meets Australian Standards 5039: Security Screen Doors and Security Window Grilles. This standard was developed to provide both the industry and consumers with specifications covering the general requirements and performance of these products.

There are six tests used to assess the strength and structural integrity of security doors and security window screens. All must pass to achieve certification.

What is a Safety Door?

A safety door (sometimes referred to as a barrier door) may look like a security door, but it has not been tested to meet the Australian Standards 5039. Therefore, it is unknown as to whether it would withstand a break in. Most diamond grille and mass produced doors from hardware stores are safety doors, not security doors.

A safety door (or sometimes referred to as a barrier door) does provide some form of home security, mostly as a deterrent. A safety door is not a security door for a number of reasons:

• Has not achieved Australian Standards 5039 status
• May only have a single lock – a security door must be fitted with a triple lock

How secure is a Security Door?

Security Doors tested to comply with Australian Standards 5039 are extremely secure. How do we know? Each test has a specific purpose:

• The Knife sheer test ensures no one can cut through the mesh
• The Impact test makes sure no one can break the door in
• The Anti-jemmy test ensures the frame cannot be levered or pried open
• The Pull test follows the jemmy test, but only if there is a gap after the jemmy test. This is to make sure no one can pull at the security screen either at the bottom, middle, side or top of the screen. This test also assesses the integrity and fixing of the mesh into the screen frame.
• The Probe and Sheer test is not required if the whole aperture of the mesh is smaller than the test requirement, like the security screens range we have at SP Screens.

Our supplier has put together a comparison table to outline the key differences between a security screen door and a screen door that has not been tested to comply with AS5039.

1	2	3	4	5
	Economical Security	Most Popular Security	Premium Security	Not Security
				Safety / barrier screens
Features
Mesh infill	Perforated, structural grade aluminium panels. Offering increased privacy, security and corrosion resistance.	Our best-selling high tensile, corrosion resistant, 316 marine grade stainless security screen mesh.	High tensile, corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel featuring a protective heavy duty powder coating for coastal properties.	EG Diamond Patterned Grille
3 Point Locking System	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Patented Fixing System	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Airflow	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Mesh Thickness	1.6mm	.80mm	.81mm	N/A
Hole Aperture	2.20mm	1.575mm	1.570mm	Variable
Insect Protection	Great	Excellent	Excellent	Good until flyscreen tears
Attractive, Sleek Look	Great	Excellent	Excellent	Fair
Pet door options available	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Manufacturer’s Warranty	5 yr standard warranty 7 yr extended warranty	11 yr standard warranty 15 yr extended warranty	1 yr standard warranty 20 yr extended warranty	Typically none or limited
Exceeds Australian Standards (AS5039)	Yes, if fitted with a 3 point lock	Yes, if fitted with a 3 point lock	Yes, if fitted with a 3 point lock	Typically poor and not tested
Testing
Aluminium Frame Tests	Pass	Pass	Untested
Cyclone Screen Test	Pass	Untested	Untested
Fire Rated	Pass	Untested	Untested
10,000 Hour Salt Spray Tests	Pass	Untested	N/A
Stainless Mesh Tests	Pass	Pass	Untested	N/A

Source www.commandex.com.au  

A security screen door from SP Screens provides safety and security for your peace of mind. To book a free in-home consultation with one of our experienced sales representatives, complete our online booking form or call SP Screens on 1300 939 700.