We've all been there. It's hot and stuffy and you want to leave the front door open to get a breeze going, but that's just an invitation for intruders to come on in and help themselves to all your things.
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So what can you do?
If the ads on TV are to be believed, you could install a fancy security door and let in all the air and light you want, while still preventing (or at least delaying) someone from sneaking in.
The thing is, while they do provide some level of protection, security doors are still penetrable &#; some more so than others &#; given enough time and the right equipment.
And how it's been installed can also reduce its effectiveness. Attaching a security screen to a weak door frame or allowing enough space to get good jimmying leverage are two examples.
So if you feel like you need a security screen door, read on for advice on how to make sure you get security, and not just a door.
CHOICE does not test security screen doors. Check out the top 50 product and service reviews to find out what's trending with members.
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Learn moreIt all depends on how much security you need and the look you want for your home.
If you live in a neighbourhood prone to break-ins, you might want to consider a steel door with a steel grille.
If you just want to give the appearance of security while keeping out bugs, a sturdy aluminium door could be enough.
For those who just want an insect screen, a cheap aluminium option might suffice.
There are lots of different types of doors out there with different combinations of features.
Unfortunately, in most states a product advertised as a "security screen door" may only secure you against flies: the term is meaningless unless the door can be shown to meet Australian Standard AS-.
There's also a standard for installation (AS), and you should ask the installation company for a written guarantee that its work complies.
You might also encounter claims that a door is equivalent to a better-known brand, such as Crimsafe. This can be hard to verify; if in doubt, check with the company being used as the comparison.
There are a number of tests under AS- that security doors can pass, depending on your needs, including:
In addition to this, there are other standards that cover elements such as cyclonic debris, corrosion ratings and bushfire attack level ratings.
The frame can be steel or aluminium.
The infill can be made from steel (in the form of bars or a decorative motif), aluminium grille, structural grade aluminium perforated sheet, or stainless steel mesh.
Industry experts say a properly constructed and installed steel door is regarded as the most effective security screen door
The cords of the grille should be thick. However, even the strongest grille isn't worth much if it isn't fixed to the door frame properly.
Key locks should be five-pin cylinder or equivalent. Wafer locks are more vulnerable. A three-point lock may prevent the bottom or top of the door being wrenched back by an intruder, and should also spread the force of an attack. Some locks on the market now offer a 25-year warranty.
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Read wireless security cameras reviewThe door should have at least three hinges with fixed hinge pins that can't be removed. A fixed steel pin ('dog bolt') that's welded into the hinge leaf, rather than just pressed into it, gives additional protection. The bigger the pin, the better.
Ideally the hinges should be recessed or the door should have a hinge filling between the door and the frame that doesn't allow access for jimmying. A single hinge that runs along the full length of the frame does the same job.
Security doors should almost always be custom-made, because installing them so they meet the Australian Standard can be a matter of mere millimetres.
Doors that meet the Australian Standard, whether the frame is aluminium or steel, have non-corrosive properties. To prevent rust in steel doors that don't meet the Australian Standard, especially if you live near the sea, consider getting one that's been hot-dip galvanised and powder-coated.
Try to find out the reputation of the companies you're dealing with: start with researching how long they've been in business and whether there have been any complaints against them. For example, you can call your state's crime prevention or fair trading departments.
If the company is a member of the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) or the National Security Screen Association (NSSA), you know it has to meet certain quality requirements, and you can lodge a complaint with the association if you're not happy.
Check how easy it will be to get out of your home in case of fire or other emergency.
Read more: What to know before buying a security camera
You can buy an aluminium screen door for around $250&#;350, but it's likely to be little more than a flyscreen. For a custom-made aluminium security door that meets the Australian Standard, you're looking at a minimum of $450.
A really cheap steel door can be had from $250, but these tend to be made from very thin steel and won't be particularly good. Quality custom-made steel doors start from about $650, but they get significantly more expensive.
These start from $800, but some of the more well-known brands (including Crimsafe) will charge well over $.
One of these will set you back at least $650.
We did a quick search to find samples of security screen doors that mention the Australian Standards.
The below offer mesh-type screens with small aperture, rather than diamond patterned screens (wide gaps that require flyscreen material to protect from insects). Mesh material and aperture width are not mentioned here, as it can depend on the product selected.
Note: We have not tested these security doors; these are just a selection of products we found that claim to meet Australian standards as of July .
When mesh is incorporated into a security door design, cleaning becomes something you'll need to take into account every few weeks or months, depending on where you live. If you live next to a busy highway or near the ocean, probably more often.
The mesh doesn't allow large fragments of dust and soil through, which builds up and becomes unsightly after a while. If you live near the ocean, salt will build up in the mesh and oxidise the metal.
They cost a chunk of change to install, so you'll want to be careful not to damage it while cleaning.
Dirty screen mesh on a security screen door.
There is a simple way to address this after checking in with your installer's recommendations for cleaning.
Some security installers will sell their own cleaning products, but if you're doing it regularly enough, you won't need to buy a specialised cleaner.
It's tempting to use a pressure cleaner, broom or vacuum brush, but some security door installers will advise against these as they may damage the screen. Always check your installer's recommendations for cleaning first.
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Read smart doorbells reviewStock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
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