BUYING A SECURITY DOOR

There is a significant difference between a security door and a barrier or safety door, and there are a number of key features to consider when purchasing the right security doors for your home.

When purchasing security screening for your home, the NSSA highly recommends security doors and screens for all entries to your home - front, back and sides. A higher percentage of home invasion is actually through the rear of the house.

Meeting the Standards

The term Security Door can only be used if the door can be shown to meet the Australian Standards

• AS 5039  - Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles. Compliant security doors that meet this Standard will have an Australian Standards Compliance label/sticker.

• AS 5040 - Installation of Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles. To ensure your installation meets the Australian Standard, ask the security screen company who is doing the installation for a written guarantee that it complies.

• AS 5041 - Methods of Test - Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles. Please refer to What You Need to Know, for further explanation of these tests. 

Locks 

Ask your security door provider about the locks.  A three point lock is standard with a compliant security door and should not be considered an 'add on'.  If it's a single lock, it's not compliant to AS 5039. 

• Key locks should be five-pin cylinder or equivalent.

• A three point lock is likely to prevent the bottom or top of the door being wrench back by an intruder

Note: some locks on the market now offer a 25-year warranty!

Installation

Installing to the Australian Standard AS 5040, is just as important as the security door itself. The Standard AS 5040 - Installation of Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles, provides guidelines and requirements that must be followed when installing security screen products.

The NSSA recommends you check that the security screen installer you have chosen is trained and follows the guidelines as set out by the Australian Standards. 

It is highly recommended you do not DIY!

Frame

The frame can be steel or aluminium

• The frame should have a deep receiver channel for the grille, so the edge can't be pushed out of the frame easily. Make sure the connection between the main part of the frame and the receiver channel is sturdy.

• The security door should be reinforced at the corners of the frame.  Doors may have internal corner stakes, which you would be able to see.  Fully welded corner joints are likely to be stronger.

Hinges

The security door should have at least three hinges with fixed hinge pins that can't be removed.

The bigger the pin, the better, and ideally the hinges should be recessed or the door should have a hinge filling between the door and the frame, therefore eliminating access for jimmying the door.

Infill

The infill can be made from:

• Steel (decorative motive or grilles)

• Aluminium grille

• Structural grade aluminium perforated sheet

• Stainless steel mesh

Protection from Corrosion

Doors that meet the Australian Standard AS 5039 have non-corrosive properties, regardless if it is steel or aluminium.

Non corrosive properties prevents rust and must be considered if you live in a coastal area.

Pet Doors and Security Doors

The installation of a pet door in a security door is a must for many families. But did you know that a security door is no longer compliant and does not meet the AS 5039 if you have a pet door installed into your security door?

When a pet door is installed as part of your security door, it compromises the security features of the security door and is no longer compliant - no matter how good your security door is.

Once the pet door is installed, this door is now classified as a barrier door or safety door and should not be promoted, advertised, considered or sold as a security door if it has a pet door. 

Is your Security Door Installer Licensed?

If buying a Security Door in WA, NSW/ACT, SA or QLD, makes sure the company you select is licenced.

There are two types of licences required by states and territories for security screen operators in Australia.  

• Building Licence

• Security Licence

Both licence types may require a company licence and a personal licence.

Check your state or territory for licensing requirements. If unsure, contact the NSSA at info@nssa.org.au

Company Reputation

Always do your research when selecting a company to provide advice, sell and install your security doors or screens.

The NSSA has done the hard work for you, our members are;

• Audited

• Trained

• Kept up to date with the latest standards, installation and regulatory requirements

• Reputable

Australia's most trusted consumer site - CHOICE, also recommends you select a member of the NSSA.

The Difference Between a Barrier Door and a Security Door

Two doors.  Two different outcomes.

• Home invasion through a barrier door 

• Failed home invasion through a security door.

Even with a crowbar the bottom lock stayed engaged.

Compliance Label

Check your security door has the Australian Standards Compliance Label.

NSSA members label all security screen products, which includes the NSSA, Member and Supplier Logo, along with the Australian Standard AS 5039. 

If it's not labelled, it is highly likely it is not compliant. 

Download your copy now

Stay Informed

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