Historical interior design

What to Look for When Choosing a Security Screen Door

by Chad Brewer

Thinking of installing a security screen door in your home? Here are a few things to consider before you start.

Frame material

Security screen door frames are generally constructed of metal; aluminium, steel or a metal alloy. In order that alloy and aluminium frames are strong enough to be suitable for a security door, they must be made wider than a steel frame. This will affect the way the door looks, and is therefore something that might influence your choice of material.

Steel frames typically allow for better visibility and ventilation than the standard alloy or aluminium frame. Although aluminium is more expensive than alloy or steel, it does not rust and is therefore easier to maintain.

Installation mounting

Security screen doors can be mounted flush with the door frame or in a tube frame that stands slightly proud of the door. Although both designs give good security, flush mounting looks neater, and has no gap around the opening which gives a better seal. 

If you have the door mounted on a tube frame, there will be a protrusion of a few centimetres or so from the door opening which does not look quite as tidy.

Insects and bugs

Depending upon the area you live in, you may be concerned about insects gaining access to your home through the screen door. The majority of security screen door suppliers provide a peel-and-stick foam tape to seal the door as standard. This tape will require replacement annually to maintain its effectiveness. 

A better bug exclusion product is a felt strip. Although more expensive initially, felt strips are much longer-lasting and don't require maintenance.  Ask your supplier to seal your security screen door with a felt strip.

You might also want to consider asking for sill extensions to be extra sure that the bottom of your door is not an easy entry point for insects and bugs.

Paint and powder coating door finishes

When choosing the door finish, the best option to go for is powder coating. Powder coating is applied electrostatically then cured using heat so that it forms a 'skin'. The resultant finish is very hard and much more durable than paint. The security screen door frame and fixings will also be powder coated so that everything matches.

Paint by contrast is not usually heat-resistant and is readily damaged by the sun. This means that you'll have to regularly re-paint it to keep it looking smart.

Other features

If you choose a steel security screen door, always opt for for mitered corners. Mitered corners are solid rather than hollow which means that water is kept out of the frame, and rusting is less likely to occur.

Your security screen door should be fitted with a pneumatic door closer to make sure it closes automatically behind you without slamming. Wind chains are also useful as they stop the door from being blown open too far by random gusts of wind. 

It's possible to have your security screen door 'rekeyed' to match the lock on your main entry door. This makes life much more convenient as you'll only need one key to enter your home.

There's a lot to take into consideration when you're contemplating fitting a new security screen door. Always ask companies like Carefree Security & Blinds for advice to make sure that the door you choose is suitable for your home, and your requirements.

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