Overview
Here’s a quick summary if you’re short on time. Security screens are a worthwhile investment for Perth homeowners looking to improve both safety and lifestyle. Beyond break-in protection, they enhance natural airflow, reduce reliance on air conditioning, support child and pet safety, and can contribute to lower insurance premiums. Durable and low-maintenance, they’re designed to withstand forced entry, extreme weather, and everyday use, all without compromising your home’s aesthetic appeal.
In a city like Perth, where warm weather, coastal breezes and a laid-back lifestyle are part of the daily rhythm, it’s easy to overlook home security until something brings it front of your mind. Maybe you’ve just moved in, heard about a break-in down the road, or finally decided those old flyscreens aren’t cutting it anymore. Whatever sparked it, the question’s the same: Are security screens worth it?
The short answer? Yes, but not just for the reasons you might expect.
This guide breaks down exactly what security screens offer: from keeping out intruders to enhancing airflow, boosting your home’s energy efficiency, and improving everyday comfort. If you’re considering your options, this article will help you decide whether security screens deserve a place in your home.
What Exactly Are Security Screens, and How Do They Work?
You might picture a flyscreen with attitude, but a true security screen is in a league of its own. Built tough and made to last, it’s the first line of defence for your home’s most vulnerable entry points. Unlike standard flyscreens, which are made from flimsy mesh primarily to keep bugs out, security screens are built from reinforced materials such as marine-grade stainless steel or structural-grade aluminium.
They’re often paired with robust frames, secure locks and tamper-resistant fittings to resist break-in attempts like kicking, prying or cutting. Whether you’re looking at a single security screen door or thinking about upgrading your whole setup with security doors and screens, these tough, Australian-made barriers offer serious peace of mind.
But that’s only half the story. Today’s security screens have evolved to offer not just protection, but also lifestyle benefits that make your home more liveable, without compromising on design or comfort.
How Do Security Screens Help Keep Your Home Safe?
Most people don’t think about security screens until something rattles them, and when it does, you want the kind that can take a hit. Let’s look at how these screens turn your home into a harder target.
High-quality security screens are designed to meet or exceed Australian Standard AS5039, which outlines rigorous testing for impact, pull, knife shear and probe resistance. That means the screen isn’t just strong, it’s proven to hold up under real-world conditions.
Security mesh doors are built to shrug off crowbars, blades, and the kind of force that would tear a flyscreen to shreds. They also serve as a visual deterrent. Criminals are less likely to target homes that look difficult to break into.
Installing security doors and screens is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family and secure your home against unauthorised entry. Some options, like diamond grille security doors, offer specific features that are worth understanding when comparing designs.
Do Security Screens Still Let the Breeze In?
One of the best things about living in Perth is the fresh air, and the last thing you want is to block it out. Good news: security screens don’t just keep you safe, they let your home breathe too.
The design of mesh security screens allows for full ventilation, which is essential for cooling your home naturally during warm weather. You can leave your windows and doors open, knowing your home is still secure. That’s not just great for airflow, it’s also good for energy bills, reducing reliance on air conditioning.
Plus, high-grade mesh filters light gently without blocking it entirely. This means you get to keep natural sunlight while minimising glare, which is perfect if you’re trying to enjoy bright living areas without baking in the afternoon sun.
Screens are also effective at keeping insects and pests out, essential in areas like the Swan Valley or along the coast where mozzies and flies can be relentless in the warmer months. You still get the breeze and the open-air feeling of a flyscreen, just with a whole lot more peace of mind behind it.
And if you’ve ever hesitated to open the windows at night because of who might walk past, this gives you that freedom back.
In terms of performance and lifestyle benefits, roller shutters offer an alternative approach, especially when total blockout or storm protection is a priority.
Will They Suit the Look of My Home?
Gone are the days of ugly bars and clunky steel. Today’s security screens are sleek, subtle, and designed to blend in, not stand out, no matter what style your home is.
Modern security screens, particularly those made with slimline aluminium frames and stainless steel mesh, are designed to blend seamlessly into your home’s façade. At Perth Homeguard, we offer tailored designs to suit your existing colour palette and architectural style, whether that’s a contemporary new build in Burns Beach or a classic weatherboard in Mount Hawthorn.
You don’t have to compromise on aesthetics to secure your home. Materials, frame types and mesh variations all play a role when it comes to choosing the best security screens for both safety and street appeal.
Do Security Screens Add Real Value to Your Property?
A good security screen doesn’t just protect your home, it adds to its value. Whether you’re selling soon or staying for years, it’s a smart investment that pays off in more ways than one.
Beyond resale, the practical benefits offer real long-term value:
- Lower risk of break-ins, which can mean fewer insurance claims.
- Better energy efficiency helps to reduce cooling costs in summer.
- Protection against pests, sun damage and storm debris.
- Convenience, allowing you to leave doors open for deliveries, pets or airflow.
And as Perth’s weather patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, these screens also provide a protective barrier during periods of extreme weather, from high winds to flying debris.
It’s the kind of investment that pays you back, not just in peace of mind, but in every warm evening you spend with the door wide open, not worrying who’s walking past.
It’s the kind of investment that pays you back, not just in peace of mind, but in every warm evening you spend with the door wide open, not worrying who’s walking past.
When considered over a 10–15 year lifespan, often even longer with proper care, security screens provide an excellent return on investment for most Perth homes.
Can They Help Lower My Home Insurance Premium?
There’s protection you can feel, and protection you can see on your insurance statement. Some policies offer perks for upgrading your home’s security, and screens can help tick that box.
Some insurance providers consider professionally installed security doors and screens as legitimate security upgrades, which can reduce the likelihood of forced entry and, in turn, reduce your home and contents insurance premiums. These potential savings aren’t guaranteed and depend on your insurer, but they’re worth enquiring about.
In some cases, your insurer may request proof of compliance with Australian Standards (like AS5039), or confirmation that the screens were installed by a licensed provider. If you’re already investing in security for peace of mind, the possibility of long-term savings through your insurance is another reason they’re a smart addition to the home.
And let’s be honest, with premiums only going one way, any edge you can get is worth asking about.
Are Security Screens Useful in All Perth Suburbs?
From beachside suburbs to the bushfire-prone hills, Perth’s landscape is diverse, and so are the security needs of its homes. And wherever you live in Perth, here’s why security screens aren’t just a ‘nice to have’, they’re built for the way we live.
- For areas where crime rates are rising, and opportunistic theft is a concern
- For homes that are close to walking tracks or busy streets
- For families that want to leave front or back doors open for ventilation
- For elderly residents want to feel secure while maintaining independence
Security screens are also suitable for homes in regional or bushfire-prone areas. Bushfire-rated screens are vital protection against ember attack and can be part of a BAL-compliant fire safety strategy. They also serve to protect your family by keeping open entry points secure during emergency events.
You don’t need to be in a high-crime postcode to want that extra buffer between inside and out, especially if you’re home alone, or you’ve had a few close calls.
And if you live in a participating local council, like Stirling, you might qualify for a government rebate, up to $400, when you install approved security upgrades through a licensed provider.
How Do They Support Child and Pet Safety?
You can’t be everywhere at once, but a security screen adds an extra layer of peace of mind when it comes to curious kids and active pets. Think of it as smart, built-in supervision. Because they’re built to resist pressure and tampering, they prevent children from pushing through window openings or accessing outdoor areas unsupervised, especially important for upstairs bedrooms, balconies, or homes with pools.
For pet owners, they make it possible to leave doors or windows open for airflow without worrying about escapes or damage. Reinforced mesh is far more durable than standard screen material, standing up to scratching paws and excited jumping, and custom options like integrated pet doors can be added without compromising strength.
Whether it’s keeping toddlers safely inside or letting pets enjoy the breeze without risk, security screens offer flexibility and control for busy households.
What’s the Installation Process Like?
Quality starts with proper fitting. Here’s what to expect when you choose a licensed team to get the job done right, the first time.
At Perth Homeguard, we provide a free on-site consultation and quote, custom-measure all screens to fit, and handle installation from start to finish with our police-licensed team. That ensures a seamless fit, secure anchoring and no weak points.
A properly fitted security door will form a tight seal and align with the frame for maximum effectiveness. You shouldn’t have to chase a tradie for updates, or worry about gaps and wobbly frames. We get in, measure right, and leave your home tighter and tougher than we found it.
How Do You Maintain Security Screens?
You don’t want another high-maintenance item on your list. Thankfully, security screens are as low-fuss as they are tough, here’s how to keep them looking and working like new.
The mesh is rust-resistant (essential in coastal suburbs like Mindarie or Fremantle), and the powder-coated frames can be wiped down periodically to stay looking fresh.
Occasional cleaning is all it takes. A few simple steps, like gentle rinsing and non-abrasive cloths, are all you need to maintain your screens. For specifics, see our guide on how to clean security screens without damaging the mesh.
It’s the kind of maintenance you can knock over in ten minutes, not another job that sits on your list for six months.
Who Gets the Most Out of Security Screens?
From new builds to older homes, security screens are more than a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s who benefits most, and why.
- New homeowners securing their property for the first time
- Retirees or elderly residents who want passive security without relying on complex tech or camera systems
- Suburban families who want peace of mind while their kids play near open doors
- People living alone, who want to sleep with windows open in summer
- Homeowners in high-exposure locations, like corner blocks or bushland edges
Whether your focus is on safety, comfort or freedom to live with your doors open, security screens deliver real results.
So, Are Security Screens Worth It?
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably still wondering whether security screens are the right move. Let’s bring it all together. Security screens aren’t just an optional upgrade; they’re a smart, versatile, and lifestyle-enhancing solution for Perth homes.
They provide genuine protection from break-ins, give you control over airflow and light, and reduce energy costs over time. When chosen carefully and installed professionally, they serve not just as a security feature, but as a long-term lifestyle investment.
If you’re still exploring options, the full range of benefits security screens offer Perth homes, from energy efficiency to comfort and resale appeal, can offer more clarity, or reach out for a free measure and quote.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore our security screens here or book your free security audit with our licensed professionals. With over 30 years of experience protecting WA homes, Perth Homeguard is here to help you feel safe, comfortable and secure, day and night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Screens
Are all security screens bushfire-rated?
Not by default. Only screen products tested and certified to Australian Standard AS 3959 qualify as bushfire-rated. Specific screens built for this purpos, as with our Perth Homeguard bushfire screens, meet BAL levels up to BAL‑40, meaning they resist ember attack, radiant heat and flame exposure. Typical balustrade mesh sidesteps gaps greater than 2 mm and uses non‑combustible steel or aluminium framing, offering crucial protection in WA bushfire zones.
What’s the difference between a flyscreen and a security screen?
Flyscreens are lightweight, fibreglass or polyester/PVC mesh designed primarily to keep insects out. They offer ventilation, but no significant security or structural strength.
Security screens are built from reinforced stainless steel or structural-grade aluminium mesh, tested to resist impact, pull and knife attacks under AS 5039. They also include robust framing and tempered lock systems. Put simply: flyscreens keep bugs out, security screens keep intruders out.
Can I install security screens on sliding doors or bi-fold doors?
Absolutely. Security screens are custom-fitted to any door type, including hinged entry doors, sliding doors, stackers, bi‑folds and even pool gates. Installation ensures full functionality, smooth operation and secure locking, even when you want airflow overnight.
Do I need council approval to install security screens in Perth?
In most cases, no. Installing security screens is typically considered a minor home improvement and doesn’t require formal council approval. However, if your home is strata-managed, heritage-listed or involves structural alteration (e.g. widening door frames), a permit might be needed. Always check with your local council or strata body before starting.
Will security screens potentially reduce my home insurance premiums?
Possibly. Some WA insurance providers recognise professionally installed, Australian Standard-compliant security screens as a risk-reduction measure. This may translate into lower premiums, especially for home and contents cover. Requirements vary, and insurers may ask for proof of AS 5039 compliance or installation by a licensed provider. It won’t hurt to ask, and if you’re already investing in your home’s safety, it could mean savings you hadn’t counted on.
Are security screens effective against extreme weather and strong winds?
Yes. Unlike flimsy flyscreens, quality security screens are engineered to withstand both break-in attempts and weather extremes. In Perth, that means high winds, salty coastal air and flying debris during storms won’t warp or compromise the mesh. They also provide impact resistance, important in suburban and coastal areas.
Can security screens improve child and pet safety?
Definitely. Security screens offer robust fall prevention for upper-level windows and balconies, ideal for households with young children. Their strong, tamper-resistant mesh also prevents pets from pushing through or escaping. For pet owners, there are custom pet-door options that maintain the mesh strength while allowing wear-free access.
Are security screens suitable for rental properties?
Yes, landlords often install security screens to boost property appeal and tenant safety. Just ensure they’re installed by a licensed provider to meet insurance and safety standards.
