Are you looking for additional ways to protect your belongings and ensure the safety of your family?
A security door could easily be the perfect solution. Unfortunately, there is quite a lot of ambiguity when it comes to security doors, not to mention determining the standards for what can make the best security doors Perth.
To help you out, we’re going to outline the definition of what qualifies as a security door so you don’t purchase a substandard door that claims to be security-level. We’re also going to investigate what features better quality security doors will typically have. This way, you can move them to the top of your selection list.
The legal definition
Before we get started, let’s make sure you’re clear on what makes a security door a real security door. Many manufacturers and installers will claim that their doors will help secure your home or business. But true security doors must meet specific standards. Be sure not to settle for anything less.
Security doors are governed by AS 5039 which covers security doors and window grilles (they are covered by the same piece of legislation). The legislation specifies size, materials, and what the security doors should roughly be able to withstand. The legislation was drafted with the assistance of the Master Builders Australia, Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia, the National Security Screen Association, and the Australian Windows Association.
All doors must pass the test at a NATA-accredited facility to be classified as security level. If they don’t pass these tests, they are not security doors. The testing methods are laid out in AS 5041 and include:
- Knife Shear Test
- Impact Test
- Anti-Jemmy Test
- Pull Test
- Probe Test
- Fire Attenuation Test
- Cyclone Screen Test
- 10,000 Hour Salt Spray Tests
- Aluminium Frame Tests
- Stainless Mesh Tests
To qualify as a security door, the door has to pass the dynamic impact test, anti-jemmy test, pull test, probe test and knife shear test. The other tests apply only in specific scenarios (a cyclone security door would have to pass the cyclone screen test, for example).
AS 5040 governs security door installation. A forgotten point is that a security door is only as safe as the quality of installation. The installation specialists must adhere to this code in order for your security door to actually function as a security door. It’s only as secure as its strongest point, and if attached to a weak frame, it could be easy to pull loose.
How to choose the best security doors?
Just because security doors all serve to keep out criminals, this does not mean that they are all of the same quality. There are security doors that are far more secure than others, and this is due to certain features and qualities they possess. If you want to choose the best types of security door for your home or commercial premises, then look for the following features.
#1 – Three-point locking
A three-point lock is also known as a multi-point lock. In a single-point lock, when the key is turned, it is only locked at that point. But in a three-point locking system, the door will lock at three places: top, middle, and bottom. This is achieved by having two steel rods connected to the middle lock that turn the other locks as the middle one is turned via the key.
Obviously, this is considerably more secure than a single-point locking system. It locks at three points on the jamb, making it far more difficult for a burglar to get past.
Always ask about the strength of the lock before purchasing a security door. A five-point locking system is even more secure but is often unnecessary. In Australia, there are three major brands to take note of: Lockwood, Whitco, and Austral Lock.
#2 – Strong frame
The frame material itself should also be made of corrosion resistant steel or aluminium. Security doors will invariably be made from a mixture of these two materials. There’s no point in having a three-point lock if you can simply cut through the frame itself.
Having a strong fame is more than just the material itself, however. It needs to have a deep receiver channel so that the edge can’t be pushed out. Ideally, the corner joints would be fully wielder for enhanced security. But some form of reinforcement at the corners is recommended for the ebay security doors.
#3 – Pressure retention system
The best security doors will use a pressure retention system as an alternative to rivets. If rivets are used, they should be spaced 20mm-30mm apart and installed on the back of the frame. However, there is some controversy surrounding the issue. While a pressure retention system is preferred, a correctly installed rivet system will be very secure.
Pressure retention systems secure the security door to the frame through the use of compression wedges or screw clamps. They are offered by providers including Crimsafe, Secureview, and Prowler Proof. However, you can expect to pay more for these models than the rivet security doors.
#4 – Stainless steel or punched aluminium mesh
The best security doors are always going to include either stainless steel mesh or punched aluminium mesh. This is also known as the infill screen. Stainless steel mesh is the most popular on the market today, made from marine-grade steel that is corrosion resistant. Perforated or punched aluminium is of an equal standard in terms of security but offers a different look and feel.
Diamond grille security screens are also available. These are cheaper but do not offer the same level of protection in comparison to stainless steel or punched aluminium. The strength offered depends on the thickness of the grille and how well it has been secured to the frame.
#5 – Bushfire and cyclone testing
This is not an official requirement of a security door but useful to have. Bushfire testing protects your home or business in bushfire prone areas. It’s designated in Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) typically from BAL 12.5 to BAL 40.
This is definitely something to look out for if you are in a bushfire area. The same applies to cyclone doors, which are designed to be resistant to cyclone wind and damage. While not everybody will need this, it could be quite relevant if you live in one of these areas.
#6 – Experienced installer
The best security doors will be installed by police-licensed installers for added security. It’s worthwhile to find a supplier and installer with this accreditation. This is often the most overlooked aspect of choosing the best type of security door, and one of the most important. You want to work with an installer that has decades of experience in the installation of security doors.
If it’s not securely attached to a strong frame, the whole thing can simply be pried loose. Moreover, the people who work for this installer are more likely to be police checked and insured when you work with a reputable company.
#7 – Strong warranty
The best types of security doors will come with strong warranties. This is a sign that they are well made and will last for a long time. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying a lot more money for a repair. It’s also a sign that the company is prepared to stand by the quality of the door it’s selling.
The industry standard for security door warranties tends to be in the region of five years, but better providers will offer 10 year warranties.
So what’s the best type of security door?
In one sense, there is no real best when it comes to security doors. This is because all security doors are required to meet the legislative requirements – knife sheer, dynamic impact, anti-jemmy test, probe test, and pull test. Regardless of the form, a burglar will simply not be able to get in using any of the conventional methods with a knife, sledgehammer, lockpick, or any other item (with the obvious exception of highly specialised and powerful tools).
What’s more important is to find an experienced and accredited service provider that offers you the best in terms of security door installation because the security door is only as secure as the quality of the install. If it does not fit snugly, a criminal will be able to pry it loose with a crowbar and some help.
On the other hand, if you’re purchasing a security door, you want it to be as secure as possible and to last as long as it can. So you will need to delve into the product specifications to find the best one. Remember that a security door is always going to have three hinges as well as fixed pins on the top, middle, and bottom. Look for:
- A three point locking system
- Reinforcement at the corners
- Stainless steel or punched aluminium mesh
- A strong warranty
- A police-licensed install
- Pressure retention system or intelligently installed rivets spaced evenly
Additional features
There are multiple other considerations when it comes to security doors. The first one would be the cost. While security takes precedence, you will still want to find a security door that does not break the bank.
For this, you’ll want to find a provider that offers factory-direct pricing. You also want the security door to look nice and with the colours and customisation options that make it an aesthetic complement to your abode. Do your research and take the time to find the door that matches what you’re after.
You also have multiple options when it comes to security door customisation. Better quality providers will tailor your door for smart locks, automatic door closing, small pet doors, and colour customisation. Where possible, it’s best to get Australian-made security doors as they have more stringent standards.
How much do they cost?
A standard security door might cost you around $400 – 600. But for heavy-duty security doors with triple locking, a pressure retention system, and a stainless steel mesh, you’re probably looking at $1,000 and above.
Both the very best and the more moderate kinds of security doors have passed the tests. So you can cut down on costs without some of the more exotic security features if you desire.
But another point to keep in mind here is that the better quality security doors tend to last longer, which is another incentive to make an investment for the long-term.
What questions should I ask a provider?
If you’re really looking to narrow down the best types of security doors, then ask your supplier the following series of questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have social proofs/testimonials?
- Do you offer a warranty on your security doors?
- Are the security doors corrosion proof?
- Are the doors bushfire tested?
- Are the security doors made in Australia?
- Do you have product certifications?
- Do you offer police-licensed installs?
- Do your security doors offer three point locking mechanisms?
- Do your security doors use pressure retention?
Once the answers to these questions are satisfactory, you can be relatively confident that you are getting a better-quality of security door.
Can I install by myself?
Yes, but you leave yourself exposed to a break-in. You can purchase the best security door that money can buy, but if you don’t have experience in the installation process, then it’s basically a waste of money.
Better quality security doors will also weigh quite a lot, so you’ll need a friend to help you out. If there are specialised components, you’ll also need to be extra careful in terms of the install.
All things considered, hiring a professional is the best bet, and you might get a discount when you purchase and install from the same vendor. Ultimately, purchasing a high quality security door and securing a police-licensed install is the way to go. It will last for decades, and you won’t have to worry about break-ins, which will be a giant weight off your shoulders.
The best security door providers
If you’re looking for a supplier and installer of the very best security doors and security screen doors , then Perth Homeguard is the provider for you. We have been in business for 30 years and offer police-licenced installs of all our premium security doors.
Our Australian-made security doors are bushfire tested and exceed all of the current regulatory standards. With a 10-year warranty and an unbeatable install, the prices for our security doors are a steal.
Call now for a fast and free quote on (08) 9209 8100.
