What is a Security Screen Door?

Security screen doors are enhanced screen doors that provide all the benefits of any door of this type while also offering the comfort of added security for the home. Constructed using a mixture of different materials, a screen door of this type is normally decorative as well as functional. When properly installed, a security screen door will enhance the security afforded by the presence of a solid front or back door and a functional security system.

One of the features that sets the security screen door apart from other types of screen doors is the presence of a grille on the exterior of the door. The grille is usually constructed with steel, cast iron, or some other type of sturdy metal and makes it impossible for anything to break through the screen mesh or the glass panels protected by the device. Typically, the grille will be decorative and help to enhance the outward appearance of the home. However, there are security door grilles designed with an eye toward practicality rather than appearance; doors of this nature are likely to feature a grille composed of a series of bars set closely together.

Along with the sturdy grilles, a high quality security screen door is equipped with additional hinges. This makes it possible to ensure that the door is harder to disengage from the frame. As with the grille, the hinges are normally constructed of galvanized metals to ensure added strength and durability.

The mesh used in a security screen door is also likely to be different from products used in basic door designs. Security mesh is usually composed of thicker strands, making the mesh significantly harder to break through. This means that even if someone were able to circumvent the security afforded by the grille, it would still take a great deal of effort to cut through the mesh. Security door mesh is also usually riveted or clamped into place using strong hardware. This is in contrast to standard mesh that is often held in place with rubber or simple clasps.

The locking mechanism on a security screen door is composed of solid metal materials and offers a degree of protection that is similar to any type of high quality door locks. While some high security locks on these doors are operated with a simple slide lock, other designs call for pressing a button before the lock will release.

As can be expected, a security screen door is significantly heavier than standard screen doors. Before installing the door, it may be necessary to reinforce the framing around the entrance. Some modifications will be necessary to accommodate the additional hinges. However, the degree of security offered by the door makes the alterations well worth the time and effort.