What to Look for in a Security Door: Grades, Ratings, and What They Mean

There’s a moment most homeowners never want to experience: arriving home to find a door kicked in, a lock forced, or a fly screen peeled back like it was made of paper. It’s unsettling in a way that goes far beyond whatever was taken.

The numbers tell a sobering story. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an estimated 196,600 Australian households experienced a break-in in 2024–25, with a further 217,500 experiencing an attempted break-in in the same period. Australia also has one of the highest burglary rates in the world per 100,000 people sitting among the top ten globally, according to the 2024 Home Security Index from Compare the Market.

The good news? The vast majority of break-ins are opportunistic. Burglars are not sophisticated they look for the easiest way in. A strong security door is often enough to make them move on.

But here’s the catch: not every door sold as a “security door” actually is one. Understanding what the ratings and standards mean is the only way to know if you’re genuinely protected or just paying for something that looks the part.

The Difference Between a Security Door and a Screen Door

This is where a lot of homeowners get caught out. Walk into any hardware store and you’ll see doors labelled “security screen,” “barrier screen,” or “safety screen.” These terms are not interchangeable but they can look very similar on the shelf.

A true security door or security screen must meet Australian Standard AS 5039. This is the national standard that sets the minimum requirements for how security screen doors and window grilles must be designed, built, and tested. If a product doesn’t meet AS 5039, it cannot legally be marketed or sold as a security screen in Australia.

Products that don’t meet the standard regardless of what they’re called in advertising are classified as barrier screens, safety screens, or fly screens. They’re fine for keeping insects out. They will not stop a determined intruder.

The National Security Screen Association (NSSA) puts it plainly: if it doesn’t carry a compliance label, it is not a security door. When you’re shopping, look for that label physically affixed to the product. If a supplier can’t show you one, walk away.

What AS 5039 Actually Tests

Passing AS 5039 means a product has cleared six independent tests designed to simulate real break-in attempts. Here’s what each one checks:

1. The Impact Test: A 40kg weight is swung into the screen five times, generating 100 joules of force roughly equivalent to a hard shoulder charge or kick. The door must stay within its frame and hold its shape.
2. The Knife Shear Test: A heavy-duty blade is used to slash the mesh three times with fresh blades each time. The mesh must not allow an incision longer than 150mm. This matters because a common technique is cutting through mesh to reach an internal lock.
3. The Probe Test: This simulates an intruder creating a gap in the screen to poke through and manipulate a lock or handle. The mesh must not allow any probe to pass through in a way that grants access.
4. The Jemmy Test: A tool is used to try to lever the door away from its frame. The frame, fixings, and hinges must all hold.
5. The Pull Test Force is applied to try to pull the screen away from its mounting. It must resist.
6. The Corrosion Test: The mesh and frame are tested for rust resistance, which is particularly important in coastal environments.

To meet the standard, a product must pass all six tests. Not five. All six.

SL100 vs SL200: The Impact Ratings That Now Matter

Following updates to AS 5039 in 2023–24, two new Security Level ratings were introduced for the impact test:

• SL100 the product withstands five impacts of 100 joules each
• SL200 the product withstands five impacts of 200 joules each

Both levels meet the minimum standard. SL200 simply means the product has been tested to a significantly higher level of force useful for higher-risk entry points like front doors, or ground-floor access points in secluded areas.

Think of it this way: SL100 is the base line, and SL200 gives you an additional margin. For most homes, SL100 is sufficient. For a front door on a property with limited street visibility, SL200 is worth considering.

The Three Standards That Work Together

AS 5039 isn’t the only standard you’ll hear mentioned. There are actually three that relate to security screens:

• AS 5039 covers the design and manufacture of the product itself
• AS 5040 covers how the product must be installed
• AS 5041 covers the methods used in testing

All three work together. A door that’s built to AS 5039 but installed incorrectly poor fixings, wrong frame anchoring, gaps around edges can still fail under pressure. This is why the NSSA strongly recommends using a licensed installer rather than attempting a DIY fit. A security screen is only as strong as its weakest point, and that’s often the installation.

What to Look for in the Mesh

The mesh is the heart of a security screen. The most common materials are:

Stainless steel mesh generally 304-grade for inland areas. Strong, corrosion-resistant, and the most widely used option in compliant security screens.

Marine-grade 316 stainless steel recommended for homes within a few kilometres of the ocean. The higher grade resists the salt air that causes ordinary steel to rust over time.

Aluminium diamond grille an older style still found on many homes. It can meet AS 5039 requirements, though it’s less common in new installations than stainless mesh.

If you live near the coast, ask specifically about the mesh grade. A screen that looks perfect today can deteriorate significantly within a few years if the wrong material is used in a salt-heavy environment.

Locks and Hinges: The Parts People Often Overlook

The mesh gets all the attention, but the locking system and hinges are just as important.

For hinges, the NSSA recommends at least three fixed-pin hinges, ideally recessed or fitted with anti-tamper inserts. Exposed hinges that can be knocked out are a known vulnerability.

For locks, look for a three-point locking system one that engages at the top, middle, and bottom of the door simultaneously. Single-point locks concentrate all the force of a kick or shoulder charge on one spot. Three-point locks distribute that force across the full height of the door, making the frame far more resistant.

A Quick Checklist Before You Buy

When you’re comparing products or getting quotes, ask these questions:

• Does this product carry a compliance label certifying it meets AS 5039?
• What is the impact rating SL100 or SL200?
• What grade of stainless steel mesh is used, and is it appropriate for my location?
• Does the door have three-point locking?
• Are there at least three recessed or anti-tamper hinges?
• Will it be installed by a licensed installer in line with AS 5040?

If a supplier can’t answer these questions clearly, that tells you something.

The Bottom Line

A quality security door is not a luxury purchase it’s a practical decision based on real risk. With nearly 200,000 Australian households broken into each year, and a further 217,500 attempted break-ins recorded in the same period, the question isn’t really whether to invest in better door security. It’s whether the product you’re considering is actually up to the job.

The Australian Standard AS 5039 exists precisely so you don’t have to guess. A compliance label means the product has been independently tested and has passed. Everything without that label is simply a screen and screens keep out flies, not burglars.

Take your time, ask the right questions, and buy something you won’t have cause to regret.