Fly screens vs. security screens: A practical guide

The humble security fly screen has come a long way from the standard mesh panel that kept the bugs away. With more durable materials, innovative manufacturing processes, and essential security features like a triple-locking mechanism, the security screen is the superior choice. 

However, not all security fly-screen doors are made the same. To ensure your home is a secure and peaceful environment, you need to know the difference between a regular security fly screen and security screen doors and windows from Amplimesh®.

Protect your family from would-be intruders without compromising your view of the outside world. Deciding between flyscreens and security doors is easy, with several key factors leaning towards our security screens–durability, price and the knowledge that your home is secure.

Our practical guide on fly screens vs security screens considers all the necessary features, benefits and critical differences, giving you all the information you need to know to properly equip your home with the right security fly screen doors. Amplimesh® offers a range of options like our SupaScreen® security screen windows and doors, which come backed with an Australia-wide 16-year warranty, so you can enjoy your screens’ effectiveness and durability for years to come.  

With our help, you’ll know what to look for and expect when choosing or upgrading your security fly screen solution. Having serviced more than two million Australian homes over the last 50 years, we’ll secure your home in no time!

Fly Screens

As their name would suggest, fly screens have one main job—to protect you from flies and insects. Typically fixed to your doorframe by a fly screen installer or a ‘handyman’, some homeowners opt to DIY and install or replace their fly screens themselves. Unfortunately, because fly screens can be easily broken and have a habit of deteriorating faster than our more durable security screens, fly screens are seen as more of a temporary solution than a method for securing your home from intruders.

Standard fly screens are often made of aluminium and mesh made from fibreglass or polyester mesh (coated with PVC) or midge mesh (which has a tighter weave), providing special protection from midge flies, also known as sand flies. But so does our SupaScreen® mesh. With mesh holes sized at only 1.6mm x 1.6mm, they’ll keep out creepy crawlies and flying insects all day and night. Our IntrudaGuard® and PrivacyGuard® screens are also suitable for protection from insects.

Depending on where in Australia you live, flies and insects can either be a minor annoyance or a regular and disruptive part of life. Homes near open water or in a warmer climate experience more flies and mosquitoes, so protection against them is necessary. Also, if someone in your family has a severe bee or wasp sting allergy, effective fly screens are even more essential.

In addition, certain parts of Australia are affected by mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Dengue. Although these diseases are historically common in Northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, these mosquitoes have begun spreading to other regions such as Victoria and ACT. These dangers highlight that fly-screen doors and windows can be crucial to your family’s safety–and health.

Security Screens

Not all security screen doors and windows are created equal. That’s why knowing which solution will suit your family and your home best is essential. The unparalleled quality that Amplimesh® security screens provide goes above and beyond a host of strict Australian standards to ensure that would-be intruders can’t easily penetrate your security screen doors or windows.

A quality security screen is built with more than just flies in mind. It will feature high-quality mesh designed to encourage ventilation throughout your home while providing a high level of security from human and insect intruders.

Unlike fly screens made from more basic materials, Amplimesh® SupaScreen® security screens feature high tensile 316 marine grade stainless steel woven into a fine mesh. Each security screen is assembled using a patented process that retains the structural integrity of the mesh panel.

Finally, the quality materials used in your security screens have the added value of being easy to clean and maintain. With proper care, your security screens will maintain their quality even after years of use.

Security Benefits Compared

Fly screens, while somewhat helpful, are not security screens and are not regulated by security standards. If security is a significant factor for you, security screens doors and windows installed throughout your home (rather than fly screens) will provide a higher level of security and more peace of mind.

Unlike security screens, fly screens typically do not stand up to the Knife Shear test (AS 5041-2003). Amplimesh® screens are tested rigorously against these attacks and other impacts, protecting your home against the most dedicated burglars. Amplimesh® SupaScreen®, IntrudaGuard® and PrivacyGuard® security screens have all passed this test with flying colours.

Lastly, regarding mechanical security, Amplimesh® screens are superior to fly screens due to their easy-to-use and highly secure three-point lock systems. The easy lock-and-go mechanism is simple enough for anyone in the family to use and gives you extra control over your home security without the fuss of multiple keys or complicated lock systems.

Looking At Durability

When comparing the durability and longevity of security screens against fly screens, fly screens always come up short.

SupaScreen® 316 marine-grade stainless steel mesh security screens are purpose-built to stand up against even the most challenging and corrosive environments, including areas where sea salt spray and harsh weather conditions are a factor.

An added benefit to the high-quality materials used in good security screens is that they come with a Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) rating for UV protection and energy efficiency. This is a critical difference between security and fly screens, as fly screens often need to be replaced due to sun damage, turning the fly screens an unsightly silvery-grey colour.

Fly screens are also susceptible to cuts, holes and indentations from kids running into them, pets clawing or biting and everyday impacts. Over time you might find that your fly screens are no longer performing their primary task of keeping insects out due to wear and tear.

Luckily, when it comes to Amplimesh® SupaScreen® security screen windows and doors, you’re completely covered by an Australia comprehensive 16-year warranty, alongside a 10-year warranty on all IntrudaGuard® products and a 7-year warranty on all PrivacyGuard® products. 

Best Bang For Your Buck

How much does a fly screen cost? Well, the difference in cost between fly screens and security screens is a reflection of the key benefits and differences already mentioned. Fly screens tend to cost less than quality security screens because they are made from cheaper materials that aren’t so heavily regulated. That means they don’t meet the same strict Australian standards and are not suited to protecting your home.

While it may cost you more, your security screen door or window will provide a superior level of protection. Plus, you won’t have to spend extra time and money installing replacement screens thanks to our higher-quality materials that will stand the test of time. 

You may also receive a deduction in your home insurance premium for making your property safer.

Choosing The Best Security Doors and Windows

If you want the best security, durability, insect protection, ventilation and overall design for your family and home, a security fly screen from the trusted Amplimesh® range is the only choice. Sleep soundly, knowing that your home is fitted with some of the best Australian-tested screen solutions on the market.

To find the security screen doors and windows that best suit your home, scan the Amplimesh® range online or call us today. One of our experts will be happy to discuss your security screen options and arrange a free measure and quote.

Click here for extra help picking a suitable security fly screen from Amplimesh®.