Fly Screen VS. Security Screen: What's the difference? Which is the best for Sydney Home?
Living in Sydney, we are blessed with beautiful weather, but we also face two distinct challenges: distinctively persistent insects and the need for home security. When the summer heat hits, you want to open your windows for a breeze, but you don't want uninvited guests—whether they have six legs or two.
Many homeowners confuse standard fly screens with security screens, assuming they offer the same protection. However, the difference between the two is massive, impacting your budget, your safety, and your peace of mind.
Here is a comprehensive guide to help you decide which option is right for your home.
What is a Fly Screen?
A standard fly screen is designed with one primary purpose: to keep insects out.
Usually made from fiberglass or polyester mesh stretched over a lightweight aluminum frame, these screens are the standard for most rental properties and older homes. They are excellent for airflow and visibility but offer zero physical protection against intruders.
1. The Mesh: Soft, flexible material (fiberglass/nylon).
2. The Frame: Lightweight, often held in by simple plastic clips.
3. The Resistance: Can be easily cut with a kitchen knife, torn by a pet’s claws, or pushed out of the frame with a gentle shove.
Best for: Upper-story windows where break-ins are unlikely, or for budget-conscious homeowners who only need protection from mosquitoes and flies.
What is a Security Screen?
A security screen acts as a shield for your home. While it still keeps bugs out, its main function is to prevent forced entry.
To be legally sold as a "security screen" in Australia, the product must meet the rigorous Australian Standard AS 5039. This means it has passed dynamic impact tests (simulating a kick or body slam), jemmy tests (crowbars), and knife shear tests.
The Mesh: Usually high-tensile 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel or perforated aluminum sheets. It looks like a fly screen but feels like steel.
The Locking: Often includes a triple-point locking system for doors.
The Frame: Heavy-duty aluminum with deep channels and internal staking.
Best for: Front doors, ground-floor windows, and patio areas where security is a priority.
The Perfect Match: Pairing with Sydney Blinds
When renovating, many Sydney homeowners consider their window ecosystem as a whole. Installing high-quality screens often goes hand-in-hand with updating your window coverings.
This is where Sydney blinds come into play.
- Privacy & Airflow: A security screen allows you to leave your main door open for fresh air, while a roller blind or vertical blind inside provides the necessary visual privacy from neighbors.
- Aesthetics: Modern security screens are sleek and "see-through" (unlike the old bulky bars). They pair beautifully with plantation shutters or sheer curtains, ensuring your home looks stylish from both the inside and outside.
If you are upgrading your home, search for local suppliers who offer packages. Many vendors in Sydney specialize in both security solutions and blinds, ensuring the frame colors match perfectly for a cohesive look.
So, which should you choose?
If you are renting or strictly need to stop mosquitoes in a low-risk area, a fly screen is a cost-effective solution. However, if you own your home and want to leave your windows open at night without fear of intruders, a security screen is a vital investment in your family's safety.
For more information, please click Fly-Screen.
