Walk through almost any Melbourne unit block and you’ll notice the same thing. The front doors are only a few metres apart. They open straight onto a shared path or driveway, and your neighbours pass yours several times a day.
Choosing security screen doors for a home like this takes a bit more thought. There may be an owners’ corporation to answer to, or a rental provider to ask. Then there’s the question of which style actually suits a shared building.
Here’s how to work it out.
Why Units and Townhouses Need a Different Approach
On a freestanding house, the front door is yours to change. In a unit or townhouse, it’s one door among many.
With entrances closer together, privacy matters more. Most complexes also prefer every door to look the same. And since a lot of residents prop the main door open for a cross breeze, the screen has to keep out both intruders and insects.
A good flyscreen security door handles both. On a warm Melbourne evening, you can leave the main door open and not think twice about burglars or mozzies.
Check Owners Corporation Rules First
Is your unit or townhouse part of an owners’ corporation? If so, check the rules before you order anything.
Plenty of owners’ corporations have guidelines on changes to the outside of the building. That can include the door style, the frame colour, and the powder coat finish. Some won’t let a security door go in without written approval.
The simplest step is to email your owners corporation manager. Ask if there’s an approved colour or style, and whether you need sign off. Two minutes now can save you from paying for a door you later have to replace.
Renters and Rental Providers: Get It Agreed in Writing
Renting? Talk to your rental provider before anything is installed. Get their okay in writing and agree upfront on who pays and what happens to the door when you move out.
Rental providers, this one’s worth considering. A security screen helps protect the property, makes it more appealing to good renters, and gives them airflow through summer. The door will be used every day by different people over the years, so choose a durable design that’s easy to look after. A neutral powder coat colour also makes it easier to match any future updates.
Which Security Screen Door Suits Shared Living?
There are three main infill styles to choose from, and each suits a slightly different home.
Stainless Steel Mesh
Stainless steel mesh has the clearest view out and strong cutting resistance. The weave is fine enough to stop insects, so there’s no need for a separate flyscreen. It’s a great choice for units with a view, or for anyone who’d rather the door almost disappeared.
Perforated Aluminium
Perforated aluminium gives a clean, modern look and a strong, rigid panel. Some designs cut down how much people outside can see in during the day. That’s handy if your door faces a shared walkway or the street.
The catch is that this privacy only really works in daylight, when it’s brighter outside than in.
Grille Doors
Classic grille doors are usually the cheapest of the three. They’re common on older unit blocks and suit buildings with a more traditional look. You’ll get a more framed view, though, and you’ll usually need flyscreen mesh fitted behind the grille to keep insects out.
What to Look for in a Flyscreen Security Door
With a style in mind, it’s time to check the details. A well-made flyscreen security door should have:
- Compliance with AS 5039, the Australian Standard for security screen doors, which covers knife shear, jemmy, and impact tests
- A quality lock, ideally a triple lock that secures the door at three points
- A frame made to measure for your doorway
- A powder coat colour that suits the building and meets any owners’ corporation rules
- Professional installation, so the door hangs square and the lock lines up properly
A door is only as strong as its weakest part. When you ask about compliance, ask about the whole door system, including the frame, infill, and lock, not just the mesh.
Don’t Forget the Back and Balcony Doors
Front doors get most of the attention, but they’re rarely the only way in. Courtyard doors, balcony sliders, and laundry doors can be easier to get through, especially on the ground floor.
Sliding security screen doors are made for these openings. With them fitted, you can leave the sliders open for a breeze and still have every entry point covered.
Ready to Secure Your Unit or Townhouse?
Every property has its own boxes to tick. A unit may need owners corporation approval, and a rental needs the rental provider’s go ahead. Once that’s sorted, the right door gives you security, airflow, and a finish that fits in with the building.
PA Flyscreen custom makes and installs security doors and flyscreen across Melbourne, including stainless steel mesh, perforated aluminium, and grille styles.
Book a free measure and quote to find the right fit for your home.
