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A confusing situation can arise when one needs to make a decision regarding insect screens or security screens. Let's, before we go any further, try and qualify or explain the difference between these two very similar products.

Insect screens have the exclusive purpose and use of eliminating annoying flies, mosquitoes and all flying type insects from entering your home through open doors and windows. They would usually come with standard fibreglass mesh which is black in colour. This will eliminate 90 to 99% of insects coming through the actual mesh; however, if more protection is needed for small insects such as midge then a specific mesh called midge mesh may be required. This is particularly good for coastal areas where sand flies (midge) are prolific and can also be very useful where insects are attracted by light. These areas can be particularly bad where in the case of a Homestead or a farmhouse the only light around can attract very small insects. Most farmhouses and isolated homes or sheds usually have trees or scrub around them where very small insects live and are attracted by the only light that is in their view. Midge mesh, however, does have the downside of restricting the airflow and therefore may not be absolutely ideal,  but is possibly the best option.

Another option for mesh in a insect screen or screen door is paw proof mesh. Paw proof mesh is designed to withstand significantly more abuse than standard fibreglass mesh; it has the ability to be able to withstand cat and dog claws penetrating and tearing the mesh in most cases. It is a much thicker and stronger strand of fibreglass and has a similar airspace hole of standard fibreglass mesh. It is also much more durable for human use and can be a real asset on a door that has high access and suffers wear and tear around the lock area where rings on fingers and fingernails can cause run holes in standard fly mesh. It is significantly more difficult to install to a fly screen or a screen door; however, once done is usually sufficient for the life of the screen or screen door. Insect screens, screen doors, security/barrier screens and security/barrier doors can be ordered with all mesh options at the factory and will save a lot of hard work.

Paw proof mesh is not a security mesh; however, it can be added to a 7mm diamond screen door and will certainly add a degree of protection to the lock area and the overall measure of security to the door as compared to standard fibreglass mesh or midge mesh. All of the above meshes can be added to a 7mm diamond security screen door or barrier door as well as security screens and barrier screens. If you require extra protection then you may be well advised to choose the woven steel mesh option. The 316 Marine grade stainless steel will offer significantly more protection from intruders as well as offering medium to high level insect screen. These meshes are designed to imitate fly screen or insect screens in their looks. All options are black in colour.

Insect screens and security/barrier screens can be installed to most windows and doors. In the case of windows at Seconline we use standard 11mm wide outer frame for both our insect screens and our security/barrier screens. This gives us the flexibility of installing both options where a standard fly screen can be installed. Both fly screens and security/barrier screens can be installed as a face fix as would be necessary to double hung older style lift-up windows.

So I feel an answer to the question of whether you should install insect screens or security/barrier screens will depend upon the decision on whether you need the added protection of the woven steel mesh option and the 7mm diamond option or just protection from insects.

For more advice on both measuring and installation of insect screens and security/barrier screens visit our the Seconline website /or call the office of Seconline during office hours Eastern Standard Time. Alternatively email us at info@seconline.com.au or you can simply use online chat which is located in the bottom right hand corner of any page on the website.