Choosing a security door for your home can be difficult. There are so many variations when it comes to price, and unsurprisingly, price can be a clear indicator of a door's strength and subsequent efficiency when it comes to protecting your home. Fortunately, there's an easy way to choose a truly secure door. All you need to do is choose from one of the many doors that have been awarded the AS5039 code.

The Magic Number

The AS5039 code is the Australian standard with which a door is verified to be a truly secure door. Anything else might be a security door in name only. When a door does not meet or exceed this code, it means that it has been deemed to be insufficient to withstand a dedicated entry attempt. While a door with a lesser designation can still offer some security, they can conceivably be forced open with a minimum amount of effort and without specialist tools. Some doors with a lower designation can do little more than protect you from insects. The AS5039  code is awarded when a door meets minimum standards with regards to its materials and manufacturing methods. This means that both the frame and security mesh will provide a high level of security, and both aluminium and steel security screen doors can be awarded this code. Your choice of materials will depend on your budget, as well as your location. If you live in a coastal zone, you might be more inclined to choose an aluminium door as it is less prone to corrosion from the salt air.

Testing

AS5039 is only awarded when another code has been met during the testing process. This is AS5041, and it primarily covers impact and tensile strength. The door is repeatedly struck with a significant weight to determine that it will not simply give way under these repeated blows. The tensile strength is determined by the strength of the security mesh, wherein attempts are made to stab or cut the mesh. If you door was to be attacked in such a way after installation, there can certainly be some damage, although the door should still remain intact. Only when these strength testing processes have been adhered to can the final product be granted the AS5039 code.

Installation

While the AS5039 code is a key indicator of strength, it needs to be used in conjunction with another code. The installation process needs to meet code AS5040. This covers the type of screws and bolts that are used to secure the door into place. With improper installation, the security door will not meet its full potential when it comes to protecting your home. Have a word with the company that will be installing the door. While they might be able to provide written verification that the door being supplied has been awarded the AS5039 code, you should also ask for a written service order that shows the installation meets the standards for code AS5040.

There are a huge number of security doors on the market, so looking for a product that has been awarded the AS5039 code makes your decision much easier.