The 5 Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Buying Security Doors

Here in the Western suburbs of Melbourne, from Wyndham Vale to Truganina, we're all looking forward to summer. November brings that beautiful warm weather where the first thing we want to do is open up our homes to let the fresh breeze flow through.

But opening your home can leave you feeling vulnerable. A security door seems like the perfect solution—it lets the air in while keeping intruders and insects out.

However, not all "security doors" are created equal. Buying the wrong one is more than just a waste of money; it's a critical mistake that provides a false sense of security. As security specialists, we see homeowners make the same costly errors.

Before you invest in protecting your home this summer, here are the 5 biggest mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Ignoring Australian Standards

This is the single most important mistake to avoid. Many products look strong, but if they don't meet Australian Standard AS 5039, they cannot legally be sold as "security" doors.

• What it is: AS 5039 is a rigorous standard that simulates a real break-in attempt. Products must pass a series of tests, including:

  • The Knife Shear Test: Simulates a burglar trying to cut through the mesh.

  • The Impact Test: Simulates someone trying to kick or shoulder-barge the door.

  • The Jemmy Test: Simulates an intruder using a crowbar to pry the door open from its frame.

Your Action: Always ask for the compliance certificate for AS 5039. If a seller can't provide it, you are likely buying a "barrier door" or a simple flyscreen, not a security door.

Mistake 2: Focusing Only on the Mesh

Everyone is drawn to the mesh—it's the most visible part. Whether it's stainless steel or perforated aluminium, it's easy to think that a strong mesh equals a strong door. This is a trap.

A security door is a complete system. A burglar will attack its weakest point, and that is almost never the centre of the mesh.

• The Frame: A strong mesh is useless if it's held in a flimsy frame that can be kicked in or bent with a crowbar. The frame must be heavy-duty and have reinforced corner joints.

• The Locks: This is the most common failure point. A cheap security door with a single-point, "standard" lock can be bypassed with one well-placed kick or lever.

Your Action: Look for a door with a three-point (or triple) locking system. This secures the door to the frame at the top, middle, and bottom, making it dramatically more resistant to being pried open.

Mistake 3: Attempting a DIY or "Handyman" Installation

You can buy the most expensive, AS 5039-compliant door on the market, but it's worthless if it's installed incorrectly. It’s tempting to try and save money with a DIY kit or by hiring a general handyman, but this is a critical error.

A security door is not a standard interior door. It must be fitted perfectly square and plumb into your door jamb, with heavy-duty fixings that anchor it to the structure of your home. A gap of just a few millimetres, a frame that isn't plumb, or the wrong type of screws can give a burglar the leverage they need to bypass the entire system with a crowbar.

While Victoria doesn't require a specific "security licence" for installation, the skill and experience required are not optional. You are paying for a security system, and the installation is a vital part of that system.

Your Action: This is not a project for a general handyman. Ensure your door is installed by a specialist company with years of proven, hands-on experience in fitting security products. A professional, precise installation is the only way to ensure your door will perform as advertised.

Mistake 4: Buying "Security" When You Just Need "Safety"

Not everyone needs a top-of-the-line, intruder-proof door. Sometimes, homeowners are simply looking for a sturdy barrier to keep pets or small children from running out, or just a durable insect screen.

This mistake can cost you money (buying more than you need) or, more dangerously, leave you under-protected (buying a safety door when you did need a security door).

Your Action: Be clear about your primary goal.

• Want to stop intruders? You need a certified AS 5039 security door with a triple-lock.

• Want to stop insects and have a basic barrier? A quality insect screen or a "safety door" (like a traditional diamond grille) may be all you need.

A good company will ask you these questions, not just sell you the most expensive product.

Mistake 5: Forgetting About the Warranty and Local Support

A security door is an investment that you and your family will use every single day. It's exposed to Melbourne's harsh sun, wind, and rain. It will require maintenance.

What happens in two or three years when the lock gets sticky, the hinges drop, or the door closer fails? If you bought a cheap, no-name import online, you have no one to call.

Your Action: Always check the warranty—a quality door should have at least a 6-year warranty. More importantly, buy from an established, local company. As a proud Melbourne business, we provide after-sales service to our customers across the Western suburbs. You get peace of mind knowing that if you ever have a problem, we're just around the corner.

Don't Settle for a False Sense of Security

As we head into the holiday season, securing your home is one of the best investments you can make. A quality security door allows you to enjoy the summer breeze with genuine peace of mind. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your investment is one that truly protects your home and family.

If you're in Tarneit, Truganina, or anywhere in Melbourne's West, our expert team at Sasco is here to help. We provide free, no-obligation quotes to find the right solution for your home.