Security Window Screen Doors: FAQs

What are security window screens? How are they different from standard window screens?

Most homeowners look to screens to keep bugs out – and that’s about it. Standard window screens do that job adequately, but they offer virtually zero resistance to forced entry. A determined intruder can, very quietly, cut through a standard fiberglass or thin aluminum mesh screen in seconds with nothing more than a pocket knife.

Security window screens are an entirely different product category, engineered from the ground up to not only stop the bugs, but also the THUGS, creating a secure  physical barrier between you and the pests found out in the wild (the 8 legged, 4 legged, and 2 legged varieties ;-). The differences between standard insect screens and the upgraded security window screens are significant across every component:

• Mesh: Standard screens use fiberglass or lightweight aluminum mesh. Security window screens use high-tensile, woven stainless steel mesh – the same category of material used in commercial and government security applications. The wire gauge and weave density are specifically selected to resist cutting, punching, and tearing.
• Frame: Standard screen frames are thin, roll-formed aluminum that bends easily and usually only covers half of the window. Security screen frames are built from a heavy duty extruded aluminum with thicker walls and reinforced corners, covering the entire window and secured to the home’s framing sub-structure, making it nearly impossible to break in.
• Attachment system: Standard screens sit loosely in a channel or clip in with minimal hardware. Security screens use tamper-resistant fasteners, security screws, and reinforced retention systems that anchor the screen firmly to the window frame.
• Testing: Quality security window screens are tested against real-world attack scenarios – knife cuts, impact forces, and frame removal attempts. Many meet rigorous standards such as Australian Standard AS5039.

The end result is a screen that still looks and functions much like a normal window screen (letting in air and light while keeping insects out), but that a burglar cannot quickly breach while you are away or sleeping.

Can someone really break into a home through a window screen? How common is this?

This is a question worth taking seriously. Window screens are, for many homes, the only barrier between an unlocked or partially open window and the interior of the house. And open windows are extremely common – particularly during Sacramento’s warm spring and fall evenings when homeowners want fresh air circulating through the home overnight…. And unfortunately, some ne-er do wells view open windows as an open door policy for entry into your home.

The reality is that standard window screens represent one of the easiest entry points for intruders. A standard screen can be quietly sliced open or popped out of its frame in a matter of seconds, often without making enough noise to alert anyone inside. According to FBI crime data, windows are one of the most frequently used points of entry in residential burglaries – second only to front doors.

The pattern is consistent: a window left open for ventilation, covered by a standard screen, on a side or rear elevation of the home that isn’t clearly visible from the street. For a burglar, this is an open door invitation.

Security window screens directly address this vulnerability. Because they cannot be easily cut or removed from outside, a window covered by a security screen can be left open without creating an accessible entry point. This is especially meaningful for ground-floor windows, windows accessible from a fence or roof line, and windows in bedrooms where people sleep with windows open.

Will security window screens block airflow or reduce the amount of light coming into my home?

This concern comes up often, and it’s a fair one. Homeowners reasonably assume that a stronger screen must be a more restrictive screen. In practice, high-quality security window screens are designed to minimize this trade-off as much as possible.

• Airflow: The woven stainless steel mesh used in security screens is open enough to allow meaningful airflow. You’ll experience slightly more resistance than a standard fiberglass mesh, but for most homeowners in normal ventilation conditions, the difference is negligible.
• Light transmission: Security mesh does filter slightly more light than standard screens due to the opacity of steel versus fiberglass. However, because the mesh is designed to be as open as structurally possible while maintaining its security properties, the difference in natural light is typically minor.
• Visibility: From inside your home, you can see clearly through the mesh. The view isn’t as optically clean as through glass, but it is fully functional. You can identify who is outside, see your yard, and maintain a normal sense of connection to the outdoors.

The goal of a well-engineered security screen is to be as close to invisible as possible in day-to-day use – providing protection without constantly reminding you it’s there. And unlike jailbars on your doors and windows, security window screens look very similar to sun screens, blending in seamlessly without taking away from your home’s curb appeal or making your home look like it’s in a bad neighborhood.

Do security window screens work with all types of windows?

Security window screens are specifically engineered and measured to fit any residential window types, though the specific mounting approach and frame design will vary.

The most important factor is custom fabrication. AtoZ makes every security window screen custom to each individual window ensuring a perfect, but-free fit.  Trying to use mass-produced, standard sized security screens that don’t fit perfectly leaves gaps and weak points that undermine the entire purpose. Every window opening should be measured precisely, and screens should be manufactured to those exact dimensions. That’s why Sacramento locals have trusted AtoZ Window Screens for top quality work since 1997.

Can security window screens be removed for cleaning or emergency exit?

For routine window washing and cleaning of the security screen itself,  most security screens are able to be opened from inside the home and swung open out of the way in order to allow access to clean both the window and the security screen.  Since our security window screens are made of stainless steel and aluminum components, the security screen itself can be cleaned in place with a soft brush and mild soapy water. Non-opening windows, usually have a special security window screen installed that can be released and swung open using a special key or tool that is inaccessible from the outside.

And because there have been multiple instances where folks were trapped inside during a house fire by tacky old-school jailbars installed on the windows, there are now modern fire safety codes that require at least two points of egress (the ability to escape quickly in the even tof a fire) in every room.  Our Quick Escape Security window screens have  the ability to be opened from the inside without special tools utilizing a quick-release mechanism operable only from inside – maintaining security from forced exterior entry while preserving the ability to exit rapidly in an emergency.

How long do security window screens last, and what maintenance do they require?

One of the most compelling practical advantages of quality security window screens is their longevity. While standard fiberglass screens may last 5 – 10 years before the mesh begins to disintegrate in the sun, sag, fray, or develop holes, high-grade stainless steel security screens are built to a completely different durability standard.

You can expect a security window screen to last 20 – 30+ years with minimal degradation. The materials are selected precisely because they resist the environmental factors that degrade standard screens – UV exposure, heat, moisture, and physical impact.

Routine maintenance is minimal:

• Periodic cleaning: Rinse or wipe down the mesh with mild soapy water and a soft brush to remove dust, pollen, and debris. Avoid abrasive cleaners or wire brushes that could scratch the mesh or frame finish.
• Frame inspection: Annually inspect the frame corners, fasteners, and mounting points for any signs of loosening or damage. Tighten any hardware as needed.
• Mesh inspection: Check periodically for any signs of damage, particularly after severe weather or if the screen has been impacted. Small areas of damage can often be addressed; significant damage warrants professional assessment.
• Hardware lubrication: If your screens include a quick-release mechanism or hinged component, periodic lubrication of moving parts will keep them operating smoothly.

Are security window screens pet-proof and child-proof?

Yes – anyone who has owned a large dog or an active cat knows the destruction they can do to a standard window screen. A standard fiberglass screen offers essentially no resistance to a dog jumping up on it, a clawing climbing cat, or the occasional drunk friend at a raucaus party that got a little out of hand ;-).. Screens get pushed out, torn, or rendered useless all the time because they’re just not engineered to withstand such abuse.

But security window screens are built to take a licking and keep on ticking!  The stainless steel mesh does not tear or stretch under animal contact, and the reinforced frame won’t pop out of position when a tipsy teetoteler walks into it on accident!  Many owners of very active households find that security screens pay for themselves quickly by eliminating the cycle of repeatedly replacing damaged standard screens.

Likewise, standard window screens offer no resistance to a child leaning against them. Window falls are a serious and documented cause of child injuries. A security window screen, properly installed with a reinforced frame and anchored fasteners, provides meaningful resistance against a child pressing against or falling into the screen.

Will security window screens affect my home’s appearance or resale value?

Nobody likes the Oakland Jailbar ghetto look.  And because rusty jailbars are out of style, modern security window screens are designed to complement and blend seamlessly into residential architecture rather than detract from it. They are available in a range of frame colors that can be matched to your existing window frames, trim color, or exterior paint. The profile of a well-made security screen frame is clean and proportional – it looks like a quality window screen, not like an afterthought or a security retrofit.

As for home value, you may find that a security screen improves home value. Security features are consistently cited as meaningful purchase criteria by homebuyers, particularly in competitive markets.