Titan Security Screen Door: FAQs

What is the main difference between a standard door and a security door?

A standard door is designed primarily for privacy and basic weather protection. A security door is engineered with deterrence and forced-entry resistance as its core purpose. Here’s how they compare:

Standard Doors:

• Typically made from wood, hollow-core steel, or fiberglass
• Basic locking mechanisms (often a single deadbolt or knob lock)
• Vulnerable to kick-ins, frame splitting, and pry attacks
• Not designed to withstand sustained force
• Offer limited visibility – you can’t always see who’s outside safely

Security Doors:

• Built with heavy-gauge steel or extruded aluminum frames for structural rigidity
• Feature multi-point locking systems that distribute force across the entire door frame
• Engineered to resist kick-ins, crowbars, and forced-entry attempts
• May include stainless steel mesh panels (like our Viewguard Security Screen Doors) that allow visibility and airflow without sacrificing protection
• Designed to look like a normal door – no “jail bar” aesthetic
• Often meet or exceed industry standards for forced-entry resistance (ANSI/BHMA grades)

The bottom line: A standard door keeps the weather out. A security door keeps threats out – while still looking great on your home.

Do security doors replace my front door or go over it?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer depends on the type of security door you choose.

Security Screen Doors (like Viewguard):

• These are installed in front of your existing entry door – they act as a first line of defense
• Your original door stays in place and continues to function normally
• This setup gives you two layers of protection
• On pleasant days, you can open your main door and enjoy fresh air and natural light while the security screen door keeps you protected
• Installation is done at the existing door frame – no major structural work required

Full Security Doors (like Titan Security Doors):

• These are typically designed to replace your existing entry door entirely
• They fill the door frame as the primary door, not a secondary addition
• This is ideal when your current door is aging, damaged, or simply not up to the level of protection you want
• Titan Security Doors are built to function as your main door with premium security features built in

During your consultation, we’ll assess your current setup, your goals, and your budget to help you decide which configuration makes the most sense for your home.

Are security doors fireproof?

This is an important distinction to understand – security doors are not fireproof, and it’s worth being clear on why:

• Security doors are engineered for forced-entry resistance, not fire resistance
• “Fireproof” or fire-rated doors are a completely separate product category, built to meet specific fire-rating standards (e.g., UL-listed fire doors) and are typically used in commercial or multi-family construction
• Most residential security doors are made of steel or aluminum – materials that can withstand heat better than wood, but are not rated or certified for fire containment
• Stainless steel mesh screens, like those used in security screen doors, will not provide a meaningful barrier in a fire situation

What you should know:

• If fire protection is a priority, look into fire-rated entry doors as a separate consideration
• A security door can complement your home’s overall safety plan, but it should not be relied upon as a fire barrier
• Always ensure your home has functioning smoke detectors and a fire escape plan regardless of what doors you have installed

Are security doors rust-proof?

The short answer: it depends on the materials and finish – and this is an area worth paying close attention to.

Here’s what affects rust resistance:

• Stainless steel mesh (used in products like Viewguard Security Screen Doors) is highly resistant to rust and corrosion – this is one of the reasons stainless steel is preferred over standard steel mesh in quality security screens
• Extruded aluminum frames do not rust at all – aluminum naturally resists oxidation, making it an excellent choice for exterior doors exposed to the elements
• Standard steel components, if used in lower-quality doors, can be susceptible to rust over time, especially in humid climates or coastal environments
• Powder-coat finishes applied to frames add an additional layer of protection against moisture and UV damage

For homeowners in the Sacramento region:

• Our climate is generally dry, which works in your favor
• However, sprinkler overspray, morning dew, and seasonal rain can still impact unprotected metal surfaces over time
• Choosing doors with aluminum frames and stainless steel mesh – like those we carry – significantly reduces any long-term corrosion concerns

Maintenance tip: Even rust-resistant doors benefit from an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth and a light application of a non-corrosive protectant to keep them looking and performing their best for years.

Do security doors block out airflow and natural light?

This is where modern security doors truly shine – and it’s one of the biggest misconceptions people have about them.

Airflow:

• Security screen doors (like Viewguard) are specifically designed to allow air to pass through freely
• The stainless steel mesh is woven tightly enough to deter intruders but open enough to let a natural breeze flow into your home
• This makes them a particularly popular choice in Sacramento’s warm summers – you can open your main door, let the air in, and still maintain security
• Full solid security doors (like Titan) are more comparable to a standard entry door in terms of airflow – you’d rely on windows or other ventilation

Natural Light:

• Security screen doors allow a significant amount of natural light to pass through the mesh
• The visibility is clear enough that you can see who’s at your door without opening it – adding both safety and convenience
• Some mesh configurations offer better outward visibility than inward visibility, giving you a privacy advantage while still letting light in
• Full security doors may have optional decorative glass or sidelights depending on the model

The takeaway: If fresh air and natural light matter to you, a security screen door like Viewguard gives you the best of all worlds: protection, ventilation, and brightness without compromise.

Can a burglar cut through the mesh on a security screen door?

This is the #1 concern homeowners raise about security screen doors, and it’s a completely valid one. Here’s the honest answer:

Standard insect screen mesh? Yes – easily.

High-quality security mesh? It’s a completely different story.

• Security screen doors like Viewguard use woven stainless steel mesh – not fiberglass or standard aluminum
• Stainless steel mesh is extremely difficult to cut with common tools; it resists knives, box cutters, and wire cutters that a burglar would typically carry
• The mesh is also bonded and secured within the frame in a way that makes pulling or prying it out significantly more difficult
• Quality security mesh is tested against forced-entry attempts, including cutting, kicking, and impact

Additional layers of protection to consider:

• The strength of the door is only as good as its frame – extruded aluminum or steel frames prevent the door from being pried away from its mount even if someone attempted to attack the mesh
• Multi-point locking systems ensure that even if force is applied to one area, the door holds at multiple points along the frame
• The combination of strong mesh + rigid frame + quality locks is what makes a true security screen door effective