Flyscreens VS. Security Screens

We all get those pesky bugs buzzing around when we’re watching TV, sitting down for a meal, or having a quiet drink on the deck. The warmer months are even worse, so how do you keep pests out without blocking airflow?

In this post, we’ll cover the practical differences (and the key compliance rules) for flyscreens vs security screens.

Security screen windows with flyscreen mesh

Security screen windows with flyscreen mesh are great for airflow, light and keeping those annoying critters out. They are usually a lightweight fibreglass or aluminium mesh – fine enough to keep the bugs out but not built for strength. Fly mesh security screen windows have slim frames, a simple spline fit and are often clipped or magnetised making them easy to remove. They typically have no locks or very simple latches.  The cost is relatively low and affordable.  Flyscreen doors are also available. Unlike flyscreen windows (which often have no lock), flyscreen doors typically use a standard door lock. There is also a midge-micro mesh and paw proof mesh available as alternative options for both windows and doors.

However, there are rules and regulations as to where fly mesh security screens for windows can be installed in your home or business.  

What the National Construction Code (NCC) says

Any openable window with a floor level of 2 metres or more above the ground surface beneath must have a restriction device installed or a security screen. This is to prevent mainly children, but also adults and pets from falling through the window. It also must prevent a 125mm diameter sphere (representing the size of a young child’s head) from passing through. The screen must be able to withstand an outward horizontal force of 250N.

Early childhood centres (Class 9b) and bedrooms in apartment buildings (Class 2) and residential buildings (Class 3) such as   hostels, boarding houses, dormitories, parts of hotels, hospitals or schools where people reside and the like or Class 4 primarily non-residential buildings which have a single dwelling inside eg. caretakers apartment, must have restriction devices or a security screen installed.

For example, in a bedroom, where young children often play unsupervised, it is common to find beds and other furniture which children can climb onto, placed under or near windows. Therefore, these measures are included in the NCC to minimise the risk.

Window restrictors and locks

Window restrictors limit the distance a window can open. Restrictors can be applied to louvre, sliding, awning, casement and double hung windows.

Awning & Casement Windows Window Bolt Lock
Casement, Awning, Sliding, Double Hung Push lock
Awning Windows Chain Winder
Sliding Window Restrictor
Casement / Awning Window Restrictor
Casement / Awning Window Restrictor

The NCC provides two main options for window restrictions:

1. Fixed Device – A device attached to the openable part of the window that restricts the opening so that a 125mm sphere cannot pass through.

2. Fixed Screen – A screen across the openable part of the window that meets the same restriction criteria.

Both options must resist an outward horizontal force of 250 N to ensure they provide adequate protection.

Security screen windows with stainless steel

Security screen windows with stainless steel are great for light, keeping unwanted bugs out and deter forced entry as well as providing ventilation and visibility. They are a high-tensile stainless steel or heavy aluminium mesh that resists cutting, prying and impact. They have reinforced frames (often aluminium), deep channels, tamper‑resistant fixings and are sometimes fully integrated with the window and/or door system.

We can help you choose the right mesh for the right environment.

Options to choose from are:

• 316 stainless: bushfire/ember + cyclone

  • Marine grade 316 stainless steel for protection against radiant heat and ember attack as well as cyclone resistance against high velocity debris.

    
    

• Coastal mesh: corrosion resistance for salt air + security ratings

  • Saltwater stainless steel woven mesh specially designed for high corrosion coastal environments.  This infill provides the same high-level security and protection including bushfire and cyclone ratings with enhanced durability for salt air exposure. 

    
    

• Perforated aluminium: modern look + security, not for bushfire/cyclone areas

  • Perforated aluminium for a modern look and reliable security.  This option meets all security compliance for impact and forced entry but is not recommended for bushfire or cyclone prone areas.

  
  

Security screen doors can have multi-point locks, robust hinges, tamper proof screws and door closer options. Both the screens for doors and windows are highly durable, corrosion resistant and can have any of the three above steel options. Security screens can be installed in a range of applications including hinged and sliding doors, French doors, stacker doors as well as your fixed sliding, casement and awning windows.

Security screens come in a diamond grille style as well as the 316 stainless steel for both windows and doors.

Diamond Grille Security Screen Window With Fly Mesh	316 Stainless Steel Security Screen Window

Diamond Grille Security Screen Door with Fly Mesh	316 Stainless Steel Security Screen Door	Perforated Steel Security Screen Door

Feature	Flyscreens	Security screens
Main purpose	Keep insects out while letting air flow	Deter forced entry while still allowing airflow, visibility and insect protection
Mesh options we offer	Standard insect mesh, plus midge/micro mesh and paw‑proof mesh (windows & doors)	316 marine‑grade stainless steel (ember/radiant heat + cyclone debris resistance), coastal corrosion‑resistant stainless mesh (salt‑air durability), and perforated aluminium (modern look; not for bushfire/cyclone areas)
Strength & durability	Lightweight mesh (not designed for impact or forced entry)	High‑tensile/heavy‑duty mesh designed to resist cutting, prying and impact
Frames, fixings & hardware	Slim frames, simple spline fit; often easy to remove; windows typically have no lock (doors can have a standard lock)	Reinforced frames, deep channels and tamper‑resistant fixings; doors can include robust hinges, closers and multi‑point locking options
Compliance (NCC)	May not meet fall‑prevention requirements for higher windows	Can be specified/installed to meet NCC fixed‑screen requirements where needed (when correctly selected and installed)
Best for (SE QLD)	Everyday insect control across the Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast	Homes/businesses wanting extra security and peace of mind (especially for patios and overnight ventilation) across the Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast

With their strength and crystal-clear views, security screens are ideal for patios and outdoor entertaining areas. If you’re also upgrading your outdoor space, check out our friends at Lume Outdoor Living for premium outdoor living solutions.

A flyscreen only keeps insects out — it does not satisfy the National Construction Code (NCC) fall‑prevention requirements when a window is high enough to pose a fall risk, so ensure you check with your local glazier to ensure your new projects will be safe and compliant for your home or business. If you want to leave doors or windows open at night with added peace of mind, a security screen is the better choice.

Call Andrew on 0435 938 330 to talk through the best option for your home or business.