What’s the difference between a fly screen and a security screen?
What is the difference between a fly screen and a security screen? A fly screen is designed primarily to keep insects out using lightweight mesh and framing, offering ventilation but virtually no resistance to forced entry, impact, or cutting, whereas a security screen uses heavy-duty frames, high-tensile or stainless-steel mesh, and secure locking systems to provide both insect protection and a strong physical barrier against intruders, weather, and everyday wear.
In Wollongong and the Illawarra region, where humid subtropical summers draw mosquitoes, cockroaches, spiders, and flies, protecting your home requires the right screens. Standard fly screens and security screens both enable fresh ocean breezes but differ vastly in strength, safety, and longevity amid local bushfire risks and break-in concerns.
Bayside Security Doors & Blinds specialises in premium fly screens crafted from durable fibreglass, aluminium, or stainless steel meshes. Designed for superior insect protection, longevity, and coastal resilience in Wollongong and Illawarra homes. Unlike flimsy standard fly screens, our premium fly screen options resist tears, UV damage, and pet claws while maintaining high airflow, but the comparison below highlights differences against basic standard fly screens for clarity. This ensures you understand industry baselines before exploring Bayside's upgraded solutions.
Purpose and Everyday Use in Coastal Homes
Standard fly screens focus on insect exclusion, using fine mesh to block midges, ants, and wasps common in Wollongong backyards while maximising airflow during steamy 25-40°C summers.
Security screens deliver dual insect defence and intruder resistance, ideal for Illawarra families leaving windows open on mild winter nights or during frequent thunderstorms.
Homeowners enjoy uninterrupted views of the escarpment or beaches without compromise.
Materials Breakdown for Durability
| Aspect | Standard Fly Screens | Security Screens |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh Material | Flexible fibreglass or polyester (1-2mm holes, tears easily from pets or wind) | Rigid 316 stainless steel or aluminium (cut-resistant, marine-grade for salty air) |
| Insect Block | Excellent for flies, mossies | Superior for a range of small insects, plus resists larger pests |
| Weight & Visibility | Lightweight, high light transmission | Slightly heavier, 80-90% visibility retained |
Security Protection Levels
Standard fly screens provide zero break-in deterrence; opportunistic thieves in the Illawarra push or cut through them in seconds, as seen in recent north Wollongong incidents.
Security screens comply with AS5039 and AS5041 standards, withstanding knife attacks, impacts, and jemmy tools, proven to stop burglars while allowing emergency exits.
Integrate with CCTV or alarms for layered defence.
Longevity in Harsh Illawarra Conditions
Fly screens fade, sag, and rip within 2-5 years from UV rays, salt spray, and active kids/pets, demanding regular remeshing in pet-friendly Figtree or Bulli homes.
Security screens last 10-20+ years with minimal upkeep, resisting bushfire embers, cyclonic winds, and corrosion, key for escarpment properties near Mount Keira.
Simple hose-down maintenance keeps them pristine year-round.
Cost Comparison and ROI
Initial standard fly screen costs run $100-300 per door/window but recur with replacements, offering no insurance perks amid rising Illawarra premiums.
Security screens start at $400-800 yet yield savings through durability, up to 20% insurance discounts, and 5-7% property value uplift in the competitive Wollongong market.
Over 10 years, they prove cheaper while boosting resale appeal.
Extra Features for Family Living
Safety Perks: Security screens prevent child falls from high-set windows and pet escapes, crucial in multi-level Keiraville homes.
Climate Control: Reduce AC reliance in humid 23°C sea temps, block 60-80% UV for furniture protection.
Privacy & Aesthetics: Tinted options deter peeping; sleek designs match modern Illawarra alfresco setups.
Fire Safety: Ember-tested meshes safeguard against local fire threats.
Standard fly screens lack these, limiting versatility.
Ideal Scenarios for Wollongong Lifestyles
Standard Fly Screens Best For: Low-traffic interior windows, rentals, or strict budgets in low-crime areas like Gerringong, purely for bugs.
Security Screens Essential For: Front doors, sliding patio access to beaches, garages in high-burglary zones like Mangerton; families with kids/pets.
In thunderstorm-prone March (160mm rain avg.), they ensure safe ventilation.
Why Upgrade in the Illawarra Now
Wollongong's mild winters (mean min ~8-18°C) and hot, humid summers (mean max 24-26°C) drive mosquito, spider, and fly booms, making premium screens essential for safe ventilation.
Recent Illawarra break-ins expose standard fly screen weaknesses, upgrade to Bayside's premium fibreglass, aluminium, or stainless steel fly screens for superior durability or full security screens for dual insect and intruder defence without compromising escarpment views.
Choose Bayside Premium Fly Screens
Bayside Security Door & Blinds' fly screens merge the best of both worlds, using durable aluminium or stainless steel for insect blocking and robust break-in resistance that exceeds standard fly screens. Unlike basic fly screens, these withstand impacts, cutting attempts, and harsh coastal conditions while maintaining excellent airflow and visibility for Wollongong homes. Opt for Bayside's custom solutions to safeguard against Illawarra bugs, burglars, and weather without compromise.
Bayside Security Doors & Blinds delivers custom premium fly and security screen solutions for Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Illawarra homes, built with coastal-proof materials. Book your free on-site measure today for lasting, tailored protection. Contact your local experts now.