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Barriers come in three main styles: sliding, hinge, and fixed window screens. They can also be made with different woven material types, including fibreglass, aluminium wire, Dura Mesh, Tough Mesh, DVA One Way, stainless steel, and Guard Mesh. The right option depends on your opening, how much ventilation you want, and whether you need extra durability or protection.

For a Melbourne property, barriers make it easier to keep doors and windows open for fresh air while keeping insects outside. They are particularly useful during warmer months and in homes where ventilation matters.

AAA Security Doors custom-makes barriers across Melbourne, including Dandenong, Bentleigh, and surrounding suburbs. This guide covers the available styles, woven material types, and how to choose the right screen for your property.

What Are The Types of Barriers?

AAA Security Doors offers three options for Melbourne homes: sliding, hinge, and window screens. Sliding and hinge options are made with custom aluminium frames, while window screens are fitted to suit the individual opening.

Sliding

Sliding options move horizontally along a track, making it a practical choice for large openings where a swinging door would get in the way. It is particularly suited to sliding glass doors, patio openings, and wider openings.

The frame is custom-made from aluminium to suit the existing opening. For the wire material, you can choose between fibreglass-woven and Aluminium Tuff material, depending on how much durability and protection you need.

One of the main advantages is that it does not need additional space to swing open. This makes it useful in homes where furniture, outdoor areas, or narrow walkways sit close to the doorway. It is also simple to operate and works well with the larger glass openings found in many modern Melbourne homes.

The main thing to keep in mind is the track. Dirt and debris can build up over time and make it harder to move. Keeping the track clean helps the door continue sliding smoothly.

Hinge

Hinge options are attached to one side of the frame and swing open and closed like a standard door. It is a straightforward option for traditional front, back, and other hinged openings.

Like the sliding option, the frame is custom-made from aluminium to fit the opening. Fibreglass-woven material and Aluminium Tuff material are available, giving you a choice between standard insect protection and a more durable barrier.

Hinge barriers are well-suited to most standard door frames and are easy to use. They can also be a better choice where a sliding track is not practical.

The main consideration is clearance. A hinge door needs enough space in front of the opening to swing freely. This is worth checking if the doorway opens onto a narrow path, steps, furniture, or another obstruction.

Window Screens

Window screens are fitted to the frame, allowing fresh air into the home while keeping insects outside. This makes them useful for bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, and other rooms where windows are regularly opened. They can be custom-made to suit different sizes and styles.

AAA supplies custom barriers in an industry-standard colour range, with custom powder coating available on request. It can therefore be matched more closely to the existing frame and overall appearance of the property.

Window barriers are available across Melbourne, including areas such as Bentleigh, Dandenong, and surrounding suburbs.

Comparison Table

 

How to Pick the Right Type of Mesh for You?

Barriers come in seven types, from lightweight fibreglass for basic insect protection to stainless steel and perforated aluminium for added protection. The right one depends on what matters most to you, whether that is ventilation, visibility, pet durability, privacy, or protection.

Fibreglass 

Fibreglass is the most common and affordable option for standard barriers. It is lightweight, provides good airflow and visibility, and does not rust or corrode.

It works well for everyday insect protection on windows and doors. It is also a practical choice for homes where protection is not a concern. The trade-off is strength. Fibreglass can be cut or torn relatively easily, so it should not be treated as a security barrier.

Aluminium Wire

Aluminium wire is a more durable alternative to standard fibreglass. It handles Australian weather conditions well and provides good ventilation and visibility.

It is suitable for general use across most Melbourne homes. While aluminium is stronger than fibreglass, standard aluminium wire still provides poor security. It should therefore be selected for insect protection rather than forced-entry resistance.

Dura Mesh

This is a heavier option designed to provide greater durability than standard fibreglass or aluminium wire. It is particularly useful in homes where pets regularly scratch or push against barriers.

It maintains good ventilation while offering better resistance to everyday pet damage. However, it is still considered poor protection and should not be used as a replacement for a dedicated security barrier.

Tough Mesh (Aluminium Woven)

This is a heavier-gauge aluminium woven that offers greater strength than standard aluminium wire. It provides insect protection while also giving the opening a level of basic protection.

It is more resistant to pet damage than fibreglass, making it useful for households that need a tougher barrier without moving to stainless steel. Ventilation and visibility remain good.

DVA Mesh (Aluminium One Way Look Out)

This is an aluminium material designed to provide one-way visibility. It allows people inside the property to see out while limiting visibility into the property from outside.

This makes it particularly useful for street-facing openings where privacy matters. It also provides good ventilation, added protection compared with standard barrier, and improved durability around pets. It is available in various colours.

Stainless Steel Woven Sheet

Stainless steel is the strongest option in AAA's range. It provides higher protection while still allowing good airflow and visibility.

Stainless steel is also resistant to corrosion, making it well-suited to coastal Melbourne areas such as Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula. The same grade is used in AAA's security barriers, connecting this option with its wider range.

Guard Mesh (Perforated Aluminium Sheet)

This is a perforated aluminium sheet that provides higher protection than standard ones. The perforations allow airflow while the solid sheet construction provides a stronger barrier.

It has a more solid and less see-through appearance than woven ones. This difference is worth considering when appearance and visibility matter alongside protection.

Comparison Table

 

What is the Difference Between Fly Screens and Security Screens?

A fly barrier is designed to keep insects out, while a security barrier is designed to provide insect protection as well as resistance to forced entry. Security barriers use stronger material, reinforced construction, and secure locking systems, with products tested to Australian Standard AS5039. 

The main difference is what each barrier is built to do. A standard fly barrier uses lightweight fibreglass or aluminium wire and an aluminium frame. It provides ventilation and keeps flies, mosquitoes, and other insects outside, but it is not designed to withstand an attempted break-in.

A security barrier is built for a different purpose. It combines insect protection with a stronger barrier against forced entry and can use stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminium. For Melbourne homes, these barriers are generally more appropriate for ground-floor openings where protection is a priority. Fly barriers can be a practical choice for upper-floor or lower-risk openings.

AAA Security Doors supplies both fly screens and security screens, so the right choice depends on the level of protection your property needs.

Comparison Table

 

How to Choose the Right Barrier for Your Property?

The right barrier depends on three things: your barrier type, the wire you need, and your priorities. These may include basic insect protection, pet durability, privacy, ventilation, or added protection.

If you have sliding glass doors or a large patio opening, a sliding barrier is generally the practical choice. Fibreglass or aluminium wire can work well when your main priority is keeping insects out while maintaining airflow and visibility.

If you have a standard hinged front or back opening, a hinge barrier is usually more suitable. The woven material can then be selected based on how the opening is used. Fibreglass works for basic insect protection, while tougher options can be considered for homes with pets or added protection needs.

If you have cats or dogs, Dura Mesh provides greater durability than standard ones. Tough Mesh is another option when you want more resistance to pet damage along with a degree of basic protection.

If you need privacy on a street-facing opening, DVA One Way is designed to let you see outside while limiting visibility into the property. It also provides good ventilation and added durability.

If you want added protection on a ground-floor opening, Tough Mesh or Stainless Steel can provide a stronger option than standard fibreglass or aluminium wire. 

If your property is in a coastal Melbourne suburb, stainless steel is worth considering because of its corrosion resistance. This can make it suitable for properties around Bayside, Frankston, and the Mornington Peninsula.

If you are working with a tighter budget, fibreglass or aluminium wire can be practical for upper-floor and other lower-risk openings where insect protection is the main requirement.

If you are unsure which option suits your property, AAA offers free advice and a no-obligation measure and quote across Melbourne, including Dandenong, Bentleigh, and surrounding suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. What are the different types of mesh?

AAA Security Doors offers seven types: Fibreglass, Aluminium Wire, Dura Mesh, Tough Mesh, DVA One Way, Stainless Steel Woven, and Guard Mesh. They differ mainly in their strength, durability, privacy, and protection properties. Fibreglass and aluminium wire suit basic insect protection, while stainless steel provide higher protection. DVA One Way also adds privacy for selected openings.

Q2. What is the difference between a sliding and a hinge barrier?

A sliding option moves horizontally along a track, making it suitable for sliding glass doors, patios, and larger openings. A hinge barrier swings open from one side and suits standard frames. Both options use custom-made aluminium frames and can be fitted with different woven material types to suit the needs of your property.

Q3. Are fly screens the same as security screens?

Fly barriers are primarily designed to provide an insect barrier and generally use lightweight materials. Security barriers are built to provide insect protection as well as resistance to forced entry. They use stronger materials, reinforced construction, and secure locking systems, with products tested to relevant Australian Standards. The two serve different purposes.

Q4. What is DVA Mesh?

DVA, or one-way look-out, is an aluminium wire designed to provide greater privacy. It allows people inside the property to see out while limiting visibility into the property from outside. DVA also provides good ventilation, added protection, and improved durability around pets. It is available in various colours.

Q5. What is the strongest mesh material?

Stainless Steel and Guard Mesh, made from perforated aluminium, are the strongest options in AAA's barrier range. Both provide higher protection than standard fibreglass or aluminium wire. Stainless steel is also resistant to corrosion, making it particularly suitable for homes in coastal Melbourne areas where exposure to moisture and salt can be a consideration.

Q6. Do fly screens keep mosquitoes out?

Properly fitted fly barriers can keep mosquitoes and other insects outside while allowing air to circulate through the opening. Fibreglass and aluminium wire are commonly used for this purpose, while the other options also provide insect protection. The fly barrier needs to be correctly fitted with no significant gaps around the frame for effective coverage.

Q7. How long do barriers last?

The lifespan of a barrier depends on its type, installation, use, and exposure to weather. Fibreglass can typically last around 5–10 years, while aluminium wire and Dura Mesh may last 10–15 years. Stainless Steel Woven and Guard Mesh can last 15–25 years or more with basic maintenance. Cleaning and checking the barrier regularly can help extend its service life.

Q8. Can barriers be custom-made to fit any opening?

AAA custom-makes barriers as a service to suit the individual dimensions of your openings. This allows the barrier to be fitted to different opening sizes and styles rather than relying on a standard off-the-shelf size. An industry-standard colour range is available, with custom powder coating also available on request. AAA services Melbourne suburbs including Dandenong, Bentleigh, and surrounding areas.

Conclusion

Choosing a barrier comes down to the type of opening, the woven material you need, and how you use the space. Sliding and hinge screens suit different openings, while fixed window screens provide a simple way to improve ventilation and keep insects outside.

From fibreglass for everyday use to stainless steel and Guard Mesh for greater durability and protection, AAA Security Doors can help you compare the available options.

With more than 20 years of experience serving Melbourne, AAA provides custom-made screens as a service, free measures, and no-obligation quotes. Whether you need a sliding or hinge screen, or want advice on the right option, call 03 9562 4744 or get a free measure and quote.