RELIABILT Security Doors
RELIABILT security doors are steel-framed screen doors with reinforced mesh for protection while allowing airflow.
RELIABILT security doors combine the ventilation of a screen door with the protection of a steel frame and reinforced mesh. Priced from $150 to $350, they feature heavy-gauge steel frames, tamper-resistant hardware, and perforated steel or aluminum mesh that resists cutting. Available in 32" and 36" widths. They mount on the exterior side of your entry door and swing outward.
Security Door Specs
| Frame | Heavy-gauge steel, powder-coated finish |
| Mesh | Perforated steel or aluminum (not fiberglass) |
| Lock | 3-point locking system on most models |
| Sizes | 32" x 80" and 36" x 80" standard |
| Colors | Black, white, bronze |
| Installation | Mounts to exterior door frame with security screws |
How to Choose a RELIABILT Security Door
Measure the door frame opening, not the door itself. Security doors mount inside the exterior brick mold or casing. Measure width at the top and bottom (use the smaller number) and height on both sides. Standard sizes are 32" x 80" and 36" x 80". If your opening is non-standard, some models allow trimming up to 1/2".
Steel mesh vs aluminum mesh: Steel perforated mesh is stronger and harder to cut through, making it the better choice for ground-floor entries. Aluminum mesh is lighter and more resistant to corrosion, which matters in coastal or high-humidity climates where steel can rust at cut edges.
3-point locks offer the most resistance. Budget models use a single deadbolt, while mid-range and upper models have a 3-point locking system that engages at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame simultaneously. If security is the primary goal, insist on the 3-point lock.
Decorative vs plain designs: Budget security doors ($150-200) have a simple frame with flat mesh. Mid-range models ($200-300) add decorative scrollwork or geometric patterns in the steel frame that improve curb appeal without sacrificing security. Upper-end models ($300+) use stainless steel mesh and premium finishes.
Security doors pair best with a solid steel front door or back door behind them. For ventilation without the security framing, see standard screen doors.
Security Door Installation Tips
Mount into the brick mold, not the door frame. Security doors attach to the exterior casing (brick mold) with security screws. Use the longest screws provided to reach the structural framing behind the casing. Pre-drill pilot holes in hardwood casings to prevent splitting.
Install the hinge side first, then the lock side. Hang the door on the hinge-side screws and verify the swing before drilling the lock-side mounting holes. This gives you a chance to adjust the door position if it does not sit square in the opening.
Test the 3-point lock engagement before final tightening. Close the door and engage all three lock points. If any point does not reach its strike, the frame needs adjustment before you tighten the final mounting screws. Adjusting after final installation is much harder.
Install the pneumatic closer at the correct angle. The closer bracket should be positioned so the arm is at a 90-degree angle when the door is closed. An incorrect angle results in either a door that does not close fully or one that slams. Most kits include a template for bracket placement.
Apply thread-locking compound to the security screws. Security doors use tamper-resistant screws that should not loosen over time. A drop of medium-strength thread locker on each screw prevents loosening from vibration while still allowing removal with tools if needed later.
Common Security Door Problems and Fixes
Door does not close flush: Security doors are heavy and can pull the pneumatic closer out of adjustment. Turn the closing speed screw (located on the closer body) clockwise to slow the close. If the door still does not latch, check that the frame is not racked by measuring diagonals.
3-point lock hard to engage: All three latch points must align precisely. If the door has shifted, loosen the hinge-side screws slightly, push the door into position, and retighten. File the strike plate openings if they are off by less than 1/16".
Rust on the frame: Powder coating is durable but can chip where the frame contacts brick or concrete. Sand the rust, apply cold galvanizing spray, then touch up with matching spray paint. Check annually at the bottom corners where moisture collects.
Mesh sagging or bowing: Perforated metal mesh can bow outward if something presses against it repeatedly. There is no practical field repair. If the mesh is deformed enough to create a gap at the edges, the door panel needs replacement to maintain security integrity.
How to Maintain Your Security Door
Wash the frame and mesh quarterly with a garden hose and mild detergent. Perforated mesh traps dust, pollen, and cobwebs that reduce airflow. Use a soft brush to scrub the mesh openings without bending the material.
Lubricate the lock mechanism every 6 months with graphite powder. 3-point locks have more moving parts than standard deadbolts, so they require more frequent attention. Test all three latch points after lubrication to confirm smooth engagement.
Replace the pneumatic closer every 5-8 years. These closers are under constant tension and eventually leak hydraulic fluid. A replacement closer costs $15-25 and takes 10 minutes to swap. Use a closer rated for the door weight (security doors are 50-80 lbs).
Inspect mounting screws annually. Security doors are only as strong as their attachment to the frame. Tighten any loose screws and replace stripped ones with the next size up. For wood frames, use 3" screws that reach the wall stud.
Check the door sweep or bottom seal every spring. Security doors have a gap at the bottom for clearance over the threshold. Some models include a brush or vinyl sweep to block insects. Replace the sweep when it is worn flat or missing sections, as this gap is the primary entry point for bugs when the main door is open.
Touch up powder coating chips promptly. Chipped areas expose bare steel to moisture and start the rust cycle. Use matching spray paint or automotive touch-up paint applied with a small brush. Focus on the bottom rail and any areas that contact the door frame when closing.
Test the lock mechanism monthly by engaging and disengaging the 3-point lock several times. If any of the three lock points feels stiff or does not extend fully, lubricate with graphite powder and check for debris in the lock channel. A security door with a malfunctioning lock provides no more protection than a standard screen door.
Verify the mounting screws are tight after severe weather. High winds can stress the door frame and loosen screws over time. After any storm with winds exceeding 50 mph, check all mounting points and retighten as needed. Replace any screws that spin freely with the next longer size.
Security Door Questions
Can I install a security door over any entry door?
Yes, RELIABILT security doors mount to the exterior door frame casing (brick mold) and work with any inswing entry door behind them. The security door swings outward while your main door swings inward, so they do not interfere with each other. Ensure your frame casing is solid wood or steel, not vinyl, since the mounting screws need a strong substrate.
How does a security door differ from a storm door?
Storm doors use glass and fiberglass screen panels for weather protection and ventilation. Security doors use heavy steel frames and perforated metal mesh designed to resist forced entry. Storm doors typically weigh 30-40 lbs; security doors weigh 50-80 lbs. If your goal is break-in deterrence, choose a security door. If your goal is weather protection and airflow, choose a screen or storm door.
Do security doors block visibility or light?
Perforated steel mesh reduces visibility and light by roughly 30-40% compared to clear glass. You can see out reasonably well during the day, but someone outside cannot see in easily, which adds privacy. At night with interior lights on, the effect reverses. Aluminum mesh with smaller perforations blocks slightly more light but provides finer screening against insects.
Can I paint a RELIABILT security door?
Yes, but the factory powder-coat finish is more durable than paint. If you want a different color, lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper, apply a metal primer, and finish with spray paint rated for exterior metal. Brush painting is not recommended since the mesh perforations make brush application difficult and uneven.
Security doors work best paired with a quality deadbolt on the main entry door behind it. For less secure but more aesthetic options, see standard screen doors. Check installation tips before purchasing.
For the front entry, pair your security door with a steel front door for maximum protection. For side and rear entries, a back door with a security door overlay is a cost-effective upgrade. See customer reviews for real-world durability feedback on RELIABILT security doors in various climates.
When budgeting, factor in installation time: security doors take 1-3 hours for a DIY install and professional installation through Lowe's starts at $150-250 depending on your area. The heavier frame and 3-point lock require more precise mounting than a standard screen door.