The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has released a new specification providing performance specifications and methods of testing for security screen products. The specification is for hinged and sliding security screen doors, as well as fixed, hinged and sliding security window screen products.
Security screens, made up of high-tensile, stainless-steel woven mesh, serve as a reinforcement method for doors and windows, providing a deterrence from unwanted intrusion while also providing ventilation, visibility and insect resistance. Prior to the new specification, no testing or certification protocols existed in the United States to back product claims about performance.
“This is the first specification in North America for residential security screen products, offering a comprehensive testing protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of security screens for doors and windows,” said Dan Parrish, vice president of product development for UHD Innovations and co-chair of the FGIA Security Screens Task Group. “It gives end-users, resellers and manufacturers greater confidence in product performance, helping to drive future growth in this category.”
AAMA 1901-25, Specification for Security Screen Products, includes existing types, materials and operations of security screen products, while serving as a guideline for minimum performance requirements of such products installed on doors and windows. The document includes residential applications for single-family and multi-family housing.
“AAMA 1901 represents a transformative leap forward for the fenestration industry, establishing a comprehensive framework for security screens that prioritizes both innovation and consumer safety,” said [DWM] blogger Ray Garries, co-chair of the FGIA Security Screens Task Group. “The committee created a standard that not only challenges manufacturers to enhance product durability and performance but also reassures end-users that their homes are much more resistant to forced entry.”
A session entitled “Security Screens – Understanding the New North American Security Screen Specification and Opportunities for the Industry” will take place during FGIA’s upcoming Virtual Summer Summit. The event takes place June 17-18, 2025.