Why Most Security Screens Fail in Extreme Coastal Australia – Introducing SaltWaterSeries
May 25th, 2026
Over 85% of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the coast. Salt air, humidity and coastal weather are a daily reality for millions of Australian homeowners. Yet most security screens are engineered for standard residential environments, not the harsh, relentless conditions that coastal living demands.
The result? Corrosion, degradation and premature failure. A security screen that looks great on installation day but tells a very different story five years later.
Why coastal environments are different
Salt air is corrosive in ways most homeowners don’t fully realise. Research published in scientific journals confirms that marine atmospheric environments, particularly within close to proximity to the coastline, contains significantly higher concentrations of chloride ions that dramatically accelerate metal corrosion compared to inland conditions. This means protective coatings, accelerating oxidation and causing corrosion from the inside out faster than usual.
The corrosion does not happen overnight. It happens gradually over years. By the time it’s visible it’s already significantly advanced.
Why 316 marine grade is the starting point – not the whole answer
CommandeX security screens use 316 marine grade steel mesh, the same grade used in marine hardware, boat fittings and coastal infrastructure. 316 contains 2-3% molybdenum which dramatically increases its resistance to chloride corrosion compared to standard 304 structural grade steel.
But in extreme coastal environments, directly on the waterfront, on escarpments, in areas with constant salt spray, even 316 marine grade mesh need additional protection. Specifically, the aluminium frame, powder coating and fixing system all need to be engineered for extreme corrosive conditions.
That’s the gap the SaltWaterSeries fills.
What makes SaltWaterSeries different
The SaltWaterSeries starts with the same 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh as SecureView EclipX, 0.8mm wire, 900MPa tensile strength, patented fixing system with 3M VHB adhesive eliminating metal on metal contact.
But the SaltWaterSeries goes further with an additional protective powder coating on the frame specifically formulated for extreme corrosive environments. This additional coating layer provides the extra barrier between the aluminium frame and the relentless salt air that extreme coastal properties demand.
The result: The SaltWaterSeries frame coating is independently tested to 3,000 hours under AS2331.3.1, three times the standard residential result.
The Testing
SaltWaterSeries is independently tested by AZUMA Design & Testing, a NATA approved testing laboratory and meets or exceeds Australian Standards AS5039-2023 across all required tests plus additional testing specifically relevant to extreme environments:
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|---|---|---|
| TESTING | ||
| Exceeds Australian Standards (AS5039) | Pass | |
| - Knife Shear Test | Pass | |
| - Aluminium Frame Tests | Pass | |
| - Pull Test | Pass | |
| - Anti-Jemmy Test | Pass | |
| - Impact Test | Pass | |
| Aluminium Frame Tests | Pass | |
| Cyclone Screen Test | Pass | |
| Fire Rated | Pass | |
| Neutral Salt Spray Tests | Passed 3,000 hours AS2331.3.1 | |
| Stainless Mesh Tests | Pass | |
No other security screen brand in Australia offers a dedicated extreme coastal product with this level of independent testing across all these categories.
What SaltWaterSeries is designed for
SaltWaterSeries is specifically designed for:
- Coastal Properties within 500 metres of the coastline
- Properties on escarpments within 2 kilometres where prevailing winds carry salt air
- Iron rich red dust prone areas
- Heavy industrial environments
If your property falls within any of these environments, a standard security screen isn’t enough!
The 20 year warranty
CommandeX backs the SaltWaterSeries with a 20 year extended warranty, reflecting their confidence in the product’s performance in Australia’s harshest conditions. No other security screen manufacturer offers a dedicated extreme coastal product with a 20 year warranty
Standard warranties apply when registered online within 60 days of installation by a licensed CommandeX dealer.
The honest comparison
Every major security screen brand uses 316 marine grade stainless steel and claims suitability for coastal homes. None of them offer a dedicated extreme coastal product line with additional protective coating, additional independent testing and a 20 year warranty specifically for extreme coastal conditions.
The SaltWaterSeries isn’t just a security screen that happens to work near the coast. It was engineered specifically for that environment from the ground up.
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For a free measure and quote from your local CommandeX dealer, fill out the online enquiry form or call us on 1300 720 838. |