Security Screens for Bifold Doors

June 11th, 2026

Bifold doors are one of Australia’s most popular architectural features. They fold back in panels to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living space, maximising natural light and the open plan lifestyle Australian homes are built around.

They’re also one of the most complex security screen configurations to get right.

What is a bifold door?

A bifold door consists of multiple panels, usually two, three, four or even more hinged together when open folds back into each other while opened, unlike stacker doors where panels slide on, the panels fold and stack to one or both sides of the opening.

Bifold doors are commonly in indoor to outdoor living areas, living space and large opening where stacker or sliding door will take too many track space.

Why bifold doors need specific security screen consideration

The folding mechanism of a bifold door means a standard sliding security screen cannot be used. Each bifold panel requires its own corresponding security screen panel, and the security screen must accommodate the folding action of the door behind it.

There are two main approaches to securing bifolding door opening:

Option 1 – Fixed security screen across the full opening – A fixed security screen is fitted to the fixed outer frame of the bifold door, not to the door panels themselves. The bifold door open and fold behind the fixed screen. This is the most secure option as the screen has no moving parts.

The limitations – you cannot open the screen to access the outdoor area without removing or opening a separate access door.

Option 2 – Sliding security screen on a separate track – A sliding security screen is fitted on a separate track, independent of the bifold door track system. When the bifold doors are open the sliding security screen can be closed across the full opening. When you want full access to the outdoor area the screen slides to one side.

This is the most practical option for bifold door openings, allowing ventilation with security screens closed and full access when needed.

What Australian Standard applies?

Any product classified as a security screen for bifold doors must meet Australian Standards AS5039-2023, the current standard for the design and performance of security screen doors and window grilles.

AS5039-2023 requires independent testing across six categories:

Knife Shear Test ✅
Pull Test ✅
Anti-Jemmy Test ✅
Impact Test ✅
Probe Test ✅
Corrosion Test ✅

AS5039-2023 also introduced two dynamic impact testing categories:

SL100 – withstands five impacts of 100 joules
SL200 – withstands five impacts of 200 joules

All installations must comply with AS5039.2:2024 by a licensed installer.

What mesh should be specified for bifold door security screens?

Standard residential environments: SecureView EclipX 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh, 0.8mm wire, 940 MPa tensile strength, patented fixing system with 3M VHB adhesive, 1.575mm aperture, 42.71% open area.

Coastal environments within 500 metres of the coastline: SaltWaterSeries the same 316 marine grade mesh as SecureView EclipX but with additional protective frame coating independently tested to 3,000 hours under AS2331.3.1 — the neutral salt spray test used to measure corrosion resistance of metal coatings. The only dedicated extreme coastal security screen product in Australia. Backed by a 20 year extended warranty.

Bifold doors in coastal homes are a particularly important specification, the wide opening typically faces the outdoor entertaining area which directly faces the coastal environment.

The midrail question for bifold doors

Large security screen panels sometimes require a midrail, a horizontal bar across the middle of the screen for structural integrity.

CommandeX’s patented fixing system, a two part wedge bonded with 3M VHB aerospace adhesive which eliminates the need for midrails on most standard openings up to 3,100mm height and 1,310mm width. This gives you an unobstructed view through the mesh and maximises airflow.

For bifold openings wider than standard your licensed CommandeX dealer will advise on whether a midrail is required based on specific dimensions.

Coastal specification for bifold doors

Bifold doors in coastal environments face an additional challenge, the wide opening directly faces the outdoor entertaining area which in coastal homes often faces the ocean or coastal environment. Salt air, humidity and wind-driven spray are concentrated at these open outdoor living areas.

For coastal bifold door installations particularly within 500 metres of the coastline, the SaltWaterSeries is the appropriate specification. Standard 316 marine grade mesh is not sufficient for the frame coating in these conditions.

For a full guide to coastal specification read our blog – How to Specify Security Screens for Coastal Australian Builds.

Custom manufacturing for any bifold configuration

Bifold door configurations vary significantly panel count, opening width, folding direction and track system all affect the security screen specification.

Every CommandeX security screen for bifold doors is custom manufactured to exact measurements by licensed dealers and installed to AS5039.2:2024. For trade professionals, Rockford Screens & Blinds CommandeX’s dedicated wholesale fabrication partner — manufactures to exact trade specifications with a guaranteed 10 working day turnaround.