Security Screens’ Opportunity

Ever since the release of a new FGIA document about security screens, it seems like the entire fenestration industry is newly invested in this product type. Because of this level of interest, FGIA’s Jason Seals, certification services manager, fenestration, held a session about this growing market during the FGIA Virtual Summer Summit. He also shared the news of a new certification program for security screens, available soon. In his session, “Powering Market Place Opportunity with New Security Screen Certification,” Seals talked about what went into the development of the new AAMA 1901 standard, Specification for Security Screen Products, and shared why there is market potential in the security screens space. 

AAMA 1901 came out in June 2025. It was based on proven, high-performance benchmarks established by Standards Australia over the course of two decades and provides performance standards for installed security screen products. The standard offers several different types of tests for two different types of security screens. Type 1 screens have openings small enough to prevent an arm from passing through, while type 2 openings are small enough to prevent many flying insects from getting in.  

“Security remains an emotional purchase that operates independently of typical budgetary constraints, offering wide potential,” said Seals. He pointed out that, as standard housing turnover slows down, window and door manufacturers can leverage security screens as lucrative aftermarket add-ons. Plus, overall, the home security market is growing. In 2020, it represented $54 billion in retail sales. This included products like self-monitored and professionally monitored home security systems, Ring doorbell cameras or similar products, and smart locks for residential front doors.  

The security market in general is expected to continue to grow. Plus, it appears to be a resilient market. The best time to enter it was yesterday, but the next-best time is now. The adoption potential of security screens is concentrated in areas with high value homes and warm climates, making the U.S. coasts ideal markets for these products. 

As soon as AAMA 1901 was completed, its developing task group moved on to developing a certification program for security screens. The certification program procedural guide, AAMA 114, has been completed and approved for publication. The new program is anticipated to launch in July 2026, meaning it may even be available by the time you are reading this column. The program is based on the air-water-structural certification program for windows, doors and skylights, and will allow licensees to certify security screen products to the new AAMA 1901 specification.  

So why should you certify? Seals is the right person to ask. Certification provides an independent, third-party check of your manufacturing processes. Licensees are audited twice a year on an unannounced basis. “Any deviations found during inspections are noted as non-conformities,” said Seals. “But you should know, non-conformities are not necessarily a bad thing. It generally costs 10 times more to repair a product in the field than it would to address the issue in the factory. Finding a non-conformity means an issue was identified in the factory, and that the conditions for fixing the non-conformity can be controlled by the manufacturer.” 

Get your copy of AAMA 1901 today by visiting the FGIA Online Store at FGIAonline.org/store.