Let’s take a closer look at the parts of the doors and find out the differences.

Material

Alu-Gard mesh is made of a solid perforated aluminium sheet. As the first picture above shows (at the heading), the holes are round. According to the Alspec website, the mesh is made of a 1.6 mm thick sheet with hole aperture size of 2 mm. The overall mesh openness is 40%. The mesh meets the Australian Standard AS5041 – 2003 for Knife Shear test, Dynamic impact test and the Jemmy test. The mesh is colour is Matt Black

Invisi Gard mesh is made by Meshtec – a global leader in the manufacture of high tensile stainless steel products. The mesh itself is woven out of 316 marine grade stainless steel. This mesh provides a more traditional fly mesh appearance with greater visibility and more aesthetic look (as seen in the first picture above near the heading). 

While both aluminium and 316 marine grade stainless steel have excellent corrosion properties, it is notable that the Invisi Gard door also has a 15 year warranty compared to Alu Gard’s 7 year warranty. While this warranty difference is significant, both doors in our experience outlast these warranties. – Providing protection for your family for  decades to come.

Needless to say the 316 marine grade mesh is the best option for coastal areas. This is superior to the Alu-Gard and even Crimsafe door options available.

Frame

Both mesh types are fitted within an extruded aluminium frame. As a patented system, Invisi Gard has a specific frame, required under licence. The frame design of the Invisi Gard ensures that it maintains strength, durability and style. The system incorporates the frame, mesh and plastics to ensure the aesthetic is as simplistic and elegant as possible while maintaining maximum strength and funcionality. 

Alu Gard while manufactured in an extruded aluminium frame is not required to be manufactured in any specific frame. As such, the style, durability and strength of the finished door can vary. (And it does)

Fixing Method 

This is a crucial difference in the manufacturing of the two types of doors. Aluminium and stainless steel are reactive and when placed against each other create a galvanic reaction. (A galvanic reaction is one where by one metal will cause the other to corrode faster than usual). Because of this the Invisi Gard system is protected using its patented EPG fixing method. This patented method of retention does not rely on screws or other forms of mechanical retention ensuring any possible galvanic reaction is avoided.

Such a galvanic reaction is no concern for the Alu- gard system. Both the mesh and frame are made of aluminium. Typically the door can be riveted or screw clamped with the assistance of an aluminium wedge strip. 

This fixing system means the Invisi Gard door will look more streamlined without rivets or screws creating a premium and stylish looking door.

Locking

In Adelaide, the Invisi Gard door is marketed and manufactured under licence as a security screen door and as such comes standard with a triple lock. A triple lock (or three (3) point lock) means the door locks in three places – middle, top and bottom. By including triple locks on hinged doors, you are ensuring the door passes the Jemmy test. This is one of the tests required for compatibility with Australian Standard AS5041 – 2003.

The Alu Gard door on the other hand may be manufactured with a single lock relegating the door to safety door status. With a triple lock, the Alu-Gard door is rated as a security screen door Adelaide, meeting Australian Standard AS5041 – 2003. The quality of the locks used will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

(2026 Edition) – The Alu-Gard edge system is a relatively new system that relies on a similar wedge system to that of the Invisi Gard. This system is gaining popularity for Alu-Gard doors in Adelaide as prices rise.  Customers are looking for premium finishes at competitive pricing. The Alu-Gard edge offers that seemless look.