You previously posted about some security screen doors that were more attractive than the old style, thick, heavy, ugly security screen doors.

I assume you are familiar with Active screen doors (Active Window Products is the full name of the company).

They sell some more attractive security screen doors called the Sentry and Gibraltar.

Are those 2 examples of what you were talking about???

Yes, some of their security screen doors is exactly what I'm talking about. The kind that fits in the frame's price are sky high in pricing. The kind that bolt to the outside of the frame are cheaper, but don't look as nice.

In the past couple of years I've been making up my own doors. Buying storm doors with half glass panels. Removing them and welding in metal mesh screening. Too much work. Then spray painting the doors.

So if I am reading your current view correctly, you now buy and install the type that bolts to the outside of the frame because it's just not worth the extra cost of the fancier ones.

By coincidence today I was at CWH Hardware which has stores in the valley, probably you've been there. I don't go there often but they do cater to apartment building owners so I went to take a look at what they usually stock for screen doors.

They had a typical non-security screen for a little less than $200 and the typical security screen door for a little less than $250.

Even though I don't like the look of the old style, heavy, traditional security screen doors, these days it is tempting to put them in since they are of greater security and don't cost much more. I've never used any security screen doors before since I didn't want the building to have that look. In the past when one tenant asked about having the ugly security screen door, I said I didn't want the building to look like a prison.

However, I might be starting to shift my view.

I would be really interested in what your thinking is on that issue. Can you tell me what you think regarding the benefit of some additional security compared to the less attractive look of the old style security screen doors and how it might affect the view of potential tenants and of potential buyers of the building in the future???

I know CWH well, I know the owners/brothers and their other stove in the City by a different name.

My take on things. Some of the bolt on security doors have a thin mesh wire that can easily be destroyed with a hammer, plier, rock or almost anything. Then one can reach inside with their hand and open the door locks. I don't like these thin weak screen mesh doors. They offer little protection. Instead I'd rather get one with a heaver perforated metal sheet with holes. I's give less light thru but is stronger and harder to break in.

I'd rather had functionality over looks. I loved the type that fit inside the frame, but they cost around $600 to $100 today. Years ago they could be had for $150.

I try to match all of the security doors in a building. Not always an easy task.

I understand that their CWH store in Hawthorne has closed up, but I believe they also own Callahans Hardware and also a store I have never been to in Canoga Park called Hardware and Apartment Supply.

I hear you regarding the functionality but are you concerned about giving the wrong impression about the safety of the neighborhood. For example, would you still use the bolt on, less attractive security screen doors for an apartment building in a nice area of Encino, or over the hill in Santa Monica north of Wilshire, or in Brentwood. Of course, these days even nicer neighborhoods have more crime, so maybe the extra security in necessary in most people's minds.

What do you think??

Thank you. It's good to have your view since I have become more concerned even in nicer areas and I was interested in whether you shared that view.

By the way, not for rentals and other than having Navy Seals patrolling your property with high end laser security, what is a popular option these days for house that has sliding screen doors and sliding glass doors in backyard??

Is there a security version of sliding patio doors?

There are options. Bars, hinge or sliding. Replacing the tempered glass with bullet resistant plastic. Custom locks and doors that can not be lifted out of the tracks.

Thanks. Since I have not previously dealt with sliding glass door security, I suspect I would look for a company with expertise in that niche.

Are there any in L A area you can suggest, or if you prefer not to mention any names as I know is sometimes the case, where would you suggest I seek recommendation or what category to use to search for quality vendors of this type online??