The best security doors and screens in Canberra

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Who are the best security door and screens installers? Photo: File.

Want to feel safe, protect your belongings, enjoy fresh air and keep insects out? If so, you may be wanting security doors and screens.

Not all security doors and windows are equal. Some suppliers use the term ‘security’ loosely. It’s best to select products that meet the Australian Standard (AS) 5039-2008. And it’s best to have them professionally installed. This means in line with AS5040.

Choosing a reputable installer can be challenging. This is because many products are on the market. Some are made of aluminum or steel. Some have better frames and higher quality infill, hinges and locks. Prices vary widely.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a security door and screen installer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.

What makes a great security door and screen installer?

Having the right security door and screen supplier will give you peace of mind. This is because poor installation of even the best door on the market, won’t work effectively. It will leave you, well, insecure.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a security door and screen installer.

  • Quality products. As indicated, not all security doors and screens are equal. Look for an installer with quality products. These are products that provide genuine security, not ones just claiming to do so.
  • Reputation and experience. Choose a security door and screen company with a great reputation and installation experience. Check online for reviews. Head to company websites for testimonials. Find out how long they’ve been in the business.
  • Warranty and guarantee. Check out the product warranty and ask for a written guarantee before you buy. Some products have short warranties and others, say, up to 15 years.
  • Professional membership and licensed. Quality security door and screen companies belong to at least one professional body. This could include the National Security Screen Association or the Australian Security Industry Association.
  • Price. Many security doors and screens are expensive, and others are cheaper. Talk to suppliers about cost and what you’re paying for. That includes installation. The last thing you need is to be surprised by hidden costs or fees.

The best security door and screens in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Monaro Screens

Monaro Screens specialises in Crimsafe security screens, doors and emergency exits—the ultimate protection.

Crimsafe’s patented Screw-Clamp Technology and Tensile-Tuff mesh far exceeds Australian standards. It is up to seven times stronger than other security screens and doors and can withstand forces up to 3,000 kilograms. Monaro Screens carries Crimsafe because their stainless steel security doors are the strongest in Australia. As the saying goes, “If it’s not Crimesafe, it’s not crim safe.”

Features of Crimsafe products go well beyond security. The premium product range offered through Monaro Screens is energy efficient, has unhindered views, lets fresh air and breezes in and keeps insects out. Crimsafe also offers all protection from heights. Other benefits include fire protection and an extended warranty of up to 15 years.

Monaro Screens carries a flexible range of Crimsafe products and styles, with an option to suit every home and décor. The wide range of door, with options to fit every size and style of opening, include hinged, sliding, French, bi-fold and stacking. Monaro Screen’s window range includes fixed, hinged, sliding and emergency exits.

Founded in 1994, Monaro Screens is passionate about customer service and timely delivery and installation. This locally owned business only supplies high-quality, Australian-made and designed products. Monaro Screens offers a free measure and quote.

On Google, Jelena Milosavljevic wrote, “The best customer service … I'm extremely happy with my Crimsafe screen door, installation and the affordable price.”

Sentinel Security & Technology Group

Sentinel Security & Technology Group (SSTG) specialises in security doors and screens that exceed Australian standards. An authorised supplier of Crimsafe, SSTG’s range includes Crimsafe iQ, which is the strongest stainless steel security screen door in Australia. SSTG also sells, installs and maintains Crimsafe’s fixed, hinged, sliding and Safe-S-Cape security windows. Windows can be made for all shapes, sizes and configurations.

Ben Ligacs wrote on Google, “I purchased security screen doors from SSTG and highly recommend them. They’re responsive, punctual …”

Valley Security Doors and Screens

Valley Security Doors and Screens, in business for over 35 years, has a wide range to suit all needs. The Prowler Proof range is Australia’s only welded security screen. It’s a superior product at a competitive price. Doors and screens come in different styles and some are almost invisible. They come in 50 standard and over 250 optional colours. All have a 10-year warranty.

Mark Fowler wrote on Google, “We had two siding security doors installed. Everything I want from a tradesman, quality advice, reasonable price and on time, no fuss.”

Watson Blinds and Awnings

Watson Blinds and Awnings sell Crimsafe screen doors and windows. Crimsafe is seven times stronger than the Australian security standard. Made in Australia, Crimsafe can withstand force up to 3,000 kilograms. They’re 53 per cent more energy efficient than some other products. In addition, they have a 10 to 15-year guarantee. Watson offers an extensive range of these world-leading security screen doors and windows.

Karen Murray wrote on Google, “Absolutely love our new Crimsafe Security Door. Watson Blinds and Awnings were great to deal with. The installation was quick and easy. Highly recommend.”

Mitchell Aluminium

Canberra’s only Amplimesh security doors and screens supplier is Mitchell Aluminium. Their range includes the newly designed SupaScreen products, designed for maximum security and comfort. Supascreen also offers unobstructed outdoor views. Mitchell Aluminium’s security doors and screens are cost-effective and stylish. Established in 1985, Michell Aluminium holds a Master Security License. They’re a member of the Australian Security Industry Association.

On Google, Shawn Jones wrote, “We had a new security screen door measured, quoted and installed so quickly.”

If you’re looking for more information on home or business security in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best security alarm monitoring companies Canberra has to offer. And, should a new door be on order check out our article on the best door suppliers in the region.

Your experience with security doors and screens in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the security doors and screens listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aren’t security doors and screens more or less the same?

No they aren’t. Some products say they're ‘security’ but they’re not capable of keeping burglars out. Research the type of screen. Also research the components like the frame, infill, hinges and locks. You can also check product testing. Finally, look at installation. Criminals can break in through a top-quality security door or screen that’s badly installed.

Are there Australian standards for security doors and screens?

Yes there are but not all products meet these standards. The product should meet the Australian Standard (AS) 5039-2008. Professional installation should be in line with AS5040.

What makes a quality security door or screen?

It’s essential to research before buying a security door or screen. Some reviews say products made of welded iron or steel, that have high tamper-resistant features, are the best. It’s important to also consider the quality of hinges, locks and other components.

What are the advantages of security doors and windows?

Quality security doors and screens—properly installed—offer many advantages. For example, they allow air to flow through, light to come in and they let you enjoy the view—all while feeling safe. In addition to keeping bugs and debris out, they also aim to keep burglars out.

How much do security doors and screens cost?

This varies on many factors. Look at the quality of the product and individual components. Also look at overall construction and how it’s going to be installed. These and other factors influence cost. Some security screen doors are more expensive than others, but quality ones can live up to their promise.

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https://www.argussecurity.com.au did an awesome job on my screen doors, I went with the invisi gard, which is the equiv of crimsafe. Absolutely recommend them.

Thanks Ally, good to know. Do you know how much it cost roughly?

Crimsafe is good I heard, but a bit on the pricier side. I’ve heard quotes of 900+ too.

We used Malplas. Very professional and great service. Definitely would recommend them. Here’s their website:- http://www.malplas.com.au

Had screen door fixed by Canberra Security Doors and Screens. Very helpful and would recommend.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd6:21 pm 07 Nov 12

foxygirl said :

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd said :

Not a problem.

also another thing to note, either ask for the duel selector lock so if locked by key cannot be unlocked by the snib, get screen for your sidelight, or get the sidelight reglazed with laminated safety glass(dont use toughened no matter how the glazier trys to spin it, its easy to break and once its broken its simple acces, the only upside is the wide varity of patterns.). There is no point installing a flash security door when a thief can just break the sidelight next to it and reach through to unlock the door with the snib.

do you think it is worth getting security screens for glass sliding doors?

I have a balcony with 2 glass windows and a glass sliding door in the middle. I’d like to make this more secure, but have heard that the security doors in these sliding systems are easy to break into

and advice Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd ? And any idea of price?

No easier than a hinged door as long as its got a three point lock. I’ve had to break into a sliding security door where the lock had failed, it took a long amount of time and very noisy. Noisy enough that any decent neighbours would disturb the intruder or call police
Same with front doors though, you need to spend the dollars on screening the sidelight as well. Most sliding doors and sidelights are either 4mm or 5mm toughened glass where you can literally explode them with no danger to yourself by kicking it once.

Price in a standard colour frame and standard size should not exceed more than around 900 for the slider and 550 for fixed panel.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd said :

Not a problem.

also another thing to note, either ask for the duel selector lock so if locked by key cannot be unlocked by the snib, get screen for your sidelight, or get the sidelight reglazed with laminated safety glass(dont use toughened no matter how the glazier trys to spin it, its easy to break and once its broken its simple acces, the only upside is the wide varity of patterns.). There is no point installing a flash security door when a thief can just break the sidelight next to it and reach through to unlock the door with the snib.

do you think it is worth getting security screens for glass sliding doors?

I have a balcony with 2 glass windows and a glass sliding door in the middle. I’d like to make this more secure, but have heard that the security doors in these sliding systems are easy to break into

and advice Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd ? And any idea of price?

bundah said :

Ah yes but is it crimsafe?

Duffbowl said :

Depending on which one you’ve bought, they are reasonably easily popped open by pulling on the centre of the grille, and levering back the door jamb. Last time I played with one of these, it was open in about 90 seconds. As I said before, any security system or product is at best a deterrent or delayer.

Yeah it’s certainly not high end lol. It’s really just for some air/stop the insects when I’m at home. Also an extra barrier if I answer the door – I can see who it is before I unlock the screen.

If I leave the house I have proper deadlocked doors.

Madam Cholet12:45 pm 06 Nov 12

Contrary to a response on here, we were happy with Argus in Hume. Did two doors fro us, back and front – one a sliding door. No problems with turning up and the guy who fitted them was really professional.

God I love the riotact. You just never know who’s going to pop up with exactly the info you need. Thanks Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd. Above and beyond what I thought I was going to get from this thread but just perfect. I’ve contacted a few places mentioned on the thread to get quotes.

Cheers all.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd11:49 am 06 Nov 12

Not a problem.

also another thing to note, either ask for the duel selector lock so if locked by key cannot be unlocked by the snib, get screen for your sidelight, or get the sidelight reglazed with laminated safety glass(dont use toughened no matter how the glazier trys to spin it, its easy to break and once its broken its simple acces, the only upside is the wide varity of patterns.). There is no point installing a flash security door when a thief can just break the sidelight next to it and reach through to unlock the door with the snib.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd said :

Lazy I said :

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd, strongest according to who? Australian standards testing? personal opinion? source for information provided?

Can people include a rough quote/cost to have the doors installed by the companies they are recommending?

I have seen quotes of $900+ for a Crimsafe door to be installed, is that to be expected?

Strongest according to the testing needed for australian standards.. all should have it on their website. i have worked with just about everyone of the security products in canberra in the last few years both manufacturing and installing however am currently out of that industry.
I have done my own tests in factory and also seen how vandals/theifs get through the screens and how easy some mesh tears when replacing torn mesh.
You would be surprised the household items you can use to get into woven mesh with almost no noise.

Unless your frame is special colour or its a oversized door, you8 should not be paying more than 880 for a hinged door with 3 point lock.

RE: security license, this means nothing. All it consist of is a police check and a fee to the government, but you legally have to have a security license to make/install something as basic as a diamond grille.

The biggest thing to make sure of when you deecide on what product you want, is ensure the correct screws are being used. The person above who mention small screws, this is unaceptable and make screens useless if they can be pryed off. I have seen many screens installed with 1/8 screws that are very short. Dont let them do that sort of stuff.

Thanks for both posts. Very helpful.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd10:30 am 06 Nov 12

Lazy I said :

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd, strongest according to who? Australian standards testing? personal opinion? source for information provided?

Can people include a rough quote/cost to have the doors installed by the companies they are recommending?

I have seen quotes of $900+ for a Crimsafe door to be installed, is that to be expected?

Strongest according to the testing needed for australian standards.. all should have it on their website. i have worked with just about everyone of the security products in canberra in the last few years both manufacturing and installing however am currently out of that industry.
I have done my own tests in factory and also seen how vandals/theifs get through the screens and how easy some mesh tears when replacing torn mesh.
You would be surprised the household items you can use to get into woven mesh with almost no noise.

Unless your frame is special colour or its a oversized door, you8 should not be paying more than 880 for a hinged door with 3 point lock.

RE: security license, this means nothing. All it consist of is a police check and a fee to the government, but you legally have to have a security license to make/install something as basic as a diamond grille.

The biggest thing to make sure of when you deecide on what product you want, is ensure the correct screws are being used. The person above who mention small screws, this is unaceptable and make screens useless if they can be pryed off. I have seen many screens installed with 1/8 screws that are very short. Dont let them do that sort of stuff.

mikal said :

This is an anti-recommendation for Argus Security in Hume.

We had Argus do ours. They didn’t do a bad job.

How’d they f%$ yours up?

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd, strongest according to who? Australian standards testing? personal opinion? source for information provided?

Can people include a rough quote/cost to have the doors installed by the companies they are recommending?

I have seen quotes of $900+ for a Crimsafe door to be installed, is that to be expected?

Holden Caulfield9:00 am 06 Nov 12

Have used Mitchell Aluminium in the past and would use them again. Our two screen doors are still going well after 8 years.

And yes, Crimsafe (and the like) is worth the extra money if only for the immensely improved aesthetic. It always puzzles me when you see a reno or new build that has clearly cost a few bob and they cheap out on screen doors. Just looks so wrong.

Evil_Kitten said :

We got ones from Bunnings (around $90 each from memory) and installed them ourselves.

Depending on which one you’ve bought, they are reasonably easily popped open by pulling on the centre of the grille, and levering back the door jamb. Last time I played with one of these, it was open in about 90 seconds. As I said before, any security system or product is at best a deterrent or delayer.

Evil_Kitten said :

We got ones from Bunnings (around $90 each from memory) and installed them ourselves.

Ah yes but is it crimsafe?

We got ones from Bunnings (around $90 each from memory) and installed them ourselves.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd10:23 pm 05 Nov 12

Golden-Alpine said :

Canberra Security Doors & Screens in Mitchell. We have had 3 doors installed over 2 properties so far. Can’t fault the product or service.

There are much stronger products on the market than prowler.

Golden-Alpine9:47 pm 05 Nov 12

Canberra Security Doors & Screens in Mitchell. We have had 3 doors installed over 2 properties so far. Can’t fault the product or service.

screaming banshee9:02 pm 05 Nov 12

For the love of god don’t use valley screens. They did a crap job on our screens, they were badly made, and installed with minimal non-secure screws.

+1 for Valley Security Screens.
Make sure who ever you use has a Security Licence.

Comic_and_Gamer_Nerd7:17 pm 05 Nov 12

http://www.clearshield.com.au/ – strongest product currently on the market(besides of course big welded steel or iron grilles, but who wants them on a house?) due to the stainless sheet being perforated instead so woven mesh. Simple to clean and not much flex.

http://crimsafe.com.au/ – second strongest on the market. Has a great locking in system, the meshe is grub screwed into the door frame, but its still woven mesh. Meaning its very say to cut(I’m not oing to say how on a public forum, don’t ask, youtube) hard to clean, woven mesh fills with crap.

http://www.amplimesh.com.au/supascreen/supascreen – third strongest product on the market. Not as good a locking system as crimsafe but still damn good. Woven mesh that’s basically the same as crimsafe woven mesh. Same faults.

Stay away from all other woven mesh products. It’s glorified fly wire with horrid locking systems. Somebody else mentioned another manufacturer in this thread and I have seen the mesh rip and the top locking bead just fall out due to a brick.

Stay away even more from perforated aluminium mesh. It’s thick, ugly and snaps. Stronger than diamond grilles but not by much.

If you can afford, always get the three pronged lock.

Don’t listen to any spiel about striker plates being better. They are all supplied by the same people to the manufacturers.

Do you research. Go get a sample of each and have a chat to he manufacturers. The choice is easy at the end of the day.

I had excellent service from Valley Security Screens with their Supa Screens both front and back. Great local company providing a quick and quality service. Cat proof as well!!

This is an anti-recommendation for Argus Security in Hume.

What Duffbowl said but also get the doors keyed alike (even with your front door as well). This is easily achieved, especially when buying new.

We had Crimsafe doors fitted in 2010 by Watson’s Blinds. Watson’s were prompt and a good price from memory.

Any security system or product is at best a deterrent or delayer. The Crimsafe doors can be defeated, but will draw attention to whoever is attacking the door and it will take them sometime to get through them. The bolts are a semi-circle keyhole, which locks the door to the frame at three points, and make it difficult to expand the door jamb away from the door. The strike plates are designed so that any leveraging force will pull part of the plate into the door itself.

Check with your insurance company; some offer discounts if these kinds of products are installed.

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