What is Crimsafe?
Crimsafe is an Australian company that produces security screens made from woven stainless steel mesh. The mesh is screwed into a door or window frame and is clamped down using a screw-clamp. All Crimsafe products are custom-built and there are a number businesses that supply and install them across Australia.
What are the benefits of security screens?
The main purpose of security screens is to help keep out intruders. When choosing a security screen, it’s important to check that it passes relevant Australian Standards relating to its manufacture, installation and performance.
For example, to comply with the ‘Methods of test – Security screen doors and window grilles’ standard, security screens must be able to withstand tests such as the dynamic impact test (an intruder’s kicks, punches and charges), the jimmy test (burglary attempt using a lever) and the knife shear test (knife attack on screen). According to Crimsafe, it passes or exceeds standards for impact, jimmy and knife shear testing.
Security screens can also act as a barrier against insects and allow for ventilation and airflow throughout your home. This could potentially help you cut down on air conditioning costs. Additionally, Crimsafe says its security screens provide heat, UV, fire and cyclone protection.
Some insurers may also reduce the cost of your home and contents insurance premiums if you have certain safety and security measures in place. These may include features such as security screens, alarms, additional locks and lockable bolts on windows.
What Crimsafe products are available?
Crimsafe screens are custom-built and can be made to fit doors, windows or outdoor areas such as patio enclosures and pool fencing. Crimsafe says its security screen doors can be built for:
- Hinged doors
- Sliding doors
- French doors
- Bi-fold doors
- Stacking doors
Check out this NSSA Award Winning install by Guardian Screens & Shutters, for Best Use of Screens in a Residential property. Amazing result – well done to Rod and the rest of the team!
Posted by Crimsafe on Wednesday, 17 October 2018
For windows, Crimsafe’s security screens can be made for:
- Fixed windows
- Hinged windows
- Single, double and triple sliding windows
- Safe-S-Cape (keyless window exits)
How much does it cost to install Crimsafe?
Crimsafe screens are tailor-made, so the exact cost of installing them will vary. To give you a rough guide, Crimsafe installation specialist Davcon Security Screens estimates that Crimsafe windows may set you back upwards of $450, Crimsafe doors may cost from $1,000, and Crimsafe patio enclosures may come with a price tag upwards of $7,000 (but this will depend on your patio’s size and shape).
Davcon Security Screens says the price of installing Crimsafe may vary depending on:
- The dimensions of the door, window or outside area
- Whether you need new door tracks
- Whether a a new frame is needed for old or rotting doors or windows
- Whether scaffolding is needed for high windows
- Whether you want your screen in a particular colour
Costs may also vary depending on the supplier and installer you choose to use. Therefore, it can be a good idea to get a couple of quotes. According to Crimsafe, arranging a measure and quote is free to do. Here is a full list of Crimsafe suppliers.
Posted by Crimsafe on Tuesday, 23 April 2019
What are the options to finance the purchase and installation of Crimsafe?
How the job is financed may depend on how much it costs. There are several options available for the home renovator to consider, including:
Personal loan: Depending on your personal circumstances and the cost of the job, you may be able to consider using a personal loan to fund the work. This could be a secured loan, or an unsecured loan. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that interest rates are generally higher for personal loans than for home loans, and it’s a good idea to read the lender’s terms and conditions first. Compare personal loans with Canstar.
Credit card: It may also be possible, depending on the cost and your ability to repay the debt quickly, to pay for the job on a credit card. There could be some fringe benefits for doing so, such as extra insurance cover in some cases (read the card’s Product Disclosure Statement to find out the conditions of the cover). Keep in mind that credit card interest rates are typically much higher than home or personal loans, and interest can quickly accumulate on large balances, so it is a good idea to weigh up your options and consider them carefully. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the card’s balance in full each month, it may be worth re-considering whether a credit card is the right option for you. Compare credit cards with Canstar.
→ Renovating a home could change what insurance cover you may need. Compare home and contents insurance providers.
What are some alternative security screen options?
There are a range of security screen options that may work out cheaper than Crimsafe. For example, according to hipages, installing a security window can cost around $300 plus GST, and stainless steel security doors may be $795. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may not necessarily have the same features as Crimsafe. For example, they may be made using different grades of stainless steel mesh or they may not be able to withstand the same amount of force.
Before committing to a particular security screen company, it could therefore be worth weighing up your options based on how they compare in terms of protection as well as cost. Additionally, make sure it passes Australian Standards relating to security screens.
Some alternative security screen manufacturers in Australia include:
- Amplimesh
- ClearShield
- ForceField
- Invisi-guard
- Protec
- ScreenGuard
- SecureView
Be careful to read up on each product’s features to ensure it meets your needs.
Want more reno content? From bathrooms to butler’s pantries, follow Canstar on Facebook for our latest articles.
Main image source: ronstik (Shutterstock)
Thanks for visiting Canstar, Australia’s biggest financial comparison site*
If you’re comparing home and contents insurance policies, the comparison table below displays some of the policies currently available on Canstar’s database for an Australian aged under 50, seeking cover in NSW or ACT for a cost to replace building and contents of below $550,000. Please note the table is sorted by Star Rating (highest to lowest), followed by provider name (alphabetical) and features links direct to the providers’ websites. Use Canstar’s home insurance comparison selector to view a wider range of policies.
Share this article