Can Security Screens Stop a Crowbar? Testing Myths vs. Reality

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You’ve probably seen the ads: security screens that supposedly stop break-ins cold, resist crowbars, and keep your home or cottage safe while still letting in the breeze.

But can they really stop a crowbar?

Let’s test that marketing claim and separate the facts from the fiction—Ontario-style.

What’s the Big Deal About Crowbars?

If you live in Barrie, Innisfil, or up north where cottages sit empty all winter, you know: crowbars are a burglar’s best friend. They’re quiet, fast, and work on most old windows and patio doors.

That’s why “resists crowbar attacks” is such a bold promise. It’s not just marketing—it’s a real-world metric.

So… Can Security Screens Actually Stop a Crowbar?

Yes. If you’re using the right kind.

We’re not talking about builder-grade bug mesh here. We’re talking about 316 marine-grade stainless steel woven mesh installed in reinforced aluminum framing with tamper-proof hardware.

These aren’t just screens. They’re barriers that:

  • Flex instead of snapping
  • Stay locked in the frame
  • Absorb impact without tearing
  • Prevent tools from reaching the window glass behind them

Independent testing (like the Australian Standard AS5039) includes knife shear resistance and impact testing with blunt force—and crowbars are part of the equation.

Real-World Test Scenarios

Here’s what we’ve personally seen—or tested ourselves—in Ontario homes and cottages:

  • Attempted break-in with a crowbar on a Muskoka patio door: Mesh dented. Frame held. No access.
  • Teen with a hammer during a failed prank: No breach, just one loud bounce and a dented ego.
  • Contractor tried to test it “for fun” with a screwdriver and pry bar: Zero movement.

The glass behind the screen stayed untouched in every case.

The Weakest Link: Installation

A screen is only as strong as its install.

  • Proper framing and secure mounting are non-negotiable.
  • Cheap knockoff screens may look similar but often skip reinforced frames and hardware.
  • DIY jobs with regular screws or weak spline will fail under pressure.

We use commercial-grade hardware, and every install is anchored with permanent tamper-proof fasteners—so it holds when it counts.

Where Crowbar-Resistant Screens Matter Most

  • Cottages closed for the winter
  • Ground-level windows and basement windows
  • Sliding doors with poor locks
  • Unattended properties or rentals

These screens buy you time—time that burglars don’t have. Most intruders give up in under 30 seconds when resistance is higher than expected.

So, Are They Worth It?

If you:

  • Want physical, visible security
  • Are worried about windows as entry points
  • Don’t want to install bars or shutters
  • Need peace of mind while away…

Then yes. A well-installed stainless security screen can stop tools, kicks, and even some power tools. It’s the strongest screen you’ll never notice—until you need it.

Upgrade your screens. Get security screens today

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