Your garage door is an essential part of your home’s security system. A secure garage door protects your home and family from intruders and provides peace of mind. But even the smartest thieves have advanced ways of breaking in. Although your home and doors may be secured, thieves will do everything they can to force their way in, including entering your garage door.
Making the security of your garage door a top priority will help secure your entire house and livelihood. In this blog, we’ll explore 7 ways to improve your garage door security.
7 Ways to Improve Garage Door Security
Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener
One of the easiest ways to improve your garage door’s security is by upgrading your garage door opener. These days, keypads on garage doors are a very typical entry method. Your home, however, can be in danger if your access code is compromised. Make sure to treat this like any other password and keep it to yourself. It is also beneficial to change the garage code every 3 to 6 months, or whenever someone from outside the household has used the code.
Additionally, modern garage door openers come with rolling code technology, which generates a new code each time you use your opener, making it more challenging for thieves to gain access.
And always remember to lock your garage door! Many people get into the habit of leaving it open because it is convenient to go from outside to inside when it is unlocked, but this can be a prime opportunity for thieves to sneak in and wreck havoc.
Add Tinted/Frosted Windows
Windows add life to a garage door’s appearance and bring in natural light. Unfortunately, burglars frequently peep through windows to check for valuable goods and tools. This is also a way for burglars to see if all the cars are gone—a surefire sign that no one is home and thus a prime opportunity for a break-in.
Thieves won’t be able to see what’s inside if you cover the windows with a layer of frosted or tinted film. People will be prevented from seeing you while still being able to let light in thanks to tinted security film, an affordable and simple-to-install film made of laminated polyester that adheres to your garage door windows. Even adding a layer of frosted film is an easy fix to deter people from looking into your garage.
Upgrade Garage Door Lock & Shield
Many houses have an attached garage, which makes it convenient to enter and exit the house without having to walk through bad weather. However, if you forget to lock the door, it poses a serious security concern. A thief can enter your home directly after breaking into your garage. Keep the connecting door locked at all times, and for increased garage door security, replace it with a steel security door with a deadbolt.
Another effective way to improve your garage door’s security is by reinforcing it with a protective shield. A burglar can open a garage door with just a wire coat hanger. This garage shield security device prevents intruders from using this design flaw, giving them zero entry access.
Use Smart Technology
There are many smart garage door openers and monitors on the market that will greatly improve your garage’s security. Many security features, including a monitor, a self-closing and locking system, lighting controls, and smartphone connectivity, are included in a smart garage door opener. Even if someone manages to force your garage door open, you’ll receive a notification on your phone, enabling you to call the police right away.
Additionally, even without a garage door opener, you can still get alerts on your smartphone when the door is opened or closed with a Wi-Fi-connected monitor. The monitor fastens to the garage door frame and communicates with your smartphone through its own app to alert you as soon as the door is opened.
Install Motion Activated Lights
Although most burglaries happen during the day, burglars who operate at night might see your dark garage area as a prime spot if there are no lights to deter them. A light turning on unexpectedly while burglars are skulking around close to the side door of your garage is sure to startle them and possibly scare them away completely.
Solar-powered floodlights are the easiest type to install because no electrical wiring is necessary. The best motion sensor lights have a wide-ranging detection range, and some can detect movement up to 26 feet away. These lights might end up being more beneficial to you because you don’t have to worry about manually turning on and off your lights at night.
Conceal Personal Items & Garage Remote
Don’t provide thieves with any more motivation to enter your garage and steal your possessions. Even if you are at home, store your items while not in use, and avoid leaving your garage door open for extended periods of time. The same thing applies to your garage remote.
Since garage door remotes are frequently kept in cars, thieves are likely to investigate here first when hunting for a push-button entry technique. Instead of concealing the garage door remote in your car’s glove box or behind the seat, try to be creative with your hiding place. The best course of action is to never leave anything in your car, particularly while it is parked in your driveway. Instead, bring it inside with you.
Additionally, you can upgrade to a universal remote that you can keep on your keychain to avoid carrying a large device, or switch to a garage door opener that is equipped with smart technology. Many newer cars may also have a built-in garage door control, which would only be beneficial if you remember to lock your car.
Invest in Security Cameras
The best approach to preventing burglars from getting into your garage and the entire house is to install a home security system. In fact, 83% of burglars say that the presence of an alarm would make them rethink their plans. On the other hand, homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized than homes with alarms.
A motion-activated camera begins filming the moment a car comes into the driveway or a person approaches on foot, even at night. Most security systems are easily installed at your own convenience and can be synced with smartphones or home systems such as Alexa.
When to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door
Regular maintenance can also improve your garage door’s security. Keeping your garage door in good condition ensures that it operates correctly and minimizes the risk of malfunctioning or a break-in.
If you notice any signs of wear or damage to your garage door, such as sagging or difficulty opening and closing, it’s essential to address the issue promptly. In some cases, a repair may be sufficient to restore your garage door’s security. However, if your garage door is old or significantly damaged, it may be time to consider a replacement.
It may be best to seek professional help to determine whether a repair or replacement is necessary to ensure your garage door is as secure as possible. Here at Able-Luebke Overhead Doors, we believe in quality service that you can rely on. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete installation, our team of experienced technicians is here to help. Check out our services provided, or contact us today for further information!