How to Secure Your Garage Door
Keeping your home safe and secure is a primary concern for every homeowner. You want to be sure that you, your family and your belongings are kept away from prying eyes and prevent the chance of a break-in. It’s important to remember that most burglars are opportunists, so simply locking up your home and garage door and keeping valuables out of sight can be a great deterrent.
However, seasoned burglars will look for other ways to enter your house, like your garage, windows and other main entryways. In 2019, there were over 1.1 million burglaries with residential properties accounting for 62.8%. The best way to prevent a home burglary is to increase your home’s security.
How to Secure Your Garage Door
Many homeowners focus on securing their windows and doors, but it’s important not to overlook your garage. While many burglars enter through the doors and windows, 9% enter through your garage. Here are 10 tips to increase your garage door’s security.
1. Install a Garage Door Defender or Floor Lock
If your garage door opener has been in use for many years, it might be time to upgrade it. Modern garage door openers have smart systems that alert you if your door has been left open. Depending on the system, you can use an app or remote to close your door.
A garage door defender is a floor-mounted steel bar that prevents the door from being lifted from the outside even if someone bypasses the opener. It’s one of the most effective physical deterrents available. Install one at the base of your door and engage it whenever you’re home for extended periods. Look for models compatible with your door width — most are adjustable.
2. Pay Attention to Your Door’s Emergency Release Trigger
The vast majority of garage doors have a special emergency release trigger that allows you to get in or out of your garage when there is a power outage. Typically, the trigger is near the top of the door, allowing burglars to access the switch and enter your home through your garage door.
You can prevent this by installing a shield in front of the door release or disabling this feature. The method for disabling it differs model-to-model, but usually, it’s as simple as cutting the chord that’s attached to the emergency release. If you are unsure how to disable the security release, get in touch with our team at AAA Garage Door and let us help you out.
3. Add a Deadbolt or Keyed Side Lock
Most garage doors include only a standard latch, which can be defeated with a coat hanger through the top gap. A keyed deadbolt installed on the interior side adds a second layer of protection. If you’re in the Omaha or Fremont area and unsure which hardware is compatible with your door, our team can advise you during a service call.
4. Use a Garage Door Opener with Rolling-Code Technology
Older garage door openers used fixed codes that could be intercepted and replayed by a code-grabber device. Modern openers use rolling-code (also called “Hopping Code”) technology, which generates a new code every time you use the remote — making code theft essentially impossible. If your opener is more than 10 years old, an upgrade is worth considering for security alone.
5. Frost Your Windows
Thieves want to avoid getting caught, so they usually scope out a place before attempting a break-in. Your garage door windows are aesthetically pleasing and allow natural light into your garage. But they also provide burglars with a view into your garage. They can see the stuff in your garage and if there are any cars — in other words, if anyone is home. For extra garage security, frost your windows to increase privacy while still letting in natural light.
6. Don’t Leave Your Opener Remote in Your Car
Burglars know it’s convenient for you to store your remote in your car’s glove box, on the visor or somewhere else in your car. Some may break into your car with the intent to get your garage door opener, and then gain access to your home. It’s best to keep your opener on you at work, such as in your coat pocket or bag, and store it inside when you’re home.
7. Ensure Your Garage Doors Are in Good Condition
Older garage doors might have gaps or dents, making it easier for someone to break in. You can avoid this security risk by scheduling routine maintenance and replacing your garage door as needed. New garage doors provide greater protection for you and your family.
8. Secure Your Home’s Entry Door
Most garages have a door that connects to the home. Always lock this door to prevent thieves from gaining access to the rest of your house. You can reinforce this door by replacing it with a steel door and adding a deadbolt, smart lock or motion sensor.
9. Consider a Smart Garage Door Opener with Real-Time Alerts
Smart openers like the myQ system allow you to open, close, and monitor your garage door from your phone. You’ll receive notifications if the door is left open, can close it remotely, and can grant timed access to guests or delivery drivers. For families with multiple drivers, this visibility is valuable beyond just security.
10. Create Good Security Habits
Homeowners who become lax in their security habits put their homes at a higher risk for burglary. Locking your garage door sometimes, occasionally switching on your security lights and only closing your door most of the time will not keep your home secure. That’s why it’s crucial to develop good security habits.
You can establish security protocols for leaving your home. Communicate these protocols with your family members so everyone is on the same page. Ensure everyone sticks to these procedures to decrease your risk of a break-in.
Keep Your Garage Door Secure With AAA Garage Door
To keep your home, family and belongings protected, you must secure your garage door. As a major entry point to your home, it requires security measures to ensure there’s little to no chance for unauthorized access. Contact the garage door experts at AAA Garage Door to find out more about how you can bolster your garage’s security. With our help, you can rest easy knowing your home is safe and secure.
Other Garage Door Safety Resources
Keep Your Garage Door Secure And Your Family Protected
To keep your home secure and protected, you must take the time to secure your garage door. As a major entry point to your home, this vulnerable area requires necessary steps to ensure there is no unauthorized access. Get in touch with our garage repair experts at AAA Garage Doors to find out more about how you can bolster the security of your garage door. With our help, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe and secure.