7 min read Mike Johnson
Your garage door may be the most vulnerable entry point to your home. Many homeowners focus on securing their front and back doors while overlooking the garage, a mistake that burglars are happy to exploit. In fact, the FBI reports that 9% of home break-ins occur through the garage. Here are ten ways to improve your garage door security and protect your home.
Older garage door openers use fixed codes that thieves can intercept and duplicate using readily available devices. Modern openers use rolling code technology, the code changes every time you use the remote, making it virtually impossible to hack.
If your opener is more than 20 years old, it likely uses fixed codes. Upgrading to a new opener is one of the best security investments you can make.
A remote left in your car is an invitation to break-ins. If a thief breaks into your car and finds your garage remote, they have easy access to your home, and they know you're not there.
Better alternatives: - Use a keychain remote that stays with you, Use your smartphone as your opener, Install a keypad outside for code-based entry
Garage door windows let in natural light but also let people see inside. If you have valuable items in your garage, or if the garage connects to your home, consider:
- Frosted or tinted window films, Decorative but opaque window coverings, Removing windows entirely and replacing with solid panels
The emergency release cord that allows you to manually open the door can be a security weakness. Burglars can use a coat hanger or similar tool, pushed through the top of the door, to pull the release and enter.
Solutions: - Install an emergency release lock, Zip-tie the release mechanism (but remember you'll need to cut it in an emergency) - Install a shield over the top of the door to prevent access
Many people lock their front door religiously but leave the door from their garage to their house unlocked. This door should be treated as an exterior door:
- Install a solid-core door, Use a deadbolt lock, Consider a smart lock for monitoring, Add a door reinforcement kit
Well-lit areas deter burglars. Install motion-activated lights both inside and outside your garage. Modern LED fixtures are energy-efficient and can include smart features like smartphone alerts.
Did you close the garage door? With a timer or smart controller, you don't have to wonder. These devices can:
- Automatically close the door after a set time, Send alerts if the door has been open too long, Allow you to check door status and close it remotely
When you're away on vacation:
- Don't announce it on social media, Have a neighbor occasionally park in your driveway, Use smart plugs to turn lights on and off, Consider locking your garage door from the inside with a padlock through the track
A well-maintained door is a secure door. Regular maintenance should include:
- Ensuring the door closes completely without gaps, Checking weatherstripping for gaps, Testing safety sensors, Inspecting locks and latches, Verifying the door reverses when obstructed
Several products can enhance your garage security:
Horizontal Locks: Side-mounted locks that prevent the door from being forced up
Deadbolts for Garage Doors: Heavy-duty locks for added security when away for extended periods
Security Cameras: Monitor your garage entrance and receive alerts on activity
Glass Break Sensors: Alert you if garage windows are broken
Door Position Sensors: Part of your home security system, these sensors alert you when the garage door opens
Technology helps, but don't forget basic security practices:
- Know your neighbors and watch out for each other, Report suspicious activity, Don't open the door for strangers, Keep your garage organized so you can notice if something is missing
If you're concerned about your garage security, consider a professional assessment. At Garage Door Orange, we can evaluate your current setup and recommend improvements. We install modern openers with rolling code technology, smart controllers, and other security enhancements.
Your garage door doesn't have to be a weak link in your home's security. Contact us at (714) 364-9424 to discuss how we can help protect your home.