For whatever reason, garage door safety tends to take a back seat when it comes to home security measures. Many people focus their security cameras, deadbolts and alarms on their main entry points like the front door, forgetting that thieves and intruders often take advantage of and target garages as well. If you have an overhead garage door and are looking for ideas to help amp up security, consider implementing one of these tips from the experts at Closing Time Garage Doors.
Install a Smart Door Opener
Take advantage of innovations in technology with a smart garage door opener. These openers can be controlled with a smartphone and come with several security features to help you find greater peace of mind. For example, the LiftMaster smart garage door openers allow users to control their garage door from anywhere with the use of an app. These apps can let you know whenever someone opens your garage door, so you can alert law enforcement when you’re not expecting visitors.
Use Motion-Activated Lights and Cameras
Motion-activated flood lights are great for deterring would-be thieves or intruders. These lights turn on when they detect motion, shining a light on any nefarious activity and giving you a heads up that something is going on outside. Install solar-powered lights and you won’t have to worry about hooking these up to anything! The same principle applies to security cameras as well. You can set up motion detection on cameras placed outside your garage to pick up on movement. Movement will trigger the camera to start recording, and many systems allow you to check in on the camera system with a smartphone so you can observe what’s happening in real time.
Install a Garage Shield
Openers in modern overhead garages are equipped with what is known as an emergency release cord. This device is helpful for true emergencies, but also gives intruders an easy way to enter your garage. Instead of cutting the cord and risking your own safety, you can install a garage shield that covers the cord so that a thief cannot use it to break in.
Use a Garage Door Lock
You don’t have to have an automated garage door opener in order to increase your security. In fact, there are many ways to make your garage door more secure without the use of technology at all. If you open your garage door manually with a handle, consider adding a locking handle that requires a key or combination to unlock. You can also get a lock that is installed on the inside of your garage door, like a slide lock. These locks can only be accessed from inside the garage, making your garage secure from intruders. If you want to install an automated garage door opener system, however, there are tons of options! At Closing Time Garage Doors, we can help you find the best garage door opener for your needs.
Keep the Door Between Your House and Garage Locked
As an extra security measure, don’t forget about any doors that may connect to your home from your garage. While these doors are convenient for accessing your car without having to battle inclement weather, they can also be a safety hazard. If intruders are able to enter your garage and any connecting doors are unlocked or poorly locked, thieves are given a straight shot into your home. Keep these doors locked, and look to install deadbolts or other security features as well.
Other Tips for Garage Security
This list could easily go on forever, as there are a myriad of ways you can help protect your home and garage from burglaries. Here are just a few more security suggestions that didn’t make our top five list.
- Keep shrubs and trees cleared away from your garage and other entryways
- Keep your garage door closed, even when you’re home
- Frost garage windows with film to obscure valuables
- Don’t’ keep your garage door opener in your car and in plain sight
- Invest in a security system that monitors your garage door
- These are just a few of the many ways you can keep your home and garage safe from burglaries. For more ideas, or to have one of our experts come and take a look at your property, contact us today!
Improve Your Garage Door Security
Looking for ways to improve your garage door security? At Closing Time Garage Doors, we offer a wide range of products and services designed to keep intruders out and give you peace of mind. Whether you need help installing a new garage door system or are interested in learning more about garage door locks and other security measures, we have the expertise and knowledge you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your home and garage from burglars.
Consult Your Garage Door Experts
Coming home to find your garage has been broken into is never a good feeling, especially when you know there are steps you could have taken to prevent intruders from gaining access. Consider implementing a few or all of these tips to keep your garage safe from burglary. If you need assistance locating any of these items or would like to talk to a garage door specialist about what you can do to ensure your garage door and garage door openers are working as they should, give us a call at Closing Time Garage Doors. We have years of experience working with garage doors of all kinds and can recommend garage door services in replacement, repairs or maintenance to help keep your garage in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garage Doors
Are garages easy to break into?
It’s often said that thieves can break into a garage in six seconds with the use of a wire hanger. This is because your garage door’s emergency release cord can be pulled from the outside, allowing the thief to roll the garage door up by hand. You can prevent this from happening by installing a shield that blocks thieves from accessing the cord.
How long do garage door openers last?
Typically, a garage door opener can last up to 15 years if it is taken care of. If you’ve had your opener for at least 10 years, it’s a good time to look into getting a new one. Advances in technology can now allow you to open your garage door with your smartphone from anywhere!
When should I replace my garage door?
There are many reasons to replace a garage door: if your door won’t open or close, has obvious physical damage, is creating a safety hazard, or is otherwise worn out, it’s time to replace it with something that will be functional and secure.
