If you’re looking for some top tips on how to improve the security of your garage door, then Garage Door Repair Man has everything you need to make a start. Ensuring your garage door is secure is an essential part of your overall home security.
According to the Metropolitan Police, many burglars will try to break into a garage or shed first because it will likely lead them to tools that will assist them in breaking into the main house. So, making sure your garage door is secure is an essential first step to prevent this.
So, read on to find out some of the best security tips we can offer to help make your garage door burglar-proof and as safe as houses.
Common Garage Door Security Concerns
Before we break down some of the top tips to improve your garage door security, it’s important to identify the most common security concerns you might face from a vulnerable garage door.
Garage Door Age & Structural Issues
A garage door that’s past its prime is going to be less secure than a newer model. Worn or damaged components from age and weather can prevent your garage door from running smoothly, or lead to structural issues such as misaligned tracks, gaps, and difficulty locking.
Weak Locking Mechanisms
Your typical garage door will likely come with a standard latch lock. While this provides some security, with the right equipment, like a crowbar or hammer, an intruder could easily pry or break the lock off.
Vulnerable Door Materials & Construction
The material your garage door is made of is also a factor. Fibreglass, aluminium, or wooden doors can be broken and kicked in. Equally, hinges that attach the garage door can be exploited by intruders looking for an easy opening, so it is important to ensure these are made of robust materials also.
Automated Opening Weaknesses
While automated garage doors are generally more secure, they also have certain vulnerabilities. For example, if your emergency release cord is visible, it could easily be fished through to allow manual opening. Older keypads can also be susceptible to hacking or having their codes guessed.
Human Error And Poor Practices
We’re only human after all, and it’s easy to forget or get distracted from something that might seem simple at first glance as locking the garage door. If the contents of your garage door are visible through windows or an open door, that also increases the risk of theft.
Top Garage Door Security Tips
So now that you’ve got an idea of what to look out for, it’s time for some of the tips you can use to counteract these and improve your overall garage door security.
Regular Repairs & Maintenance
Especially for older models, it’s important to routinely check your garage doors for faults that could crop up, especially in more extreme weather conditions, which can cause significant damage. There are plenty of routine checks you can do yourself to keep things ticking over, but if you notice some significant wear, it might be time to call in the professionals.
Physical Security Additions
While your standard latch lock may not do the trick, installing a deadbolt in a similar way to your would your front door would immediately maximise security. Additionally, if your garage door has windows, applying a security film over the glass can improve its shatter resistance.
Visible Deterrents
As well as maintaining the garage door itself, some external deterrents are a fantastic way of making it more burglar-proof. For example, visible security cameras can collect valuable evidence should a break-in occur. A motion sensor light nearby would also make potential intruders more visible. As we move toward smarter solutions, many of these new visible deterrents can link to your phone, meaning you can keep your garage door regularly monitored.
Secure Your Release Cord
While a loose emergency release cord can be easily fished through a vulnerable gap or entry point in your garage door, there are ways to keep it secure. You could first shorten the cord to make it harder to fish, cover it with a commercial shield, or even secure it with a zip tie or padlock that only you can access.
Improving Security Habits
Perhaps the most important part of garage door security is getting into the habit of remembering to check it to make sure it is closed and locked. If you’re using an opener, make sure the remote is in the house with you, and ensure you’re mindful of who in or out of your household will have regular access to your garage door. If someone loses a key or a code, it’s time to replace and reset.
And that’s it! We have listed some of the most common garage door security issues you might face, along with some of the best tips we can offer to help make your garage door more secure. If you need a garage door repair or replacement, get in touch with Garage Door Repair Man so we can help keep your garage safe and secure.
