Garages are often the weakest point of security into a home. They tend to be large, tucked away from the street and linked by an internal door. Even if you have high-quality garage doors hurricane rated to protect against high winds, weak locks, old remote controls and bad habits will compromise them. The good news is most improvements are low cost and easy to do. See below to help you plug the gaps.
1. Upgrade Your Opener's Security Technology
Older keyless entry systems use remote controls that use fixed codes. This means that if someone has a code-grabbing device, they can easily steal the signal. Modern systems from the last few decades use rolling codes, where the code changes each time. This makes cloning very difficult. If your opener is older than 15-20 years then changing it is one of the best upgrades you can do to help improve security.
2. Never Leave Remotes in the Car
Leaving a remote in your visor or glovebox makes it easy for someone to break into your car. Car thefts are a common occurrence and if they steal your remote, they're likely to also have your registration or mail, which will show your address. Use a keychain remote, smartphone app or keypad and take your remote with you.
3. Protect the Emergency Release
Many garage doors have a red rope and handle for disengaging the opener. Some doors are vulnerable to thieves who can reach up between the door and the frame and pull the rope by using a hanger or piece of wire. To stop this happening:
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Ensure there are no gaps that could be reached through. Add weather stripping if required.
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Add a cover or shield to the release mechanism of the door (if possible).
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Use a zip tie or dedicated release lock. Ensure you can manually open the door in case of emergency.
4. Lock the Door When You're Away
Once the release has been operated, opener motors cannot prevent forced entry to your door. If you are going away, either use a manual slide lock, or use a vacation lock option on your opener. This will disable the remotes. Remember to unlock it before using your opener or you may damage your door.
5. Secure the Interior Door and Windows
Treating this door to the house in your garage the same as you would an outside door. Solid core or metal with a deadbolt, heavy duty hinges and a heavy duty strike plate. Windows are another vulnerable point. Cover the windows with frosted glass, a film or blinds so you can't be seen from the outside. This will hide any vehicles, tools or cycles you have.
6. Add Lighting and Cameras
Burglars will try not to be caught. Security light around your garage and driveway will help prevent break-ins during the night. Installing a camera or wide angle video doorbell will help prevent any problems whilst also recording what happens. Smart openers will let you know if the door opens or is left open for too long.
7. Keep the Door Closed
Whilst this may seem obvious, having your garage door open will tell people what you have and whether you are at home. Using smart controllers or automatic closing timers can help. Don’t ever leave it open whilst you’re out of the house.
8. Maintain the Door and Hardware
A door that has been damaged will be easier to break into. A dented door, rusty hinges and loose tracks can all cause damage to your door. Have a technician check your lock components, opener and structure once a year to ensure that there is nothing loose or worn.
9. Know Your Opener's Smart Features
Many smart openers will connect to an app that can be used to track activity and receive alerts. Ensure you have changed the default password to a strong password. Only give people access to your key pad code if necessary and ensure you change it if tenants/contractors/visitors no longer require access.
Conclusion
Modern garage door openers, good habits and quality locks will all help you keep your garage secure. However, if your garage door is damaged during an attempted break in or becomes stuck open then you should contact a reliable garage door emergency service. They can quickly put your garage door back into place and make sure your home is safe again.
FAQs
1. Can thieves really open a garage door with a coat hanger?
On some doors, yes, if there's a gap at the top that lets them reach the emergency release cord. Sealing that gap or shielding the release helps prevent it.
2. Are smart garage door openers safe?
Generally, yes, if you use strong passwords, keep the firmware current, and manage access codes. They also give you alerts a standard opener doesn't.
3. Should I lock my garage door when I'm on vacation?
Yes. Use a manual lock or your opener's vacation mode, and make sure you unlock it before operating the door.
4. How often should I change my keypad code?
At least once a year, and any time someone who knew it no longer needs access.
