When you think about it, your garage door is the largest entryway to your home. That makes it a huge security issue. Not only does your overhead door secure your garage and the thousands of dollars in cars, lawn and sports equipment, but it also protects your house. If a thief can access your garage, they can then more conveniently work at breaking into the door to your house, safe from prying eyes. Here are a few security tips to keep in mind when it comes to securing your garage door, your garage, and your home.
Never Leave Your Garage Door Open
An open garage door is an invitation to thieves. Never leave it open, even if you’re just in the backyard doing work. A passing thief can easily run off with a few expensive items just by wandering into your garage. If you happen to leave your garage door while you are away, you are providing neighborhood thieves the temptation to access not only the garage — but your whole house.
Cover Garage Door Windows
Garage door windows are great for natural light, but they also give a thief a menu when it comes to the contents of your garage. If you love the light, consider frosting or tinting the windows. A commercial glass replacement company will be able to quickly switch out your exiting windows for something more incognito. In addition to security, you have your privacy to protect.
Never Store Your Garage Door Opener in Your Car
Do you store your garage door opener in your car while it’s parked in the driveway? There’s nothing that stands between your thief and complete access to your garage but a good-sized rock. Always bring your garage door opener into the house. Scared of losing it? Attaching a smart tracking device to your overhead door opener’s remote will ensure you never lose track of it. Better yet, install it on your keychain or install a smart garage door opener that operates directly from your phone.
Install a Motion Sensor
Thieves are opportunists. They’re attracted to easy targets. If you install motion sensors on the light outside and inside your garage door, you may very well scare them away to easier pickens. Plus, it also makes getting out of the car much safer and convenient when the light automatically comes on when you’ve arrived. It’s a matter of security and convenience.
Leaving for Vacation? Lock Your Garage Door
If you are leaving for vacation, lock your garage door. This is usually a switch on the inside of the garage door — one you might not even know is there. Thieves are trained to look for people who are away for long periods of time. Locking your garage door provides an extra layer of protection not just to your garage but the home itself.
A Better Way to Keep Your Garage Secure
One of the best ways to keep your overhead door secure and home safe is to install a smart garage door opener. A smart door opener will allow you to access it remotely from anywhere in the world. If you’ve forgotten to lock your door, you can do so via your door opener’s app. If you want to keep your packages secure from porch pirates, let your delivery driver know they can safely stow it in your garage, which you can view and access from your smartphone or desktop. Coupled with sensors and cameras, a smart overhead door opener is the perfect addition to keeping your home safe and secure. You can either install a smart door opener or purchase a hub which makes your existing overhead opener technologically advanced.
A Worthwhile Last-Ditch Effort
While we recommend following all of these tips to keep your home, garage door, and garage safe, sometimes things just don’t go as planned and all preventive measures can turn moot. If your garage is broken into, you can turn the situation around by replacing the door that connects to your home and garage with a security door. Don’t be mistaken in assuming that security doors are only for commercial purposes and storefront doors.
Installing a security door is a great measure that prevents even the most experienced of thieves from accessing your home. Safety doors, as they’re commonly called, are made of thick, impenetrable materials. Coupled with advanced door locks, you’ll find yourself safe and secure in your own home. A security door will be able to buy some time as you notify authorities of the individuals in your apartment.
Installing a security door for your residential home is as simple as finding an installation company online.