When you are looking to protect your home, you need to make sure that you defend all the points of entry and exit. Not protecting your garage door can end up being as dangerous as leaving a window open and can lead burglars to target your property. If you have any garage storage, you want everything in there to remain as protected as possible.
So, the following blog post presents some of the main ways that you can increase your garage door security to its maximum level.
1. Use A Smart Garage Door Opener
An electric garage door opener is a good means of protection ahead of a traditional manual door. A smart opener adds an extra level of defense. This gives you the option of monitoring your garage door whenever you like and even receive alerts to your phone that tells you if anyone tries to get in.
2. Install A Garage Door Lock
Another possibility is a garage lock. Even if you only have a manual garage door opener, you can still put on a lock that requires a physical key to get in. Another option is to put a lock on the inside of the door, which attaches to the inside of the door and the frame.
3. Put Up Some Security Cameras
A security camera system works as a form of monitoring what is going on around your garage, as well as a deterrent. Burglars who spot the camera are less likely to want to break in as they can tell that they are being watched. Some cameras are motion-activated, giving you eyes on any pedestrian or car activity going on around your garage. You can even get night vision cameras that allow you to view what is happening during the darkness. If you can sync up the cameras to your smartphone, you can tell what is going on from wherever you are in the world.
4. Frost The Windows
While a garage heater can keep everything nice and toasty inside, there is no harm in frosting your windows to keep any prying eyes away from your valuable products. Thieves often have a look through the windows to see if there is anything worth stealing inside, but frosting the windows will prevent anyone from being able to see in. One of the main advantages of this approach is that it doesn’t have to be overly expensive, but it can still prove to be an effective deterrent. Alternatively, you could simply install some blinds or curtains that will do the job as well, albeit not as elegantly.
5. Be Careful With Your Garage Door Opener
Rather than just tossing the garage door anywhere, you need to keep it properly protected. If you leave it in your car, for example, it is all too easy for a burglar to spot it and want to break in. Instead, you should bring it into the house with you to reduce your appearing to be an easy target. Put it somewhere that is clearly out of sight. If you are worried about losing it, there are keychains that allow you to track your item to prevent it from ever disappearing again. A highly useful piece of equipment that you won’t want to do without!
6. Install Some Floodlights
Another invaluable piece of equipment that can also act as a deterrent is some floodlights. Thieves prefer to operate under the cover of darkness, so make sure that you shine as much light on them as possible! Motion sensor-operated lights are a good option as they only come on when there is movement. The only problem with this approach occurs when there are pets running around turning on the lights all the time!
7. Bolt The Door Between Your Garage And Your Home
If your garage and your home are closely connected, this can leave your house being more vulnerable to break-ins. By protecting the door between your garage and your home, you prevent burglars from accessing the rest of the property – even if they somehow do manage to get into the garage. Put in a strong lock on this door and this gives you added peace of mind that everything is properly protected.
Protecting your garage door is important not only in looking after your cars but also the rest of your home. By taking a few simple steps, you can give your house the extra layer of security that it requires. Some of the solutions on the list are straightforward and inexpensive, whereas others require some more investment. Ultimately, it all comes down to how much you are willing and able to spend to protect your garage. If you put the basic measures in place first, you always have the option of upgrading further down the line.
Sources:
- 26 Tips to Secure the Garage Door – WCMA NET
- Improving Garage Safety: A Guide for Homeowners – StaySafe.org