When it comes to home security, many people focus on front doors, windows, and alarm systems, often overlooking one crucial element: the garage door. Whether your garage is attached to your home or separate, it’s likely that it contains valuable items such as your car, tools, and other personal belongings. Even more concerning, if your garage is connected to your home, a poorly secured garage door could provide intruders with easy access to the rest of your property.
In this blog, we will explore how safe your garage door really is and provide locksmith advice on improving your garage security to keep your home and belongings protected.
Why Garage Security Is Important
The garage is often one of the largest entry points into a home, yet it’s also one of the most vulnerable. Statistics show that garages are a common target for burglars due to weak security measures. Many garage doors are left unsecured, use outdated locking mechanisms, or are easily manipulated by criminals. In some cases, thieves don’t even need to break into your garage—they simply find the remote left in an unlocked car or guess your garage door’s code.
Improving the security of your garage can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins and help ensure your home remains safe. Here’s what you need to know about making your garage more secure.
Common Garage Security Weaknesses
Garage doors, particularly older ones, can be surprisingly easy to breach. Here are some common weaknesses in garage security:
1. Weak Locks
Many garage doors are fitted with outdated or flimsy locks that can be easily picked, broken, or manipulated by burglars. Garage doors often use basic locks that offer minimal security, especially when compared to the reinforced locks typically found on front doors. Additionally, internal locks on side doors are often neglected, providing easy access for intruders.
2. Poor Keypad Security
Garage doors with keypad entry systems offer convenience, but they can also be a security risk if not properly managed. Older keypad models are vulnerable to code guessing, and some models transmit signals that can be intercepted by tech-savvy burglars.
3. Automatic Door Openers
While automatic garage door openers are common, they aren’t always as secure as people assume. Some models can be easily hacked or tampered with using devices that intercept the signal from your remote control.
4. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Without proper maintenance, garage doors can become an easy target. Rust, wear and tear, or broken components can weaken the door’s structure, making it easier for criminals to force their way in.
5. Windows
Garages with windows provide an easy opportunity for burglars to see inside and assess whether it’s worth breaking in. Windows also offer an access point for criminals to tamper with your garage door’s locking mechanisms.
Locksmith Tips for Improving Garage Security
To ensure your garage door is as secure as possible, it’s essential to take the right precautions. At RJ Parker Locksmiths, we recommend the following locksmith-approved tips to upgrade your garage security:
1. Upgrade Your Locks
The first step to improving your garage security is to invest in high-quality locks. Replace flimsy or outdated locks with robust models designed to withstand picking and forced entry. For side doors or internal access doors, we recommend installing a deadbolt or a mortice lock that meets British Standards (BS3621). This level of security is often required by insurance companies and significantly improves protection.
You can also add a manual lock to your automatic garage door as an extra layer of security. This way, even if someone compromises the electronic system, they will still face a physical barrier to entry.
2. Secure the Garage Door Opener
If your garage uses an automatic opener, ensure that you secure it properly. Modern garage door openers come with rolling-code technology, which changes the code each time the remote is used. This prevents criminals from intercepting the signal and gaining access. If your garage door opener doesn’t have this feature, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model.
Additionally, always keep the remote control in a secure location. Don’t leave it in your car where it could be easily stolen, and consider using a keychain remote that stays with you rather than a larger remote that could be misplaced.
3. Change Keypad Codes Regularly
If your garage door uses a keypad for access, make sure to change the entry code regularly. Use a unique, hard-to-guess code that isn’t easy for intruders to crack. Avoid using obvious combinations like your birthday or the last digits of your phone number. It’s also a good idea to avoid sharing the code with too many people to reduce the risk of it being passed along to potential thieves.
4. Install Motion Sensor Lights
Outdoor lighting is one of the best deterrents for burglars. Install motion sensor lights around your garage to ensure that anyone approaching the door is illuminated. This not only deters intruders but also provides you with better visibility when arriving home at night. Motion sensors are energy-efficient and provide a significant boost to your overall home security.
5. Cover or Frost Garage Windows
If your garage has windows, you may want to consider covering or frosting them to prevent burglars from seeing inside. This will make it harder for thieves to assess what’s inside and whether it’s worth breaking in. Frosted film or blinds are a simple and affordable way to improve privacy without losing natural light.
6. Use a Garage Door Shield
A garage door shield, also known as a garage door defender, can be installed to prevent burglars from tampering with the release cord of your garage door. This is a common method used by criminals to disengage automatic garage doors and gain entry. A garage door shield blocks access to the release cord and makes it significantly harder for anyone to manually open the door from the outside.
7. Invest in a Security System
For maximum protection, consider installing a full security system in your garage. This could include CCTV cameras, motion detectors, and an alarm system that triggers if someone tries to break in. Smart home security systems allow you to monitor your garage remotely, so you can receive notifications if suspicious activity is detected.
Why Professional Locksmith Services Are Essential
When it comes to garage security, it’s always best to seek professional help. Locksmiths have the expertise to assess your garage’s vulnerabilities and recommend the most effective security solutions. At RJ Parker Locksmiths, we offer comprehensive security assessments to help identify weak points in your garage and provide tailored solutions. By working with a professional locksmith, you can ensure that your garage is as secure as possible.
Conclusion
Garage doors are often overlooked when it comes to home security, but they play a crucial role in keeping your home and belongings safe. By addressing common weaknesses and following the tips outlined above, you can significantly improve the security of your garage.
Don’t leave your garage vulnerable—contact RJ Parker Locksmiths today to schedule a security assessment and take the first step toward a safer, more secure home.