7 min read Garage Door Marcola
For many homeowners, the garage serves as more than just a place to park cars. It houses valuable tools, sports equipment, and often provides direct access to the home's interior. Unfortunately, this makes it an attractive target for burglars. Studies show that garage break-ins are among the most common types of home invasions, yet many homeowners overlook garage security. Here's how to protect this vulnerable entry point.
If your garage door opener is more than 10-15 years old, it likely lacks modern security features. Older openers may use fixed codes that can be easily captured and replicated by tech-savvy thieves. Modern openers feature rolling code technology that changes the access code each time the remote is used, making code grabbing virtually impossible.
Additionally, newer openers often include smart features that allow you to monitor your garage door remotely. You can receive alerts when the door opens, check its status from anywhere, and ensure it's closed when you leave.
Every garage door has an emergency release mechanism.a cord that allows you to open the door manually during power outages. Unfortunately, burglars have discovered ways to exploit this feature, using a wire to trigger the release from outside.
To prevent this, consider installing an emergency release shield or zip-tying the release mechanism in a way that prevents external manipulation while still allowing interior access. Some newer garage doors include shields as standard features.
A garage door remote left in your car's visor is an invitation to break-in. If a thief breaks into your car, they now have access to your garage and potentially your home. Instead of leaving remotes in your vehicle, consider these alternatives:
- Use a keychain remote that stays with your keys, Install a smartphone-controlled opener, Use a keypad entry system
If you must leave a remote in your car, hide it well rather than keeping it in the obvious visor location.
Burglars prefer to work in darkness. Installing motion-activated lights around your garage can deter potential intruders by eliminating cover. Many garage door openers include built-in lighting, but adding exterior flood lights provides additional protection.
Consider smart lights that can be programmed to simulate occupancy when you're away, turning on and off at various times to make your home appear inhabited.
Many garages have a regular service door in addition to the main garage door. This entry point is often more vulnerable than the main door and may have weak locks or flimsy construction. Consider upgrading to a solid-core door with a high-quality deadbolt lock.
If your garage has windows, ensure they have secure locks or consider installing security film that makes the glass harder to break.
This seems obvious, but an open garage door is the easiest invitation for opportunistic thieves. Make it a habit to close your garage door whenever you're not actively using the garage. Many smart openers can be programmed to close automatically after a set period, ensuring you never accidentally leave the door open.
Consider installing a garage door timer that will automatically close the door if left open too long.a valuable feature if you're prone to forgetting.
If your garage door has windows, consider covering them to prevent would-be burglars from peering inside. This denies them the opportunity to assess the contents of your garage or confirm that no one is home.
Frosted or tinted glass allows natural light while blocking the view. Alternatively, curtains or blinds can be added to existing windows.
If your garage is attached to your home, the door leading inside should be as secure as any exterior door. Install a solid-core door with a quality deadbolt lock, and consider adding a door reinforcement kit that prevents kick-ins.
Never leave this door unlocked, even when you're home. A burglar who gains access to your garage could easily enter your home if this door is unsecured.
At Garage Door Marcola, we offer security assessments as part of our service. Our technicians can evaluate your current setup and recommend improvements specific to your situation. Contact us at 541-532-3666 to schedule an assessment or to learn more about upgrading your garage door security.