Having a high-quality garage door is great, but it’s not much use if it can’t keep your garage (and everything inside it) safe. This is why we get so many questions about garage door security and the best ways to make garages more secure from a variety of external threats. From strong storms to burglars, many things could potentially break through your garage door — so you’ll want to make sure that yours can keep you, your family, and your possessions safe!
In today’s guide, we’ll cover 5 of our top tips for adding extra security to your garage door. And remember, if you live in the greater Kansas City area and want to enhance your garage door security, the team at Garage Pros is here to help!
How to Add Extra Security to a Garage Door: 5 Tips From Garage Pros
1. Install a High-Quality Garage Door Opener
A strong, secure garage door opener is your first line of defense. Older models can be vulnerable to hacking, as they often use outdated tech that can be easily manipulated. Upgrading to a newer, more secure model is a simple yet effective way to protect your garage. Look for openers that use rolling code technology, which changes the access code each time the remote is used, making it nearly impossible for potential intruders to gain access. Additionally, consider a smart garage door opener that allows you to monitor and control your garage door in real-time from your smartphone.
2. Reinforce the Garage Door Itself
The physical strength of your garage door plays a major role in your overall home security. Standard doors made of thin aluminum or wood are relatively easy to break. Reinforcing your door with steel or solid-core wood can significantly improve its resistance against wind or forced entry. However, you’ll want to enlist the help of a professional to make this upgrade, as it can add weight to your garage door, causing possible strain on the opener system.
3. Secure the Garage Door Emergency Release
The emergency release mechanism is a necessary safety feature, but it can also sometimes be exploited to force the garage door open from the outside. In many cases, burglars use a simple tool like a coat hanger to reach and disengage the emergency release cord from outside, allowing them to manually open the garage door. To prevent this, consider installing a garage shield — a device that covers the release cord and makes it difficult to access from the outside. Just make sure that you have a process to access the release in the event of an emergency.
4. Improve Lighting and Visibility
Dark areas around your garage door can provide cover for potential intruders. Improving lighting and visibility is a very easy way to deter break-ins. Consider installing motion-activated floodlights around the exterior of your garage. These lights will automatically turn on when someone approaches, drawing attention to any suspicious activity.
5. Remember Garage Door Security When You’re Away
Finally, if you’re going on vacation or leaving your home for an extended period, take extra precautions to secure your garage before you leave. One of the simplest ways to do this is by turning off your automatic garage door opener. This prevents anyone from opening the door remotely. For even greater security, use a strong, manual lock on your garage door.
If you’re in the greater Kansas City area, including Lenexa, Overland Park, Shawnee, and more the experts at Garage Pros can help with all of your garage door security needs. Reach out to us for a quote or to learn more about our services!
