How to Prevent Garage Door Break-Ins
Garage doors are often overlooked when it comes to home security, but they can be a vulnerable point of entry for burglars.
A garage door break-in can not only result in the loss of valuable items stored in the garage, but also provide access to the rest of the house. Therefore, it is important to take some preventive measures to protect your garage door from intruders. Here are some tips to help you do that:
1. Frost or Tint the Windows
If your garage door has windows, they can offer a clear view of what’s inside your garage, and tempt thieves to break in. To prevent this, you can apply a frosted or tinted film to the inside of the windows, which will obscure the visibility while still allowing natural light to enter. You can find various options for window films online or at your local hardware store. They are easy to install and remove, and can also add some style to your garage door.
2. Install a Smart Garage Door Opener
A smart garage door opener is a device that connects your garage door to your smartphone or other smart devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It allows you to control and monitor your garage door remotely, and receive alerts if it is opened or closed without your authorization. Some smart garage door openers also have features like voice control, geofencing, and auto-close, which can enhance the convenience and security of your garage door.
3. Handle Your Remote Controller Carefully
Many people leave their garage door remote controller in their car, either on the visor, in the glove box, or under the seat. This can be a risky habit, as a thief can easily break into your car and use the remote to open your garage door. To avoid this, you should always take your remote with you when you leave your car, or use a keychain remote that you can attach to your keys. You should also avoid leaving your car keys near the front door of your house, as a burglar can use them to access your car and your garage.
4. Protect Your Emergency Release Cord
Most garage door openers have an emergency release cord that hangs from the ceiling, which allows you to manually open the door in case of a power outage or a malfunction. However, this cord can also be exploited by burglars, who can use a coat hanger or a similar tool to reach it through the gap between the door and the frame, and pull it to disengage the door from the opener. To prevent this, you can either cut the cord short, so that it is out of reach, or use a zip tie or a metal plate to secure it to the opener, as shown in this video.
5. Protect Your Service Door
The service door is the door that connects your garage to your house, and it is often the weakest link in your garage security. Many people neglect to lock this door, or use a flimsy lock that can be easily picked or kicked in. To protect this door, you should treat it as your main entrance, and use a sturdy deadbolt lock, a reinforced strike plate, and a door jamb armor. You should also install a peephole, a doorbell camera, or a motion sensor light, to deter any unwanted visitors.
6. Invest in an Alarm System and Security Cameras
Another way to prevent garage door break-ins is to install an alarm system and security cameras in your garage. An alarm system can alert you and the authorities if someone tries to force or tamper with your garage door, and scare away the intruder with a loud siren. Security cameras can record and stream the footage of your garage, and help you identify and catch the culprit. You can find various options for alarm systems and security cameras online or at your local security store. Some of them can also integrate with your smart garage door opener, and provide you with more features and control.
7. Don’t Neglect Maintenance
Finally, one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent garage door break-ins is to keep your garage door in good shape. A garage door that is worn out, damaged, or malfunctioning can be easier to break into, and also pose a safety hazard for you and your family. Therefore, you should regularly inspect and maintain your garage door, and fix any issues as soon as possible. You should also lubricate the moving parts, tighten the screws and bolts, and balance the springs and cables, to ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and securely.
8. Keep Your Garage Door Closed and Locked
This may seem obvious, but many people leave their garage door open or unlocked when they are at home, or when they go out for a short time. This can invite opportunistic thieves who can quickly sneak in and grab whatever they can. To prevent this, you should always keep your garage door closed and locked, even if you are just in the backyard or running a quick errand. You can also use a padlock or a slide lock on the inside of your garage door, as an extra layer of security. If you have a habit of forgetting to close or lock your garage door, you can install a timer or a sensor that will automatically do it for you after a certain period of time, or when no motion is detected.
Garage door break-ins are a serious threat that can compromise your home security and your peace of mind. However, by following these tips, you can prevent garage door break-ins and protect your garage and your house from burglars.
If you need any help with installing, repairing, or maintaining your garage door, you can contact Dave Moseley The Door Guy, the best garage door service provider in Berlin, NJ. Dave Moseley The Door Guy offers fast, reliable, and affordable garage door solutions, and has over 30 years of experience in the industry.
Whether you need a new garage door, a spring repair, a roller replacement, or any other garage door service, Dave Moseley The Door Guy can handle it with professionalism and expertise.
Call or text us today at 856-275-7766, and get a free estimate for your garage door needs. You won’t regret it!
