Why Your Garage Is the Weakest Link in Home Security
Doors, windows and alarm systems are what homeowners typically think of when considering safety — but the garage is a space that’s often forgotten. You can’t help it, as that makes it the easiest way for thieves to gain entrance. Your garage is more than a playground for your car—it’s often the gateway to your home and houses valuable tools, bikes, and other gear. Let Value Garage Doors show you what dangers are lurking in your garage.
1. Easy Access Through Weak Garage Doors
One reason garages are vulnerable to theft is that many garage doors aren’t as secure as your front or back entry doors. Not all garages have new locks, and weak panels can be easily broken into. And even relatively new doors can be vulnerable if they are not well-maintained or have sophisticated security features.
Tip: A reinforced steel or insulated door with a solid lock will be much harder to kick your way through.
2. The Emergency Release Cord Loophole
Every automatic door also has a means of releasing it so it can be lifted by hand if the power goes out. But, burglars have found a way around this safeguard by inserting an easily-made wire hook from over the door and pulling the release cord. The door is then lifted out with the latch disengaged.
Tip: Install a garage shield or release cord protector that prevents outside access while still providing emergency operation if necessary.
3. Windows That Compromise Privacy
You’ll often find decorative or functional windows inside today’s garages that bring a little bit of natural light. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they make valuables inside the home visible from the exterior. A casual look could disclose power tools, bicycles or perhaps entry into your home’s interior.
Pro tip: Install frosted or tinted window films to obstruct the view, or go the extra mile with shatter-resistant glass.
4. Remote Control Theft and Hacking
Garage door openers are handy, but they can be a security vulnerability if not appropriately handled. In addition, criminals with a good knowledge of the technology can also copy old transmitter signals or simply steal remote controls from unlocked vehicles.
Tip: Store your remote with your house keys, instead of in the car. If your opener relies on a fixed code system, consider upgrading to a rolling code opener, which resets the code every time it is used and is nearly impossible to hack.
5. Lack of Security Integration
Smart locks and surveillance keeping your main doors secure? Don’t forget about the garage. Cameras, alarms, and sensors aren’t present to protect the garage, making it a prime target for break-ins by unknown individuals.
Tip: Make your garage an extension of your home security system with motion sensors, smart cameras and real-time alerts. This way, you can immediately spot any suspicious activity.
6. Weak Entry Door Between Garage and Home
If your garage opens directly into your house, that interior door is a crucial line of defence. Too bad that a significant number of homeowners will get an interior-grade door from HD installed, which can be booted open.
Tip: Swap it out for a solid-core or steel security door with a deadbolt and strike plate reinforcement. Think of it as your front door when it comes to security.
7. Poor Lighting Around the Garage
A dim, unlit area by the garage is a convenient place for prowlers to strike unnoticed. Without proper external lighting, your garage is an easy target at night.
Tip: Deter intruders by installing floodlights that are motion-activated or smart lighting systems. Visibility is a basic but effective deterrent.
8. Neglected Maintenance and Inspections
High-quality garage doors weaken by the minute. Rusty hinges, tracks out of alignment, and worn-down locks can all contribute to a lack of security.
Tip: Arrange for regular maintenance inspections with a qualified technician, such as Value Garage Doors. Regular checkups ensure that the mechanics, sensors, and security systems of your door are always performing at their best.
Final Thoughts
Your garage is more important to home security than you believe! From aging doors and frail locks to poor lighting and obsolete openers, your garage is a prime target for break-ins. By targeting these weaknesses and updating with modern safety features, you can transform your garage from the weakest point in your home to one of its most powerful lines of defence.
Here at Value Garage Doors, we pride ourselves on providing strong and secure garage doors that will keep what’s valuable to you safe.