6 Multi-Point Garage and Home Security Tips

Jun 12, 2017 | Security

You’re not the only one benefitting from the information available online. Thieves and burglars are tapping into instructional information and videos that demonstrate just how easy it is to break into your home. But you can outsmart them with a multi-point security approach, the most effective way to protect your home today. It starts with the garage, the easiest–and largest–entry point.

Why is the garage so vulnerable? It’s easy to forget to close the door, the door may malfunction and rise when sensing an obstacle, and physical for reasons, the door itself can have weak points or be made with inferior material. We’ve outlined key things you can do to reinforce entry points, deter break-ins and secure your space.

  • Hold your door to a standard. Is your garage door built to be secure? Make sure you have a solid wall of protection. Glass and steel are strong materials, whereas aluminum can be dented and otherwise compromised, and wood can splinter and weaken without regular sealing and maintenance. Your garage door should be held to a security standard, like LPS 1175 Issue 516 or Warrington’s STS 202 (BRI).
  • Create a block. Some garage door experts recommend using zip ties to prevent burglars from breaking in with a coat hanger. Zip ties will work, but you may compromise your safety and ability to get insurance claim coverage by disabling the security release.
    A security shield is a better way to block access–it doesn’t let the intruder break through the weather seal, to begin with. The shield creates a block from outside the door, preventing contact with the emergency release. It works with modern overhead doors, so styles like the roller, canopy and side hinge will need an alternative option. A garage door specialist can likely make a recommendation.
  • Surprise the intruder. It’s less likely that a thief can break in when they are caught in the act: light and sound are good deterrents that surprise and buy time. Alone, a garage door sensor might not discourage a persistent intruder. When combined with a home alarm, it creates urgency: the intruder might be startled and pressured, giving police, who could be called by neighbors or home security dispatch, time to respond.
    Make sure to install garage door sensors in positions that spotlight the front door and any side or back entrance. Consider, too, a smart garage security system or adding garage coverage onto your home security plan.
  • Reinforce (indoor) doors. The lock may be strong but the surrounding area is typically weak, especially on interior doors. The solution? Use a lock reinforcer, a metal plate that supports the doorknob diffuses the force of impact and makes the door nearly impenetrable around the lock area. Look for reinforcement also for door jambs and hinges, other weak spots.
    Finally, make sure to use a strong lock for the door leading into the house (and to the yard if you have one): deadbolt with an ANSI Grade 1 or 2 rating.
  • Don’t give them access. This suggestion may seem simplistic, but most people attach the garage door opener to their car’s visor. Thieves are aware of this, so don’t give them the opportunity. Carry the garage door opener with you, either in your purse or a mini version on a keychain, and when you’ll be away for a stretch of time, disarm the remote and padlock the door.
    You might also want to consider window bars on larger openings since this is typically another access point burglars try.
  • Keep desirables out of sight. Windows are great design elements, but they also can invite theft just by making your garage interior visible. It is possible to maintain a certain aesthetic while hiding possessions. Consider installing frosted glass or translucent film: both let in light but obscure the view.
    These tips will get you started, but your best resource for garage door security is a specialist. We’d be happy to talk through various options to find the right fit for you. Contact us today!

Related Posts

What Makes the Best Garage Door Brands Stand Out

When your garage door starts sticking, squeaking, or slowing down, it’s not just annoying; it’s a sign that one of the hardest-working systems in your house is starting to wear out. Maybe it’s been repaired once already. Maybe the motor is struggling to keep up with...

The Importance of Garage Door Insulation

It should come as no surprise that for many households, the garage is often little more than a space for stashing forgotten belongings or housing the family car. In reality, though, it stands as a silent hero of homes everywhere. With the right care and attention, the...

COVID-19 VIRUS NOTICE

Garage Doors of Indianapolis Inc. Values its customers and employees. In light of this we have taken the following steps. Our Showroom will be closed until May 1st, we have asked all our technicians and installers to take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus....

Repairing or replacing broken garage door sections

Maybe you’ve been playing with your family and a stray baseball or hockey puck causes damage to a section of your garage door. Maybe a tree limb falls against the door in a storm. Maybe you’re parked in your driveway and accidentally put your car into drive instead of...

How to Reattach a Garage Door After Using the Emergency Pull

REATTACHING A GARAGE DOOR AFTER USING THE EMERGENCY PULL Homeowners pull emergency release cords for a number of reasons. Maybe your opener malfunctioned in the middle of opening the garage door. Maybe the sensors on your garage door are sensing an obstruction when...

Top 10 Preventive Maintenance Tips for Garage Door Owners

Best Ways to Do Maintenance on Your Garage Doors Your garage door is an important part of your home and your commute, and it’s easy to take it for granted. Every homeowner is used to simply pressing a button and having this large piece of equipment do its job with no...

Is It Safe for Me to Repair My Own Garage Door Spring?

DIY GARAGE DOOR SPRING REPLACEMENT It’s an unmistakable sound – the snap of a spring or the crash of a door. It’s the sound you least want to hear as you get ready to leave the house. If you haven’t heard it, consider yourself lucky. No, it’s not a cheap horror movie...

How Regular Garage Door Servicing Saves You Hassle in the Future

Which door is used most in your home—the garage door or your front door? Day in and day out, your garage door works quietly behind the scenes: securing your home, allowing family to come and go, protecting your belongings, and occasionally even receiving a package or...

Ways To Winterize Your Garage Door

Winter is coming! The days of pulling out the pool floaties and grabbing a cold drink from the cooler on a hot day have passed. As temperatures start dropping, it’s time to make sure your garage doors are ready for frigid weather. Your garage is a vital part of your...

How to Choose the Right Insulated Garage Door for Your Business

If you manage a commercial space, you’ve got a lot on your plate—keeping tenants comfortable, energy costs in check, and operations running smoothly. One upgrade that’s often overlooked (but pays off fast)? Installing insulated garage doors. Whether you're overseeing...