Garage door security is one of the most overlooked ways to protect your home from intruders and thieves. Not only is your garage targeted as a way in to your home, but your garage also itself may have many valuable possessions especially if you use it as a storage or living space.
Luckily for you, it is actually one of the easiest home security areas to set up, you’d be surprised how far a decent lock and light system works to deter criminals. In this article, I am going to give you advice as to how you can go about protecting your garage and home for a variety of different techniques.
Why is keeping your garage door secure so important?
I’m glad you asked. I took no pleasure whatsoever in doing my research for this, but it is important that I pass it onto you. As the saying goes, prepare for the worst, and the worst won’t happen. Here are some distressing facts:
• Burglars avoid homes with security systems
• Almost 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window
• The average property dollar loss per burglary is over $2,250
• Only 13.6% of home burglaries result in arrests.
• Garages are the most broken into areas in the house
So if you weren’t motivated to read on already, I’m sure that has helped you see the importance of keeping your garage door secure!
Ways to keep your garage door secure
1. Garage door locks
To avoid your garage being broken into, it is so important to have a locking system in place. Don’t worry though, as I’ve got you sorted with the most secure garage door locks I could find. This list will include budget-friendly locks, and automatic locks which you may find more suitable for your garage.
I already have an article on the best garage door locks you can buy today here. But if you want a quick round up, the two garage door locks that I would recommend the most are the Master Lock Laminated Stainless Stell Padlock and the Master Lock Heavy Duty Padlock High Security as padlocks, take a look at the rest of the article if you’re looking for bolt locks or automatic garage door locks.
With that being said, it is up to you what type of garage door lock is best for you, but personally, I would consider a strong padlock at the very least – and if you do, make it a strong one that pliers won’t get through.
2. Garage door lights
This is another great option (best to be coupled with garage door locks). Garage door lights as a deterrent as the motion detectors will spot any outside activity and will therefore work to alert you and add that extra layer of security.
Again, I have an article on this topic so take a look at my recommended garage door lights if you’re looking to learn more, my two favourite are the Tipace Black Modern Outdoor Porch Lights and the Sconce 2-Pack Motion Sensor Outdoor Wall Lanterns since they offer high quality light at a low energy level, have motion detectors, and are aesthetically suitable for either a modern or traditional home/garage.
If you’re not convince by having these for your security, I’d still recommend garage door lights in general since they can add a great look to the exterior of your garage and make it easier to see what you’re doing in your front garden in the evening when it gets darker earlier.
3. Alarms
This one speaks for itself, if you install an alarm on or by your garage door and set it up correctly, all I can say is good luck to someone trying to break into your garage.
There are a few different types of garage door alarms with the main one being a motion sensor alarm that can be wireless, and battery powered.
I think you know just as well as me how these alarms work so I will link to some of the best value and highest rated alarms here.
If you couple this with a good garage door lock and some motion detector lights, then your garage will become an impregnable fortress.
General tips to secure your garage and home
Don’t forget the windows
Thieves will target your windows especially if they are cracked open, not secured properly or if they aren’t reinforced well with double glazing.
If you’ve got a lot of windows around your garage, then make sure to keep your valuables out of sight if crime is rife in your area or if you’re worried about it.
Consider having your pet sleep in the garage
If you have a guard dog in your house, use it. It might be worth investing in a bed for your dog that you can place in the garage as long as it doesn’t get too cold at night.
Having a dog, especially a good one is a good way to ensure that thieves will scarper as soon as they hear the aggressive barking of your dog, any noise made by them will be sure to wake your dog (and you) up, acting as a great deterrent and therefore great security for your garage.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to offer yourself and your family the best protection possible from garage burglars, consider compounding each security measure.
If I had to place each measure in order of its importance, I’d say the garage door locks are the most important, next up is alarms, and finally garage door lights.
However, If you have each of them on or by your garage, you can ensure that anyone trying to get in will be instantly put off by the front of your garage lighting up along with an alarm sounding as well.
Even if they make it that far, they’ll need a pair of industrial sized pliers to make it through the lock on your garage door – I’d recommend locking via the inside of your garage.
Anyway, that concludes this article, I hope you feel more knowledgeable in the subject of garage door security and that you can feel safer in the future, please share this if you found it useful and see you on the next article.
