Garage Door Security

Key Security Risks Associated with Garage Doors

Most homeowners who have a garage on their property don’t park their car in it. That doesn’t mean burglars don’t find garages an attractive target. A garage can be a treasure trove where all sorts of valuable items are stored, from tools and recreational equipment to antiques and collectibles.

The other rather frightening aspect of burglars breaking in to garages is the fact that many garages have a connecting door to the house, so a garage break-in could be just a step away from a full on home invasion.

It’s a sad fact that most of us are neglectful when it comes to garage door security, even though they are one of the most vulnerable points that criminals can use to gain entry to our home and possessions.

It’s time to take stock of your garage doors and remedy any security risks you find, particularly if your garage doors have been hanging around for some time!

Here’s what to consider:

• Weak or Outdated Garage Door Locks
  Many older garage doors have simple locks that can be easily picked or broken. Some up-and-over garage doors have a central handle lock that can be forced open with little effort.
• Automatic Garage Door Hacking
  Older electric garage doors with fixed-code remotes can be hacked using code grabbers. Newer systems use rolling codes, but cheaper models may still be vulnerable.
• An insecure Garage Side Door
  Some garages have side or rear doors with weak locks and/or no deadbolts, making them an easy target for thieves.
• Garage Door Manual Release Mechanisms
  Many automated garage doors have an emergency manual release (often a pull cord) that disengages the mechanism from the electric motor, allowing you to open the door manually in the event of a power cut. Sometimes there may be gaps in or around the door that allow intruders to reach and pull the cord with an implement – for example something as simple as a coat hanger – allowing them easy access.
• Weak or Flimsy Garage Door Material
  Old garage doors are very vulnerable, especially wooden garage doors that are rotting and decaying, and old metal garage doors that are rusty or have suffered damage. They are so easy to pry open, whether they are side-hinged or of the up-and-over variety.

The most secure modern garage doors are sectional garage doors or roller doors, but even these can be compromised if they were badly installed and can be lifted off of their tracks.

How to Optimise Your Garage Door Security

The best general advice we can give to keep your garage safe and secure is to treat your garage as you do the rest of your property, whether it is an attached or free-standing garage. You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked and vulnerable, so why should your garage be any different?

If your garage door is not fit for purpose it is time to invest in a new one with robust and effective locks – preferably a multi-point locking system.

Roller garage doors are generally regarded as the most secure type available, because once correctly installed they have no visible leverage points on the roller curtain or surround, and no visible lock or handle to force. Sectional garage doors are similarly safe by design, leaving no weak points for criminals to exploit.

If your garage doors are automated you have an extra layer of security as far as locking is concerned. A locking mechanism is part of the electric motor and won’t open without a signal from the remote transmitter or smart door controller.

Some specific actions you can take to improve your garage security are:

• Upgrade to high-security locks, particularly for side-hinged or up-and-over garage doors. For complete safety its wise to seek professional advice.
• Have a garage door defender (an external locking system with a ground anchor) installed.
• Light up your garage entryway with a motion-sensor light, and install a CCTV camera. You might also consider a burglar alarm.
• Ensure you use a rolling code garage door remote – or smart garage operating/monitoring system.
• If your garage has a window, keep it covered so the garage contents aren’t visible.
• Make sure any doors exiting from the garage – into the garden or the house – are extremely secure and dead-bolted.

For 20 years Diamond Doors has expertly serviced, repaired and maintained garage doors just like yours across the Wiltshire and Somerset area. If you have any doubts about your garage security we’d be happy to come and survey your garage.