Every homeowner worries about home security. It doesn’t matter whether you lived in a gated community or on a rural farm – whether your home is safe and secure is at the front of your mind. Yet, there is one are of your house that might not immediately come to mind when you think about home security. And that’s your garage. Whether it be a focus on garage door security, internal garage security, or even homeowner behavior – if your garage isn’t secure, your home isn’t secure.
Fortunately, there are tried and true ways homeowners can increase their garage door security. Not only does garage door security provide peace of mind when you are away, but it lets you relax at home. The fact is this: You need to protect your home from intruders coming in through the garage.
Face it: Your home is only as safe as its weakest point. For many homes, the weakest point is the garage door. Sure, there may be a few thin-skinned windows intruders can break into, but your garage might not be as secure as you think. Far too often homeowners focus on a strong, secure front door and let the security of their garage and garage door take a back seat. And yet, get this: Approximately 9% of all burglaries happen through the garage. That may not seem like a lot, but it could still be you. Fortunately, we’ve got the tips you need to ensure your garage isn’t putting out the welcome sign to burglars.
How to Elevate Your Garage Door Security
You do not have to invest in a complicated security system to properly secure your garage. Focus on simple, inexpensive steps first before you make any big investments. For example, do you have windows in your garage door? While they can certainly liven up the look of your garage and let in natural light, they also serve as a portal for thieves to peer into. Perhaps you should consider adding a layer of privacy film to your garage windows.
Beyond products, you should also focus on behavior. This may sound simplistic, but how often do you accidentally leave your garage open? Okay, maybe you don’t always leave it open, but how often do you leave your garage door opener clipped to your visor? You never know when you might leave your car parked in the driveway or street and all a burglar needs to do is break in and grab that garage door opener. Next thing you know, they are in your house. The best way to avoid this is to make a habit out of keeping your garage door remote in your purse, pants, coat, or just about anywhere other than openly visible in your car.
Here is another common oversight that could mean bad news for your home if a burglar visits: The door between your garage and house. Far too often homeowners are lax about locking the door between garage and home. The problem? If a burglar gains access to your garage, there is nothing stopping them from entering your home. Consider a steel deadbolt in addition to standard security measures.
Secure Your Garage with Technology
We live in the 21st Century. There really is no reason, in this day and age, to not use technology to your advantage. When it comes to keeping your garage secure, there’s an app for that! Smart garage door openers usually connect to apps you can connect to your phone. You can open, close, and monitor your garage all from the palm of your hand. If someone opens your garage door, you can receive an alert. This Genie StealthDrive Connect has every bell and whistle you could ask for!
You can also install WiFi-connected garage door monitors. These are standalone devices that send alerts to your phone when the garage door is opened or closed. These devices are small, inconspicuous and easy to install. You can attach them to the garage door frame and sync them up with your Apple or Android smartphone via a proprietary app. As soon as the garage door is opened, you are notified.
Of course we have been talking about interior garage door security, but how about exterior? Motion-detecting floodlights go a long way to increasing the level of deterrence around your home. Thieves love operating in the dark, so sudden bursts of light are often all you need to send them scattering. Many common motion-sensing floodlights can detect movement up to 25 feet away. This might be exactly what you need to send the bag guys running.
Top Tips for a Secure Home
The fact is if you aren’t securing your home it won’t matter how secure your garage is when a burglar comes knocking. Something as simple as paying attention to when you have lights on and off can make a big difference in your home security. Also consider noisemakers. Lights, TVs, and radios go a long way in creating the illusion of an occupied home. You can also invest in digital light timers, which offer the ability to have your lights cycle randomly.
Also consider your landscaping options. You probably did not realize how you can utilize hedges, bushes, and trees to your advantage. Block easily accessible parts of your home with large bushes. At the same time, make sure you prune and replace foundation plants so that burglars don’t have a place to hide. Or consider blocking their way with low, thorny bushes.
If there is one constant when it comes to garage door security or even overall home security, it is this: It starts with you. Whether it be modifying your behaviors or investing in security technology, how secure your home and garage ends is entirely in your hands. Don’t take it for granted!
Contact Us today and we’ll help you!