Contrary to popular belief, your garage door might not be as secure as you think and can often be a prime target for burglars. This common entry point provides access to the contents of your garage and potentially to your home or business.
In fact, a survey revealed that 9% of all home break-ins in the U.S. start at the garage door. Such statistics support why it’s important to make sure your Grand Haven garage door is secure, protecting your valuables and preventing unwanted access to your property.
Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to boost your garage door security. Here, we’ll share some tips to help keep your possessions and your family safe and sound, providing you with much-needed peace of mind.
- Assessing Your Current Garage Door Setup
- Simple Security Upgrades
- Smart Garage Door Tech for Added Protection
- Beyond the Garage Door: Additional Security Habits
Assessing Your Current Garage Door Setup
Start with a quick inspection of your Grand Haven garage door. Even small issues can compromise garage door safety. Here’s what to look for:
Garage Door Condition
Inspect your garage door for any dents, cracks, or warped panels. These can weaken the structure, making it easier for intruders to force their way in. If you notice any damage, consider repair or replacement of the affected parts.
Outdated or Malfunctioning Openers
Older garage door opener models can be easier to hack, and a faulty opener might not close or lock the door properly. If your opener is outdated or showing signs of malfunctioning, it might be time for an upgrade.
Weatherstripping and Gaps
Examine the weatherstripping along the edges of your garage door. If it’s worn, cracked, or missing in places, it creates gaps where intruders can slip tools or even their hands to pry the door open. Replace any damaged sections and seal any gaps you find.
Simple Security Upgrades
Making your garage door more secure doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are some easy, affordable upgrades you can make to improve your Grand Haven garage door safety.
For example, adding a secondary manual lock can be a simple yet effective security measure, especially if you’re going on vacation or won’t be using your garage for a while. Just make sure to choose a sturdy lock that’s difficult to tamper with.
Installing motion-sensor lights around your garage and driveway can also be a powerful deterrent to burglars. When motion is detected, these lights turn on automatically, illuminating the area and potentially drawing attention to any crime taking place, making it less attractive for someone to attempt a break-in.
Smart Garage Door Tech for Added Protection
If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection and convenience, smart garage door openers can be a game-changer. These modern openers often come equipped with cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity that allow you to monitor your garage in real-time. You can view the live feed from your smartphone, open or close your garage door remotely, and even talk to visitors through the opener’s speaker.
In addition, smart garage door openers can be integrated into your existing home security system, which means you can control your garage door alongside your other security devices, such as cameras, alarms, and smart locks, through a single app. You can set up alerts to notify you if your garage door is opened unexpectedly.
However, if you have an older garage door opener, you don’t necessarily need to replace it to benefit from smart technology. Smart garage door controllers are available that can retrofit your existing opener, giving you the ability to control and monitor your garage door through your smartphone. These devices are easy to install and provide features similar to new smart openers, such as remote access, alerts, and more.
Beyond the Garage Door: Additional Security Habits
Beyond the door itself, these everyday habits can further enhance your Grand Haven garage door security and better protect your home and belongings:
Keep the Garage Door Closed
It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Make it a habit to close your garage door when it’s not in use, especially at night or when you’re away from home. An open garage door is practically an invitation for unwanted visitors.
Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight
Your garage might hold all sorts of valuable items, from tools and bikes to electronics and sports equipment, tempting burglars to target your home. To reduce the risk of theft, store valuables in cabinets, cover them with a tarp, or place them in a less visible area.
Lock the Interior Door
If your garage connects to your house, treat the interior door like any other exterior door. Keep it locked at all times, even when you’re at home. That way, even if thieves manage to gain access into your garage, they won’t have easy access to the rest of your house.
Upgrade Your Garage Door Safety Now
If you’re looking for a new garage door, an opener with the latest smart technology, or professional guidance on garage door safety, Shepherd Shoreline is here to help. We offer a wide range of garage door solutions tailored to meet your needs and budget.
Our experienced technicians can help assess your current setup, provide expert advice, and recommend the best security options to ensure your garage is as safe as possible. Contact us today at (231) 780-2847 or here for a consultation, and let us give you the peace of mind you deserve.