How To Secure Your Garage Door Against Break-Ins In Lakewood?

Typical security measures include heavy-duty locks, smart systems, and well-lit access points. Garage doors, often targeted by intruders, may have outdated mechanisms or simple codes. Trusted garage door experts in Lakewood – Select Garage Doors – offer advice and solutions to help homeowners secure their property.

Assessing Vulnerabilities

Residents need to evaluate garage door vulnerabilities to avoid intrusions. Securing doors, windows, and hardware enhances protection. Protecting remotes and employing rolling-code openers further discourages intruders.

The Six-Second Test

This test evaluates how simple it is to pry open a garage door. Burglars can take advantage of old or unmaintained doors that have weak locks. By pushing the door slightly with the hand from the outside, residents can observe the movement.

Easily opening doors should have upgraded hardware or reinforced locks. Tracks, hinges, and springs must be checked for damage or wear, weakening door integrity. Steel reinforcements or an automatic lock system add security.

The Window Weakness

Garage windows, though functional or decorative, are a security hazard. Unsecured or single-pane windows can be broken into. Put in shatter-resistant glass or security film.

This is harder to break through with visibility maintained. Window frosted film or curtains to conceal the contents. Burglars don’t break into garages so frequently when they can’t see shiny gear or equipment.

Ensure window frames are securely attached, having locks or bars to provide extra security. Check for cracks or gaps that can be exploited.

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The Remote Risk

Garage door remotes may be stolen or lost, becoming a security issue. Keychain remotes reduce this risk. Some new garage openers using rolling-code technology create codes for every usage, making unauthorized access impossible. Two-way systems can alert homeowners to intrusions.

Fortifying the Garage Door

Securing the garage door itself secures the home. It includes reinforcing panels, locking upgrades, protecting release mechanisms, and bracing tracks.

1. Reinforce the Panel

Garage door panels, especially older ones or those constructed of lightweight materials, are easy to force open. Weak panels can be strengthened by steel or aluminum bars, while DIY enthusiasts, in the form of homeowners, can install horizontal wooden 2-by-4 braces inside to limit movement.

Specially designed panels with windows create extra vulnerabilities. Shatterproof film installation or replacing them with frosted or opaque windows adds to privacy and security.

2. Upgrade the Lock

Basic garage door locks are not likely to deter determined attackers. Installing quality deadbolts or smart locks enhances security and enables remote monitoring and control.

For manual locks, tamper-resistant hardened steel models offer added security. A door track padlock is a straightforward yet effective solution, best suited for vacations or long-term absences.

3. Install a Shield

Automatic door emergency release cords can usually be accessed externally through narrow openings. Securing the area with purpose-designed covers or metal plates makes it difficult for intruders to access the cord with a tool.

This relatively minor investment can significantly enhance security.

4. Secure the Release

Manual release systems can be replaced by secured systems with keyed features by homeowners. Replacement cannot always be done, so zip ties can be used to reinforce the cord or mount it higher to minimize risk without compromising emergency access.

5. Brace the Tracks

Garage door tracks may be susceptible if not supported. Heavy-duty brackets or metal supports prevent meddling, and daily checks catch gaps or vulnerabilities that might be exploited.

Integrate Smart Technology

Smart technology gives added security to the garage by enabling remote monitoring and control. Tools such as smart openers, video doorbells, and smart lights scare off intruders and alert the owner. Functions like rolling codes and geofencing give added protection against break-ins.

Smart Openers

Smart openers enable garage doors to be operated and controlled through smartphone apps. Numerous systems alert for unplanned openings or forceful attempts at opening. Two-factor authentication adds a layer of defense against hacking.

Rolling code technology encrypts the remote to receiver signals and cycles through billions of combinations to avoid cloning. Timed automated closing prevents doors from being left open overnight by mistake.

Video Doorbells

Install a video doorbell by the garage to monitor its entry. These units provide real-time video images and two-way communication features so homeowners can interact with visitors or deter suspicious intruders.

A few have night vision through infrared and motion detection sensors for activity. Coupled with other safety devices, video doorbells boost surveillance and discourage burglaries.

Automated Lighting

Motion-sensing garage lights provide illumination when movement is sensed, deterring intruders and assisting late-night homeowners. There are some systems that connect with cameras or doorbells to turn on lights automatically.

Geofencing Alerts

Geofencing refers to location-based automation. This would enable garage doors to open and close when the homeowner approaches or leaves.

Notifications can even be initiated if the door is kept open when leaving the geo-fence, so it can be locked all the time.

Maintaining Garage Security in Lakewood

Garage security requires proper equipment as well as habits that do not change. Good locks, reinforced doors, and smart technology safeguard most from intrusions. Regular checks ensure weaknesses are detected before being used. Vigilance and good practice with security are important.

For the homeowner unsure about putting these measures in place, having an expert consult can save time and guarantee that all systems work properly. A secure garage adds peace of mind and overall home security, protecting property and loved ones.

Select Garage Doors – Lakewood

2650 Youngfield Street STE 6, Lakewood, Colorado 80215

Phone: (303) 228-9049