While your garage door is handy for your car, it’s also an important layer of protection for your home. However, home security is usually the final thing on our minds when considering the home. A simple oversight with your garage door can quickly escalate into a massive vulnerability — leaving your family and property at risk.
In this article, we are going to address common garage door mistakes that will make your home the perfect target for a burglar. In this guide, we’ll look at everything from basic maintenance slip-ups to high-tech blunders and practical ways to keep your garage door, and your home, secure. So let’s dive in and see if your garage is the weak link in your security chain.
Old Technology in Your Garage Door Opener
Decades-old garage door openers may work, but as far as security goes, they’re a relic. Many older systems use fixed codes that are easy for tech-savvy burglars to break. Home security experts also say that switching to a modern opener with rolling code technology can cut the risk of break-ins dramatically, as rolling codes change every time the door is used, making it near impossible to replicate the signal. You need an opener upgrade if it looks like it came straight out of a ’90s sitcom.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
A garage door is like any other mechanical system: It works well when cared for. Not doing basic maintenance such as lubricating your tracks or tightening your loose screws can cause your door to fail. A bad door could close improperly, leaving your garage open to whomever may be passing by. Homeowners often forget about these seemingly small tasks, and investing just 30 minutes every few months on a checkup is sure to save you from headaches and, in some cases, expensive repair bills.
Leaving the Garage Door Remote in Plain Sight
Though it might be convenient leaving your garage door remote in the car, it’s an open invitation for thieves. They have easy access to your garage—and possibly even your entire home—with a quick smash and grab. Much rather think about a remote on your keychain or even an app on your smartphone to operate your garage door. They’ll keep you literally in control with your fingertips and out of sight from prying eyes.
One Common Mistake Is to Fail to Install a Garage Door Sensor
Simply, garage door sensors do more than just prevent accidents, they are also a very important security feature. With a properly installed sensor, you’ll receive an alert if the door isn’t closed all the way. Burglars like to use garages as an entry point, and when the door is left open, they are one of the most common ways a burglar will sneak in. Adding a sensor is an additional layer of protection.
When You Overlook Insulation and Weather Stripping
The security of your garage door does not only depend upon locks and openers, but also on physical barriers. This can be due to poor insulation or cracked weather stripping, both of which will create gaps that a burglar can pry the door open easily. An unsealed garage door is also associated with making your home less energy efficient. Solving these problems is good for security, but it’s also better for your utility bills.
Smart Home Integration Is Ignored
Many homeowners are missing out on the benefits of integrating their garage doors with the rest of their smart home systems. Smart garage door openers enable you to know and manage your door at a far, adding a layer of security. According to a 2023 SafeHome.org survey, homes with smart security systems are 39 million in the America. Sync your garage door to your home security system and you’ll be able to watch it from anywhere, even while you’re on vacation.
Using A Weak Or Outdated Lock
The strength of your manual lock for your garage door is a bigger deal than you might realize. Flimsy cheap locks can be bypassed using simple tools. Get a strong lock that has a casing of reinforced steel. For one thing, locksmiths advise picking a lock that’s high quality because that’s one of the easiest ways to stop break-ins. After all, a lock is only worth as much as the effort that went into the choice.
Failing to Secure the Interior Door
Many times the door that goes from your garage to your home is overlooked. A lot of people will take this door as an afterthought and use flimsy material or flimsy locks. An interior door such as this should be as secure as your front door, solid construction, and a deadbolt. It’s like a second line of defense if someone punches through the garage, they still have another barrier to get over.
Leaving The Garage Door Open
The obvious thing is to close your garage door, and you’d be amazed at how many times people flat-out forget. Maybe you were rushing out the door or just didn’t realize the door is open, either way, this mistake is a burglar’s open invitation. The solution to this is to install an automatic closer or a timer that closes your door after a set amount of time.
Not Replacing Damaged Panels
A dented or damaged garage door panel might appear to be a mere cosmetic problem, it is actually more than that. Damaged panels on the door can be attacked as an individual attempts to force their way in, and repairs or replacement fixes the damage and makes it safer for your home. It’s also good for your security and curb appeal as it keeps your garage door looking sharp.
Failure To Update Passcodes
If you have a garage door with a keypad that uses an outdated passcode, it’s a weak link. Over the years, if you’ve shared the code with neighbors, contractors, or anyone else, they can change it too. Use a unique code that can be updated regularly so only those who know the new code have access.
