At Nask, we regularly offer help and guidance to home and business owners in the selection and installation of garage doors in our region. Understandably, after the garage doors are installed, most people rarely give their operation a second thought. However, as the garage door is the largest entry point to your home or office, we strongly suggest that active measures be taken to prevent an intruder from gaining access to the property. Therefore, here are 8 tips for maximizing garage door security:
1. Take Your Remote With You – Thieves breaking into your car can steal both your garage door opener and vehicle registration so they can easily gain access to the property.
2. Get a Keychain Remote Opener – Keep your garage door opener with you by ditching the old-style visor clip-on for one that fits on your keychain.
3. Secure Your Emergency Release – Unsecured garage door emergency releases can be a security exploit unless secured. Check out the video below to learn how it can be secured with a thin zip-tie to prevent an intrusion while retaining its critical function.
4. Upgrade Your Door – The door to your garage should be of the same strength and function as any other exterior door. This includes: ensuring that it strong enough to withstand an attempted break-in, installation of a deadbolt lock and the addition of a wide-angle peephole.
5. Keep It Closed – Homeowners frequently leave their garage doors open for convenience or due to inattention. Don’t make it easy for thieves!
6. Frost or Cover Garage Windows – If you have windows in your garage door, prevent thieves from seeing the content in you garage by frosting or covering windows. When replacing a garage door, get one without windows.
7. Lock It Up – Padlock the throw latch on the garage door when you’re out of town. And if you don’t have a manual lock, install an obstruction within the door track to prevent the door from opening.
8. Proper Maintenance – Keep your garage door in good working order with an occasional inspection and maintenance. Don’t allow enough deterioration to occur that would make it easier for an intruder to gain entry.
The smooth, efficient operation of your garage door is certainly important, but at Nask Door our number one concern is your safety. After your garage door is installed or repaired, we urge you to follow these 8 tips for garage door security to keep your property and its occupants safe.