As homeowners, the safety and security of our homes is always a top priority. One aspect that is often overlooked when it comes to home security is the garage door. However, with advancements in technology and an increase in break-ins through garage doors, it’s essential to understand how your garage door plays a crucial role in your home’s overall security.
At Overhead Door of Akron, we have been serving the greater Akron, Canton, and Cleveland areas since 1972. With over 40 years of experience, we understand the importance of having a secure garage door for your home. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about garage doors and home security.
Understanding the Risks
The first step in ensuring that your garage door is secure is understanding the potential risks. Many homeowners underestimate the vulnerability of their garage doors, assuming that a locked door or an outdated opener will suffice in keeping intruders out. However, this is not always the case.
According to statistics from the FBI, nearly 9% of all home burglaries occur through the garage. This can be due to weak locks, outdated openers, or even leaving the door unlocked by accident. Additionally, with smart technology being integrated into modern homes, hackers have found ways to access and control garage doors remotely if they are not properly secured.
The Role of Garage Doors in Home Security
Many homeowners may not realize that their garage doors are actually one of the main entry points for potential intruders. This is because they often overlook the importance of securing their garage door, instead focusing on other areas of their home, such as doors and windows.
But the truth is, an unsecured or poorly maintained garage door can make your entire home vulnerable to break-ins. A weak or malfunctioning garage door can easily be bypassed by experienced burglars, putting your family and possessions at risk.
Choosing the Right Garage Door
When it comes to enhancing your home security, choosing the right garage door is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
- Material: Garage doors are made of various materials, such as wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each material has its own pros and cons in terms of durability and security. For example, steel and aluminum doors are typically stronger and more secure, while wood doors may offer a more aesthetically pleasing look but can be easier to break into.
- Strength: Make sure to choose a garage door with strong panels that are difficult to bend or break through. Additionally, consider installing reinforcement struts or bars on the inside of your garage door for added strength and security.
- Locking Mechanisms: Traditional manual locks can easily be picked by experienced burglars. Consider upgrading to an electronic keypad lock or smart lock system for added protection.
Other Tips for Garage Door Security
In addition to choosing the right garage door, there are other steps you can take to enhance the security of your garage:
Additional Security Measures
In addition to upgrading your garage door itself, there are other security measures you can take to further protect your home. One option is installing a deadbolt lock on the door leading from the garage into your home. This provides an extra layer of security in case an intruder does manage to gain access to your garage.
You can also install motion-sensor lights near your garage and have a security system with cameras installed. These added measures can act as a deterrent and provide evidence in the event of a break-in.
Keep Your Opener Safe
Many homeowners leave their garage door opener in their car, making it easy for a potential intruder to gain access. Instead, consider keeping it on your keychain or investing in a keypad entry system.
Don’t Leave the Door Open
It may seem obvious, but many burglaries occur because homeowners left their garage door open and unattended. Make sure to always close and lock your garage door, even if you will only be away for a short time.
Available Security Features
With advancements in technology, there are now several options available for enhancing the security of your garage door. Here are some of the most common features you should consider:
- Smart Locks: These locks allow you to control your garage door remotely through a smartphone app. You can also receive notifications when the door is opened or closed.
- Keypad Entry: A keypad allows you to set a unique code for accessing your garage, eliminating the need for keys that could be lost or stolen.
- Motion Detection Lights: Installing motion detection lights near the garage entrance can help deter burglars and provide added visibility at night.
- Security Cameras: Installing cameras in and around your garage can provide surveillance footage in case of a break-in.
- Rolling Code Technology: This feature generates a new code every time the garage door is opened, making it harder for burglars to hack or copy the code.
Maintaining Your Garage Door
Aside from investing in security features, it is also essential to properly maintain your garage door. Here are some tips:
- Perform regular inspections of the door and its components for any signs of damage or wear.
- Keep the track and rollers clean to prevent buildup that can affect the operation of the door.
- Test the safety sensors regularly to ensure they are working correctly.
- Replace old or worn-out parts promptly to prevent malfunctions.
- Schedule professional maintenance at least once a year to ensure proper functioning and identify any potential issues early on.
Trust Overhead Door of Akron for Your Garage Door Needs
When it comes to the safety and security of your home, don’t overlook the importance of your garage door. At Overhead Door of Akron, we have been providing top-quality garage doors and services to the greater Akron, Canton, and Cleveland areas since 1972. Our expert technicians can help you choose the right garage door for your home and ensure it is properly installed and maintained for optimal security. Contact us today at (330) 929-3452 for all your garage door needs!
