Often, we might not think about the security of our garage doors. Because of this out of sight out of mind mentality, we can accidentally leave our home vulnerable to intruders. Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Charlotte, NC has some tips for you to improve your garage door security. Let’s approach this list the way a possible burglar would, starting from a distance and getting closer to the home.
Proper Lighting
An easy deterrent to criminals is to have the garage door and surrounding area well lit. A potential intruder is much less likely to approach a door that they cannot easily get to without being seen. Coordinating light fixtures can be installed on either side of your garage door or above it. Motion-activated flood lights can be installed on corners to give adequate coverage only when needed. These also add an extra layer of convenience for when you are approaching your garage.
Garage Door Windows
This one is probably the least obvious of these tips. Overhead door windows can give intruders a chance to scope out your interior. They will be able to see what valuables you have in easy access. This will allow them to decide whether to break in. Easily accessible windows will also allow them better decide if you’re home or not.
This vulnerability can be lessened by covering or obscuring your windows. Windows can be blacked out with paint, or simply covered up. You may also choose to apply a frosting coat to allow natural light in, but making it impossible to see details inside.
Close Your Garage Door
This one seems simple, but it’s actually very important. If you’re not in your garage, the door should be closed. Leaving it open for extended periods of time leaves any items in your garage open to easy theft. Leaving the garage door open when you’re not home, or overnight is also extremely dangerous.
Lock Your Garage Door
Keeping your door closed is a good first step, but it’s not enough. A closed door is easily opened. It’s important to keep it locked anytime it’s closed. Some doors are equipped with a simple slide bolt inside making exterior access impossible. Others have a lockable exterior handle giving how owners the ability to get in.
Secure Your Car
During a break in, a criminal may not even make it inside before doing damage. If your car is usually left unlocked in the garage, it becomes an easy target. Think about how many things we often forget in the car that may be easy grabs for a thief: electronics, cash, jewelry, wallet, etc.
Interior Door
The door between your garage and your house needs to be just as secure as any other exterior doors. Hollow wooden doors are easily broken down. As with the garage door itself, this door should always remain locked. If an intruder gains access to the garage, an extra layer of security will be helpful.
Deadbolt Your Interior Door
A strong, locked interior door is a basic step for security. Equally important is a deadbolt on that door. If you treat this door the same as any other exterior door, a deadbolt only makes sense. The added protection is worth the few extra seconds it may take to get in. Another important tip is to use long screw when installing the strike plate to prevent a possible kick-in.
Most of these steps are easy and can be done yourself. If you decide that you need to increase your garage door security by upgrading your door or opener, contact us at Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Charlotte, NC right away. We’ll help you assess your needs and select the right equipment and installation options. Don’t delay, call today. Our trained customer service representatives are waiting to help you.
