Your garage door may be a weak point in your home’s security that you didn’t even know existed. Many homeowners assume that their garage door is secure because a remote control or keypad operates it, but in reality, burglars can exploit several vulnerabilities. This article will discuss some of the most common garage door weaknesses and how to strengthen your home’s security.
In this article
Vulnerabilities of Garage Doors
One of the most common vulnerabilities of garage doors is the manual release handle. This handle is located inside the garage and is used to open the door in case of a power outage or other emergency. However, it can also be used by burglars to gain access to your garage and your home. To protect against this vulnerability, you should always lock the manual release handle.
Another vulnerability is the garage door opener itself. Many older garage door openers can be easily hacked using a technique called “rolling code-cracking.” This technique involves using a device to intercept the radio signal between the remote control and the opener, allowing the burglar to open the door using their own remote. To protect against this vulnerability, you should consider upgrading to a newer, more secure opener.
Strengthening Your Home’s Security
Install a security camera
One of the best ways to strengthen your home’s security is by installing a security camera. A security camera can provide you with real-time footage of your garage and alert you to any suspicious activity. Additionally, many security cameras now come with motion detection and night vision capabilities, making them even more effective.
Replace old garage door springs
Another important measure is to replace old or weak garage door springs. Old or weak springs can make it easy for a burglar to break into your garage, as they can be easily bent or broken. By replacing your springs, you can make it much harder for a burglar to gain access to your garage.
The potential hazard of garage door springs lies in the possibility of sudden failure. The springs are under continuous tension; if they break, it can create violent fragmentation. Dave James, the owner of garage door repair Calgary, recommends consulting a professional as the process is dangerous and requires specific tools and skills.
Replacing old or weak garage door springs can also improve your garage door’s overall function and longevity. Over time, springs can become worn out and lose their tension, making it difficult to open and close the door. This can also cause damage to other parts of the garage door system, such as the opener and the tracks. By replacing your springs, you can improve your garage door’s overall performance and lifespan, making it more difficult for a burglar to break in.
Install a smart garage opener
Another way to strengthen your home’s security is by installing a smart garage door opener. These devices allow you to control and monitor your garage door remotely using your smartphone or tablet. You can also set up notifications to alert you when the door is opened or closed, and some smart openers even come with facial recognition technology.
Add a deadbolt lock
Another way to strengthen your home’s security is by adding a deadbolt lock to your garage door. A deadbolt lock is typically operated by a key and is much more secure than the standard lock that comes with most garage doors. By installing a deadbolt lock, you can ensure that even if a burglar can bypass your garage door opener, they will still not be able to gain access to your garage.
Install a sensor alarm
You can also install a sensor alarm on your garage door. This type of alarm will trigger if the garage door is opened unexpectedly. This can be especially useful if you have a detached garage that is not visible from your house. A sensor alarm will alert you if someone is trying to enter your garage without your knowledge.
Conclusion
Your garage door can be a weak point in your home’s security if you don’t take steps to protect it. By understanding the vulnerabilities of garage doors and taking the necessary measures to strengthen your home’s security, you can ensure that your home is safe and secure. Installing a security camera, a smart garage door opener, adding a deadbolt lock, installing a sensor alarm, and replacing old or weak garage door springs are all effective ways to protect your home from burglars. Additionally, being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity can also help to keep your home safe.
