When it comes to buying a new garage door, it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics – the perfect color, the ideal style, designs, and the right material. But lurking beneath that attractive facade is one of your home’s most vulnerable entry points. A garage door that lacks robust security features is an open invitation to burglars.
Given that your garage often houses valuable tools and vehicles and provides direct access to your home, prioritizing security is crucial. So, before you sign on the dotted line, here are the crucial security features you absolutely must consider:
A Sturdy Locking System
This might seem obvious, but not all locks are created equal. Look for a garage door with a robust and multi-point locking system. This could include a strong deadbolt that engages with the track or a mechanism that locks the door at multiple points along its width. Avoid doors that rely solely on the opener’s internal lock, as these can often be bypassed with relative ease. The stronger the physical lock, the harder it is for an intruder to force their way in.
2. Automatic Reverse and Backdrive
This is less about deterring intruders and more about preventing accidents, which, in a security context, means preventing opportunities for an intruder to slip in quickly. An automatic reverse feature means the door will stop and reverse if it encounters an obstruction while closing.
The backdrive feature, on the other hand, ensures that once the door is closed, it’s incredibly difficult to force it open from the outside manually. This combined functionality makes it much harder for someone to lift the door even a few inches to gain entry.
3. Safety Beams (Photo Eyes)
Crucial for both safety and security, safety beams (also known as photo eyes) are sensors located at the bottom of your garage door track. They emit an invisible light beam across the opening.
If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, the door will automatically stop and reverse. While primarily for preventing injuries to people or damage to objects, they also prevent the door from fully closing if someone tries to quickly duck under it during its descent, which could be exploited by a swift intruder.
4. A Quality Remote or Keyless Entry Keypad
Your garage door opener is your primary access point, so its security is vital. Look for systems that use rolling code technology. This means that every time you use your remote, it generates a new, unique code, making it virtually impossible for someone to “grab” your code and reuse it later. A keyless entry keypad offers convenience but should also employ rolling code technology and have a strong, customizable PIN.
5. Smartphone Control
For ultimate convenience and peace of mind, consider a garage door opener with smartphone control capabilities. This allows you to open and close your garage door from anywhere, but more importantly, it often provides real-time alerts if your garage door is opened or left open. You can check the status of your door remotely and close it if you forgot, adding a significant layer of security. Many systems also offer a history log of when the door was opened and closed.
6. Battery Backup
What happens if the power goes out? Many standard garage door openers become inoperable. A battery backup ensures your garage door can still be opened and closed during a power outage. This isn’t just about convenience; it means you won’t be locked out (or in) and, more importantly, your garage won’t be left vulnerable and unsecured in the dark.
7. Emergency Key Release
While a battery backup is excellent, what if the power is out and the battery backup fails, or there’s a mechanical issue? An emergency key release provides a way to manually disconnect the garage door opener from the door, allowing you to open it by hand from the outside using a key. This is a crucial feature for gaining access in unforeseen circumstances, ensuring you’re never completely locked out.
General Garage Security Tips:
Beyond the features of your new door, here are some overall tips to bolster your garage’s security:
- Always Lock Your Entry Door: If your garage has a direct entry door into your home, treat it like any other exterior door. Keep it locked with a strong deadbolt.
- Obscure Windows: If your garage has windows, consider frosting them, using curtains, or applying security film to prevent curious eyes from seeing what’s inside.
- Don’t Leave Remotes in Plain Sight: Never leave your garage door remote clipped to your car’s sun visor or in an easily visible spot. If your car is stolen, so is your garage access.
- Reinforce Entry Doors: Ensure any service doors leading into your garage are solid, have sturdy frames, and are fitted with long screws in the strike plate for added resistance against forced entry.
- Install Motion-Sensor Lighting: Bright lights that activate when motion is detected can deter potential intruders and alert you to activity around your garage.
- Consider a Security Camera: A security camera pointed at your garage door or within the garage can provide invaluable surveillance and act as a deterrent.
- Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Don’t leave expensive tools, bicycles, or other valuables visible through windows or an open garage door.
- Regular Maintenance: A well-maintained garage door operates smoothly and reliably, reducing the chances of a security vulnerability due to a malfunction.
A secure garage door is essential to protecting your home, belongings, and loved ones. Whether you’re buying a new door or upgrading an existing one, investing in these smart security features can offer peace of mind and deter potential intruders. Always work with trusted garage door professionals who can guide you through safe and modern options tailored to your needs.
Want expert help finding the perfect secure garage door? Contact Emu Garage Doors today at 02 9030 0686 for professional installation and tailored advice. Our team is committed to helping you choose the safest, most reliable garage door solution for your home.
