When people think about home security, many overlook their garage doors. This area of the home is a common point of entry for thieves, especially when homeowners aren’t careful about security. Here are some essential dos and don’ts when it comes to having a secure garage door. 

Do:

Invest in a smart garage door opener.

Automating home features are popular these days, and garage doors are no exception. A smart door opener allows you to monitor your garage door from your smart device from anywhere. If the door is opened, you’ll receive an alert informing you of the breach so you can take swift action to prevent a break-in. 

Cover garage door windows.

Many burglars survey or scope out a property before breaking in. If you have valuables in your garage, such as tools or experience automotive equipment, visible through glass windows, they can be tempting to a potential burglar. Having your windows frosted prevents others from peering inside your home and seeing your valuable belongings. 

Install motion detectors & floodlights.

A good lighting system around your home can also deter burglars. However, some homeowners prefer not to leave bright floodlights on all night. Another option is to have motion detectors installed, which will turn the lights on any time the sensor is tripped. This could be enough to drive a thief away from your property for good. 

Don’t:

Leave your garage door open.

While it might seem like a no-brainer, even leaving your door open while you’re home can result in a break-in. If you find yourself frequently leaving the door open, install a timer so it will close your door automatically in case you forget. 

Leave your garage door opener in the car.

Many people leave their openers somewhere inside their cars for convenience. Since the opener is used primarily when you’re taking your car out, or parking it in the garage, it makes sense for most to leave the opener in their vehicles. Unfortunately, one of the first places a burglar will look to gain access to your garage is your car, so leave it parked in your closed garage and keep your opener on your person. 

Leave the door between your garage & home open.

If you forget to close the door or your timer fails to work for some reason, the interior door between your home and garage must be locked at all times. You might also consider fortifying its security if you feel it’s currently lacking. Installing a deadbolt is a good option for increasing your home’s security. 

Ensuring you have a quality door installed by a reputable contractor can also increase safety at your home. In Lincoln, NE, Capital Overhead Door Co. offers customers the benefit of more than 25 years of experience. Along with a new door installation, they can also repair garage door components, including springs and motors. Call (402) 466-2754 today to get started on your free estimate. You can also visit the website for more great garage door tips.