How to Make Your Garage Door More Secure

How to Make Your Garage Door More Secure

Your garage door is one of the most vulnerable entry points to your home. Since it houses your vehicles and other valuable items, safety is paramount. Securing the garage door helps protect the space and reduces the chance of break-ins.

Garage Door Security Tips 

These tips can help enhance the security of your garage door so you can protect your home and belongings:

Buy Doors From Reputable Suppliers

By your garage door from a supplier with a good reputation in the industry. You can do research and check online reviews or customer testimonials. Check the type and quality of doors they sell. Buying the door from a reputable supplier has the following benefits:

• Professional installation: Correct installation is the first step to ensuring a secure garage door that can prevent break-ins. Professionals will ensure the door is the correct dimensions and is fixed securely to the existing structure.
• Aftersales packages: Reputable suppliers offer their customers aftersale benefits, such as annual inspections. These inspections can help catch and fix security vulnerabilities early before they become a risk. Ask your garage door retailer what perks they offer.
• Reliable security advice: The best source of information about garage door security is experienced garage door suppliers. The professionals will also help you get security solutions for your specific property and garage design.

Choose Automatic Garage Doors

Besides the convenience they offer, automatic garage doors are also more secure. This is because the motor keeps the door completely shut until it receives a signal to open. These doors have different remote systems, including in-car transmitters, smartphone systems and key fobs. The remotes use encryption protocols and radio signals tested under extreme circumstances by security professionals. 

Tint Your Garage Door Windows

While garage door windows have several benefits, thieves can use them to see what’s inside. Tinting the windows can discourage thieves because they’ll not know what’s inside the garage. Tinting with a film made from laminated polyester will obstruct views from outside while still allowing light to come in. Some forms of tint, like ceramic, may also enhance your windows’ durability.

The alternative to tinting is to cover your windows using blinds or curtains — just be sure they are the correct size for garage windows.

Invest in Smart Technology

When it comes to using technology to secure your door, there are several options:

• Use smart door opener: Smart door openers will alert you when you forget to close the garage door. The opener allows you to close the door remotely.
• Install video cameras: The camera will enable you to monitor your garage regardless of your location. Place the cameras strategically around the house.
• Install a motion sensor: The sensor can help prevent break-ins. You can also install lights with motion sensors that will automatically turn on when it senses movement. 

Install a Security System

The existence of an alarm system will make thieves think twice about breaking into your home. You can also use a driveway alarm system. 

In addition to the security system, consider installing floodlights to increase visibility around the garage door. Besides helping you park better, floodlights make security cameras more effective by illuminating the subjects. The light may also be a significant deterrent to trespassers and burglars.

Upgrade the Garage Door

One of the most effective ways of burglar-proofing a garage door is by upgrading it. Installing an automatic opener adds an extra layer of security with remote access and unique passcodes. You can also strengthen the strike plate, which is the weakest part of the door. Replace the strike plate with a reinforced one. You can also replace the door. 

If upgrading isn’t the right option for you, you can add extra locks to enhance the garage door’s security. Use the following types of locks for better security:

• Garage shield
• Heavy-duty steel security bar
• Garage door defender system
• Anti-snap

Protect Your Keypad Security Code

If you use keypads for entry, ensure the code remains a secret. Anyone with access to the code can enter the garage. If you share the code with someone outside your household, change it later when they no longer need entry. Do not write your code down. 

Reinforce the Door With a Protective Shield

Burglars can open your garage door with everyday objects like wire coat hangers. You can eliminate this risk by using a device that blocks thieves from reaching the cord. Metal plates shaped like shields hang in front of the cord, blocking it from being reached. Test your door’s security by attempting to reach the cord yourself from the outside and make improvements as needed.

How to Make Your Garage More Secure

Making your garage — not just the garage door — can help improve the general security of your garage. A secure garage discourages burglars from entering, ultimately protecting the garage door from damage caused by break-ins.

• Eliminate hiding spots: The exterior of your home should also not harbor possible hiding areas. Overgrown shrubs and trees outside your garage may give potential thieves the cover they need when planning to break in. 
• Hide valuables: Don’t store valuables in your garage or car because they can attract burglars. If valuable items are visible and your windows are not tinted or covered, thieves can see them, which can motivate them to break in. 
• Secure your home entry door: If the door leading to your home from the attached garage is not secure, burglars can gain access to your home. Always keep the door locked.
• Install security cameras: Besides installing security cameras outside to cover the area outside the garage door, consider installing cameras inside the garage. This may help identify burglars if they do break in.

How to Secure a Garage Door from the Inside

• Install an interior garage door lock to prevent forced entry.
• Use a manual garage door lock bar for extra protection at night or during travel.
• Add a garage door barricade to strengthen the door from the inside.
• Disconnect the opener when away for long periods to prevent unauthorized access.
• Lock the garage door manually during power outages.
• Secure the emergency release cord using a protective shield.

How to Secure a Garage Door from the Outside

• Install a heavy-duty exterior garage door lock for added security.
• Use a garage shield to protect the release mechanism from tampering.
• Upgrade to a reinforced strike plate to prevent forced entry.
• Add roller door security locks for additional protection.
• Install anti-snap locks for enhanced safety.
• Secure side garage door entry points with high-quality locks.

Best Garage Door Locks and Security Devices

• Garage door lock bar kits provide strong physical protection.
• Security bars help reinforce weak entry points.
• Garage door defender systems prevent lifting from outside.
• Smart garage opener locks offer remote monitoring and control.
• Interior deadbolt locks add an extra layer of protection.

Garage Door Opener Security Tips

• Never leave your garage door opener remote inside a parked car.
• Use rolling-code technology to prevent signal theft.
• Install smartphone-controlled openers for real-time alerts and monitoring.
• Set an automatic close timer to prevent accidental openings.
• Regularly update security settings and access codes.

Preventing Garage Door Break-Ins (Burglary Prevention Guide)

• Understand common break-in methods such as release cord manipulation.
• Reinforce weak panels and door structures.
• Tint or cover windows to prevent visibility into the garage.
• Secure detached garages with cameras and lighting.
• Use motion-sensor lights to deter intruders.

Are Garage Doors Secure Enough?

• Modern garage doors offer improved safety but still need extra protection.
• Security depends on strong locks, smart openers and proper lighting.
• Weak points often include emergency release cords, windows and older panels.
• Regular maintenance ensures long-term safety and performance.

Garage Security Tips beyond the Door

• Secure garage windows to prevent visibility and access.
• Always lock the interior door leading to your home.
• Install a full garage security system with alarms and cameras.
• Store valuable items in secure cabinets or out of sight.
• Use motion sensors both inside and outside the garage.

Manual Garage Door Safety Tips (Power Failure Situations)

• Learn how to manually lock the garage door during power outages.
• Use manual side bolts to secure the door when not in use.
• Install a lock bar for extra protection during vacations.
• Disconnect the opener safely when manual operation is required.

Most Secure Garage Door Types

• Steel garage doors provide superior strength and resistance.
• Insulated garage doors add durability and structural integrity.
• Reinforced panel doors help prevent forced entry.
• Smart-integrated security doors offer advanced protection features.

Buy Garage Doors From Halo Overhead Doors 

Your garage door is a crucial entry point that must always be secure. If access to your garage falls into the wrong hands, you may lose valuable items. You can enhance the security of your home by using smart technology, installing a security system and tinting your windows. Other options include upgrading your door and ensuring you buy the door from a reputable supplier like Halo Overhead Doors.

We are a family-owned overhead door company providing garage door services. Some of our services include garage door installation, repair or maintenance. We sell durable garage doors that deliver long-term performance. Some of the residential garage doors we offer include steel, glass, wood, faux wood and more, all available in various styles and colors. Please contact us for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I secure my garage door at night?

Ensure the door is locked, use motion lights and activate security systems.

What is the best garage door lock?

 Heavy-duty lock bars and defender systems provide strong protection.

How do burglars break into garages?

Common methods include manipulating release cords and forcing weak panels. 

Can someone open my garage door from outside?

Yes, if security features are weak or outdated.

How can I secure my garage door from burglars?

 Use locks, alarms, smart openers and reinforced hardware.

 How do I lock a garage door manually from inside?

Use interior locks, bolts or a security bar.

What is the safest garage door type?

Steel insulated doors are among the most secure options.