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Garage doors, an indispensable part of residential areas, have a secret: they are one of the most common ways burglars gain access to a home.
Professor of Criminology and Criminal Law James Lynchat the University of Maryland, told CNET that many of us forget to lock our garage doors, or even leave them open after a hectic morning. Less often, thieves try to mimic garage door openers or look for easy break-in points instead of trying the more fortified front door.
Protect yourself from these and other problems with basic garage door maintenance and technology, whether you’re looking to install smart home devices or simply improve security in your garage.
Our tips below cover the best ideas and technologies you can use.
Smart garage door openers are an option for newer garage doors.
1. Upgrade to a smart garage door
A smart garage door replaces previous opening devices with smart versions that tap into your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and phone apps for more control. You can set schedules, get alerts if your garage door is left open, and control the door from anywhere — usually for less than $100. These systems also let you set timers to close automatically (e.g., after 30 minutes).
Many smart garage door openers can also connect to voice assistants or home security systems. Always check compatibility with your current garage door before choosing one. This Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub ($30) is an affordable retrofit option, or you can opt for a complete engine replacement like this one quiet Chamberlain MyQ model ($257)But you can also check out and compare other great options.
2. Connect your garage door to a smart plug
There’s one problem with smart garage doors: Retrofits often only work with newer garage door models. Since garage doors can last decades, many users are left out in the cold. But there is an alternative. If your garage door is plugged into a traditional electrical outlet (usually on the ceiling near the motor), you can try installing a smart plug accessory like this do-it-all Leviton Plug ($28).
Motor responses on a smart plug can vary a little, but they can usually let you turn the garage door off completely when you’re away so no one can get it open. Some will even let you open or close the garage door by turning the motor on and off (although this is a matter of luck). It’s a little extra security if you’re worried about more persistent thieves.
Smart plugs can be used anywhere in the home, even in the garage.
3. Buy a smart lock for your garage door
Garage doors or interior doors are a common target for burglars because it is much easier to forget to lock them. They also often have weaker locks and no latches, so they are easier to force open, which is one of the most popular options for burglary.
Turn this vulnerability into a security success by equipping garage doors with a smart lock that you can monitor and lock from anywhere, and set lock schedules or passkeys. You can find smart lock handles like this one Schlage Encode model ($240) which also work without a deadbolt, providing better protection for your home.
4. Install a rolling code door opener
Modern garage door controllers use what is called a “rolling code,” or an electronic signal that changes as it is used. This prevents someone from hacking it with a signal imitator or a wireless knock-off opener.
If your garage door is 10 years old or older, it may not have a rolling code system. In that case, you can replace it with a new version. For those who want to avoid app management, it doesn’t have to be high-tech and Wi-Fi-ready. This major upgrade is enough. You can potentially save a lot of money by simply replacing your garage door opener. with a new universal modelsuch as this 4-button Genie remote ($25).
If you are unsure if your garage door controller uses a rolling code, open it up. If it still uses the old small tab system inside, it does not have an electronic rolling code.
If your garage door is a few decades old, it is a prime candidate for security upgrades.
5. Close the garage windows (and put up some sun blinds if necessary)
If your garage door has windows, particularly larger side windows, these can be a target for intruders looking to break in or get into mischief. Our advice is to make sure they have a lock and keep them locked. You may be able to open them if you are using the garage in the summer or working on a hobby, but otherwise leave the window locked.
If you are concerned about people peering through the window, we recommend an inexpensive roller blind such as this blackout model for $30allowing you to block the window when you want and still let in light when you spend time in the garage.
6. Use a track lock if necessary
Garage door track locks are simple bolts that you install on the wall next to a garage door, so that the bolt slides through slots in the track that the door runs on. When the bolt is locked, no one can manually push the garage door up by force. It is a handy security addition if you are worried about leaving the garage door alone during long vacations, etc. You can find them for around $15.
Additional note: If you live in a very cold area, the metal parts of your garage door may become brittle from the freezing temperatures. Track locks are generally not at risk of breaking, but if someone tries to force the door open, important parts may snap. The primary garage spring on older doors is especially at risk. As always, deterrence is the best option.
Amazon’s new Blink Floodlight Camera Mount.
7. Add a security camera with spotlights
A floodlight security camera fits perfectly above the garage door and performs multiple tasks at once. It can detect motion and recognize people, then send you alerts when someone approaches. Models like this one Arlo Wireless Floodlight Camera ($160) can emit powerful LED lights when someone is nearby, which is often enough to deter trespassers.
These cameras also have live feeds, so you can see if anyone walks past the side of your garage, and two-way audio, so you can make calls from anywhere you’re not familiar with. And while facial recognition isn’t necessary, plans like ADT’s Trusted Neighbor with a Google Nest camera also let the camera recognize familiar faces. At the very least, you can position the camera so you can check to see if the garage door has been left open.
8. Don’t keep anything too valuable in your garage
If you are seriously concerned about a garage break-in, avoid keeping valuables in your garage. Check the current contents of your garage to see if there is anything particularly expensive in there. If you really need to keep expensive items in a garage, such as hobby tools, expensive tool kits, or other items, you can use a smart home safe like this one Yale All Purpose Safe with Bluetooth ($250) to protect them.
For additional help securing your home, check out our articles on deterring burglars, home security myths and facts, and the best DIY home security systems for an easy upgrade.
