Many homeowners underestimate the importance of garage door security, even though their garage remains one of the most frequently targeted and vulnerable entry points to a property.
Enhancing your garage with additional security features not only protects your valuable possessions but also safeguards the well-being of your family.
A burglary is more than a financial loss, it’s a violation of your personal space that can leave homeowners feeling vulnerable and shaken.
Improving your garage door security is a crucial step in preventing these risks and ensuring greater peace of mind.
What Are the Most Effective Upgrades for Garage Door Security?
The most effective upgrades increase resistance to force, block known attack methods and improve access control.
Install Anti-Snap Locks
Anti-snap locks are high-security door cylinders designed to prevent a common break-in method, known as lock snapping.
Lock snapping is the application of force to a cylinder until it breaks, allowing the burglar to manually turn the mechanism and open the door.
It is a quiet, fast and widely used break-in method.
Anti-snap locks have built-in sacrificial weak points, meaning when force is applied, the lock will break safely in a controlled way, leaving the central lock mechanism intact and protecting the internal components.
For the most effective results, have the anti-snap locks installed by a professional, qualified technician.
Key points:
- Prevents access after cylinder snapping
- Use controlled break points to protect the core
- Works with most modern garage doors
Add Improved Bracing for Door Strength
Improved bracing are additional reinforcing structures that enhance the door’s strength.
Common Bracing Materials
- Steel bars
- Aluminium bars
- Specialised brackets
Bracings enhance your door’s strength and stability against external forces including high winds, physical impacts and forced entry.
They can be installed vertically or horizontally and are anchored securely to either:
- The garage floor
- The header above the door
- Side walls
- Roof joists
The added rigidity makes forced entry or peeling the doors significantly more difficult for burglars.
What is Peeling?
Peeling is a specific burglary technique, where a wire hanger is used to peel back the top edge of the garage door panel to hook the emergency release handle from outside.
Adding improved bracing to your garage door will physically block access to internal locking rods, deterring criminals.
Use External Keypads With Secure PINs
Weatherproof keypads allow controlled access to your garage.
Typical functions:
- Set personalised pins
- Create unique, temporary codes for limited-time access
- Grant access for specific individuals such as dog walkers.
- Remote management via smartphone apps
- Anti-tamper sensors
External keypads remove the risk of lost keys and log each activation when linked to smart systems. They also prevent unauthorised door release by limiting who can open the mechanism.
This personalised locking system gives you that extra layer of security.
Install Motion-Activated Lighting
Bright lighting around the garage deters intruders, leaving them exposed and visible on security cameras.
Typical installation points to consider include:
- Above the garage door
- Along the driveway
- On side entrances
When motion is detected, the lights will alert homeowners, encouraging you to investigate or alert authorities.
Invest in Security Cameras for Monitoring and Evidence
Security cameras not only act as a strong deterrent for burglars, but if a break-in does occur, they provide high-definition footage that can be used as valuable evidence.
Useful features:
- Motion alerts
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Smart notifications
Install security cameras so that they directly face the garage door, this will act as a visible deterrent to discourage criminals from breaking in.
Security-Focused Garage Doors at West Midland Garage Doors
Upgrading your garage door with the right security features is one of the most effective ways to protect your home, your belongings and your peace of mind.
At West Midlands Garage Doors, we understand the importance of security.
Available systems:
- Hörmann – which are fitted with anti-theft kits when closed
- SWS – part of the SecueroGlide range, with a unique patented locking mechanism.
These products offer tested components and enhanced resistance to break-ins.
Arrange your free on-site survey today.