Home security is a concern for all of us. We rely on our houses to keep our family and our valuables safe and the thought of someone breaking in is horrible. Here at Look Garage Doors, we get asked about how secure our garage doors are, so thought we’d take a moment to put everyone’s minds at rest.
Can Garage Doors Be Broken Into?
There is a stereotype that garage doors are a vulnerable point that burglars can easily exploit. Thankfully, this idea is outdated and is no longer valid. In the past, garage doors were far more flimsy and it was easier to break into them. Some of the weaker ones could even be kicked open without much effort. Garage doors have benefited from years of technological and security improvements, but the stereotype has persisted. Anyone who attempts to kick open a garage door nowadays is unlikely to walk away with anything but a bruised foot. They’re made with resolute materials like aluminium and are often double-skinned. Aluminium is an incredibly tough metal and nearly as strong as steel. It can withstand the elements admirably and is perfect for keeping unwanted visitors out of your home.
Hidden Locks And Electric Motors
Additionally, a common mistake of older garage doors was fixing the lock on the outside. Homeowners would fit a padlock and drive off thinking it was secure, only to return home and find that someone had used a pair of bolt cutters to break in. That’s not the case any longer. Our garage doors have their locks placed on the inside and can only be accessed from indoors. There won’t be any shiny padlocks tempting passing criminals to try their luck, they’ll be hidden from view and as such, inaccessible. That being said, you’ll still be able to get into the garage without any effort. Our garage doors can be fitted with electric motors and automated openings. If you pull up onto your driveway and want to get in, just press a button on the remote and it’ll open for you. What’s more, the electronic mechanisms are also placed inside the garage. Even the most fiendish, tech-savvy burglar won’t be able to reprogram the motor because, well, he won’t be able to get near it.
Other Tips
In other words, today’s garage doors are far safer than their older relatives, but if that’s not enough, there are a few extra steps you can take. If you’re concerned about potential break-ins, fitting an alarm can make you feel more reassured. Most garage door providers include alarms as standard, but you can still contact a professional and install a more sophisticated one if you wish. Removing any obstacles is a good idea too. Burglars will take advantage of cluttered driveways to hide themselves from view, but an empty one with no hiding points will be off-putting. Cut back any overgrown vegetation and move the bins away and they’ll be less likely to target you. And if you’re concerned about them using the cover of darkness, fitting a security light that responds to motion can be a big help. An opportunistic young criminal is going to feel a lot less confident if he’s suddenly illuminated by a halogen spotlight as he approaches your house.We hope this has gone some way to reassuring you that despite what you may have heard from well-meaning older relatives, your garage door is not a weak point. However, if you still have questions, you’re more than welcome to contact us. Call Look Garage Doors today on (01623) 452 600, or email sales@lookgaragedoors.co.uk and we’ll be happy to talk.