Every year in the U.S., about 1.5 million burglaries are reported to authorities. That’s about 1.5 million people left dealing with the aftermath of an unlawful entry — and often worse. Keeping your home secure is the best way to prevent burglary and other home-invasion crimes. That means doing all you can to improve the security of your home — and your garage, too.

Are Garage Doors Secure?

While garage doors have traditionally been a potential weak spot in your home’s security, modern garage doors are highly durable and excel and protecting you and your family. But, just like any other area of your home, you can always improve the security of your garage door.

Fortunately, improving garage security isn’t difficult. Here are eight ways you can keep your home safer in 2023 and beyond.

1. Add some lights

Most criminals prefer the cover of darkness. A light and a timer or light sensor can ensure your garage door is bathed in light as soon as the sun goes down. Motion lights are handy because they only turn on when movement is detected, helping you save on your electricity bill and preventing complaints from neighbors.

2. Trim the hedges

Large bushes provide cover for thieves trying to break into your garage. Keep bushes trimmed to provide a clear view of your garage door. Some homeowners will also opt for a convex safety mirror to easily see the full view of their garage & driveway.

Additionally, simply having a mirror visible will help act as a deterrent for would-be intruders.

3. Cover the windows

If your garage door has windows, being able to see inside your garage makes it lots easier for thieves to determine their next move. Consider adding shades, blinds or curtains to cover your windows, and use frosted glass or film in window accents on the door itself.

4. Use a screw-in door stop

These stops are often used with entry doors to prevent them from being kicked in, but there’s no reason why you can’t use one to protect your garage door, too.

5. Don’t leave your remote in your car

It’s convenient, but it’s also easy for thieves to break in and grab it. Attach it to your keychain or a lanyard and carry it with you. If you happen to lose your garage door remote, it is important you act swiftly to prevent any possible break-ins.

6. Install an alarm & security cameras

Alarms aren’t just for your entry doors — they can secure your garage doors, too. Today’s options include DIY alarms you can install in minutes. You can set up your alarm system by adding door contacts and motion activated sensors. The door contacts are installed on the garage door and will trigger the alarm when the contact is “broken”, whereas the motion sensor will trigger upon detecting human motion in its proximity.

Thanks to advances in camera technology, installing a fully integrated security camera system to your home has never been easier. There are many different solutions out there, but the best ones allow you to integrate your alarms & cameras together.

Doing this will enable you to get instant video notifications to your phone when an alarm is triggered. In some security systems, you can even set up a rule that automatically calls the police upon an alarm trigger – capturing video of the suspect at the same time.

7. Add some features

Many doors offer state-of-the-art locking capability to provide added security and extra peace of mind. Some garage door openers feature advanced security options like rolling codes to prevent hackers from grabbing your garage door code when it’s transmitted from the remote to the garage door. Ask about your door’s built-in features, as well as options you can add on to an existing door.

8. Choose the right door

One of the best ways to improve garage door security is by investing in a good, strong, solid door right from the start. The best part: Thanks to advances in materials and technology, you don’t have to sacrifice good looks. At the Overhead Door Company of Wilmington, we offer plenty of durable, super-secure doors that look great.

Make garage door security a priority in 2023. Call the Overhead Door Company of Wilmington to learn how we can help you improve your safety and your peace of mind.