The garage is one of the most overlooked entry points in a home. Whether it's through the overhead door, the side entry door, or the door into the house — garages have multiple vulnerabilities. Here's how to address all of them.
This is your most important defense. If an intruder gets into your garage, the interior door is their last obstacle. It must be treated like an exterior door: install a Grade 1 deadbolt, solid core or steel door, and a reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws.
All garage doors have an emergency release cord — the red cord hanging from the opener rail. A burglar can fish a thin wire through the top of your garage door gap and pull it, releasing the door in seconds. Install a zip tie through the release to prevent remote activation, or buy a commercial cord shield.
A garage door defender or lock bar bolts to the floor and prevents the door from being forced open even with the opener released. Heavy-duty versions can withstand significant force and are a strong deterrent against forced entry.
Devices like myQ or Tailwind let you monitor and control your garage door via smartphone. Get notifications if the door is left open. Close it remotely if you forget. Combine with geofencing to auto-close when you leave the area.
The side pedestrian door of a garage is often the weakest link — a hollow-core door with a low-grade knob lock. Replace with a solid-core door, Grade 1 deadbolt, and add an alarm sensor. This door needs the same protection as your front door.