With research conducted by Confused.com revealing that victims of theft report more than £350 worth of items being stolen from their gardens, garages, sheds and outbuildings, homeowners are urged to do all they can to protect the entirety of their property. Ensuring that your garage door is secure is the first step to preventing a break-in, which is why we’ve put together this complete guide on how to do just that. 

Garage door security 

Durable materials

The first step to keeping your garage door secure is to choose durable materials that can’t easily be damaged. With plenty on offer, each material carries its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to weigh these up before making the final decision. 

Wood

Wood is one of the most common materials used to construct a garage door. Being an eco-friendly material with a look that can effortlessly blend into any setting, it’s a strong choice. However, it will require regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure that it remains in tip-top condition. If it becomes damaged, this could jeopardise your shed’s security. 

Steel

Being another great material choice for your garage door, steel is both strong and durable, making it ideal for enhancing security. However, it can corrode and rust if regular maintenance isn’t carried out – so be cautious. 

Glass

If you’re a fan of the contemporary aesthetic, a glass garage door could be the one for you. Although this material will allow plenty of natural light into the building, it’s low maintenance, and it’s rust and corrosion resistant, you should still be wary. Passersby might be able to get a glimpse into your garage if you’re not careful, so if you do opt for this, make sure that there are some physical barriers in place too – such as a driveway gate, a fence or trees.  

Fiberglass

If you’re worried about your garden door cracking, shrinking or warping, fiberglass is the perfect option. As well as being cheap and low maintenance, this garage door material offers plenty of benefits. However, it can be susceptible to wind damage, and it must be replaced entirely if it becomes damaged. With this in mind, ensure that it’s fitted correctly, and that no nearby objects are at risk of shattering the glass. 

Secure opening mechanism 

Whether your garage door opens manually or automatically, there are precautions you can take to ensure that the opening mechanism is secure. 

For those with an automatic garage door, installing a wire keypad is not only a convenient solution, those who don’t have the code will struggle to enter. If, however, you have a keyfob to enter, make sure that you either carry this on you at all times, or lock it safely inside your home to prevent it from getting into the wrong hands. 

Not only this, if your garage door is equipped with an emergency release cord, remove the handle to prevent someone from grabbing onto it – which makes it more difficult for an intruder to enter. 

Keep it locked

If you have a lock on your door – which is advised if you’re looking to enhance your garage’s security – treat it just the same as you would your front door. When your garage isn’t occupied, make sure to keep it locked – even if you’re just planning on spending some time in your garden. This will keep your valuables protected, and prevent a burglar from being lured inside. 

Repairs

Whether you notice structural damage, or damage to your lock, make sure that your garage door is repaired as soon as possible. A smashed window, for example, automatically makes your garage easier to be broken into, so avoid becoming a target of theft by contacting a professional to get any damage fixed immediately. 

Alternative methods to ensure garage security

Lighting

Motion-activated lighting is ideal for optimising garage and general garden security, so install this where you can. It’s no surprise that burglars want their crimes to go unseen, and an area that’s lit up won’t be an easy target. 

CCTV

Investing in video surveillance will further protect your garage – and you can install it both inside and outside the entrance. Put up signage too to let trespassers know that they’re on camera, which will act as a major crime deterrent. If you do happen to fall victim to a break-in, police can then use the footage captured on your security camera to identify the culprit. 

Keep your valuables hidden

Avoid luring a burglar into your garage and your home by keeping your valuables hidden at all times. A crook could also use your garden equipment to access your property – like using a ladder to climb into a window, or an empty plant pot to smash a garage window – so be wary. 

General garden maintenance

Garden maintenance is a must for improving your property’s security. Not only will this improve the overall appearance of your space, you’ll eradicate any potential burglar hiding spots. Overgrown hedges make for the perfect shields, so keep your garden looking spick and span to avoid becoming a target. 

Driveway gate 

A driveway gate is a surefire way to protect the entirety of your property, alongside enhancing privacy, so it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. With a number of durable materials to choose from – such as steel, wood, aluminium and composite – you can find a design that fits your desired aesthetic, whilst providing 24/7 protection. Get in contact with our team today to find out more.