How Thieves Actually Break Into Garages - And What Stops Them
These days, many homeowners enter and exit their home exclusively through the garage door. Yet while the front door sits there protected by all manner of physical and high-tech devices, the garage door is surprisingly vulnerable. This has resulted in the garage door also becoming one of the most frequent entry points for thieves. But how do burglars break into the garage through the door? And how can you stop them? In this post, the #1 garage door repair company in Loveland - C & M Garage Doors - answer those questions so you can sleep a little easier.
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How Thieves Actually Break Into Garages - And What Stops Them
Thieves are enterprising types, constantly looking for easier ways to invade people's homes. Here are some of the ways they break in through the garage door and what you can do about it.
Through the Emergency Release Mechanism
A lot of homeowners are not aware that their garage door has an emergency release mechanism, never mind knowing it can be accessed from the exterior of the home. This mechanism takes the form of a small handle suspended from a cord on the door mechanism, near the exterior wall of the house. To engage it (and to disengage the garage door opener), simply pull on it.
The problem with the emergency release mechanism is that a thief can slide a coat hanger with some string up through the crack in the frame at the top of the door, snag the handle and pull it with the string, disengaging the opener and enabling the door to be opened by simply lifting it.
How to prevent it
The best and easiest way to prevent someone from compromising the emergency release mechanism is to not have a sh#t cheap-o garage door to begin with that has access points in the paneling or weather striping for this type of attack. There are also devices called "garage door shields" that attempt to thwart this type of compromise. We feel like if you want to go to this level to secure your door you're better off just removing the pull strap (most have a simple hitch pin) and reattach it if/when you need it.
Additionally you can install robust weatherproofing around the top of the door to make it harder for someone attempting this.
Forcing Open an Older Door
As doors age, many of the mechanisms that keep them closed become weaker and less able to do their job. Most homeowners are unaware of this. Springs in particular can weaken over time, and when they do, they make it easier to force the door open using brute force. If your garage door does not close fully, if it doesn't sit flush with the ground when it's closed, or if it tends to bounce a bit when it reaches the ground, it's a prime candidate to be forced open.
How to prevent it
Have the garage door company check the balance of the door twice a year. If, after disconnecting the opener and lifting the door halfway, it stays there, it's likely okay. If, on the other hand, it drifts upward or downward, the springs will need to be adjusted or replaced. Just make sure you do not attempt to work on the springs yourself. Many untrained individuals have been seriously injured trying to.
Another potential way to prevent the door from being forced open is to install a deadbolt. With a deadbolt engaged, it is nearly impossible for a person, or even a couple of people, to force the door open.
Taking Advantage of Old Garage Door Openers
Garage door openers installed during the 1990s and early 2000s often used fixed code remotes. That means the remote transmitted the same signal every time. If a thief could somehow get their hands on your remote code - the most common technique is to use simple radio-scanning equipment that captures the signal code, they could enter at will whenever they wanted. These days, most remotes randomly change the signal they send, making it far more difficult to scam on a remote code.
How to prevent it
If your garage door opener is older and uses a fixed code, you may be reluctant to get rid of it if it is still working. But get rid of it, you should if you want to make your home more secure. You can also disable remote access when you are going to be gone for a while and remember to never leave a remote lying in the car where it can be seen.
Entering Through Old, Weak, or Thin Panels
Most garage door panels are only held in place with a few screws. If those screws become loose or a couple fall out, the panel will be ripe for exploitation by a thief, who could easily remove it. And once they remove one panel, they can easily remove some more to make their entry into the garage a hassle-free experience. But missing screws are not the only problem. If the panels have warped over time, or they're simply cheap and very thing, they can also allow easy access. Remember, thieves are only looking for the weakest part of the door.
How to prevent it
- Just keep an eye on it and make sure it's in good working order. Make sure the edge align up nice and are sealed tight to prevent tools from being wedged in anywhere.
- Replace any warped or damaged panels immediately.
- Install a strut bar to reinforce the door. A strut bar is a horizontal steel bar that's mounted inside the panels and makes the door much more rigid.
- Consider installing a physical lock to use when you're out of town or away for a long period.
- If the door is more than 15 or 20 years old, consider replacing it or having it evaluated.
Want to stay ahead of would-be intruders?
Regular inspections and modern openers dramatically cut the odds that your garage becomes the path of least resistance.Call C & M Garage Doors
Conclusion
Thieves seek the path of least resistance. In the case of breaking in through a garage door, that means spending a few minutes inspecting the door to determine its weakest point. Above, we presented the most common weaknesses thieves exploit on garage doors and how to address them to make for a safer, more secure home.
All it takes is a bit of awareness and the help of a team with years of experience with overhead doors - like C & M Garage Doors - to turn the tide and slam the door shut on would-be burglars and miscreants.
For Expert Garage Door Installation in Loveland and Greeley Get in Touch with C & M Today
How long your garage door lasts and how quickly or slowly it becomes vulnerable to assault often depends a lot on the quality of the installation. To ensure your door is ready to repel would-be-burglars from Day 1, make sure you have your installation done by C & M Garage Doors.
To learn more, call us at (970) 663-7335 during normal business hours. Or, if you prefer, you can fill out our contact form explaining what you need (installation, repair, etc.), or send us an email at candmgaragedoorsllc@gmail.com and someone will get right back to you.