You may not think about whether or not the items in your Smyrna, GA home’s garage are protected on a daily basis. With an automatic garage door, you may assume that that’s all you need to keep everything protected. However, automatic doors can be manipulated by criminals and opened, leaving all of your belongings inside exposed. If you don’t keep much in your garage, this may not concern you. If you keep expensive items in your garage, such as tools, vehicle parts, and sporting equipment, it would be wise for you to consider adding additional security to your garage in the form of garage door locks.   

Many people assume that no one can get inside their home if they don’t have the remote for the garage door. This isn’t in fact true in most cases. Garage doors can be opened either manually or with cracked codes on garage door remote devices. Garages aren’t just for storing cars, and in fact, only half of US homeowners use their garages for that purpose. Many people utilize the space of their garage for storing many other items, including seasonal and outdoor possessions for easy access and even sometimes for a work area. If your garage door is connected to your home, you may not have considered the vulnerability that your garage door may potentially be creating. Garage door locks provide an additional layer of security for garage doors.  

Garage door locks come in a variety of types, from more traditional hardware to modern upgrades on garage door security featuring complex electronic devices. Companies such as LiftMaster offer these automatic garage door locks. These are generally integrated with your garage door to increase your door’s security. A lock is only as good as its ability to keep out criminals and other unwanted intruders, so you want to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth when you invest in a lock installed on your garage door.   

Types of Garage Door Locks    

Side Bolts 

Side bolts are the most commonly found type of garage door lock on residential homes. They have been around for many simple and consist of simple hardware installed on the interior door and wall next to it. There is usually a sliding bolt piece that is installed on the door track which is then positioned to slide into an accompanying piece on the door itself, keeping it held firmly in place. While basic, they do provide a good deal of security as criminals cannot get to the locks from the outside. If you’re just looking for a basic, no frills lock to secure your garage door, a side bolt is a good, inexpensive choice.   

Deadbolts

Just like the deadbolt on your front, a deadbolt can be installed onto entry doors into your garage. The door with a deadbolt can only be opened when the lock is moved into the correct open position, done by rotating the correct lock in the lock cylinder. Because the hardware is built into the door itself, it is harder to defeat by force than traditional spring locks.    

Digital Locks 

Electronic locks are a more advanced option when you want to up your security to be the best it can be while taking advantage of technological advantages in the industry. These are more expensive than traditional locks, but a smart investment if you keep many costly possessions inside your garage. Digital locks may have a passcode, but locks being produced on the market today by top garage door companies usually include fingerprint key technology. 

Additional Garage Door Security   

Added measures can be taken to provide increased security for your residential garage door. Wireless alarm systems can be outfitted with sensors to your door so that when set and opened, an alarm will go off. If the correct code is not put in, the alarm can alert authorities to an intrusion. Alarm systems are particularly effective if you are away from home a lot. Various types of alarm systems exist for garage doors, from self-serve, basic sensor systems that can be installed by the homeowner, to more complicated systems that integrate with the smart technology mentioned below to give you more flexibility.   

You can also consider having a remote garage door monitor installed, a type of smart home device which will monitoring the garage door and let you control its functioning from a smart app on your phone. For an extra boost of security, you can consider installing CCTV security cameras that are positioned in a way to monitor the comings and goings of your garage or driveway so that you can keep track of anyone trying to get inside your property and have identifying information for the police in case they do happen to break in.   

What to Consider When Selecting a Garage Door Lock  

When selecting which garage door lock is right for your residential garage door, it’s important to consider many important factors, including your type of garage door, type of garage door opener, how much you want to pay, and the level of security you are aiming for. A locksmith who has experience working with and installing garage door locks will be able to assist you in choosing the right lock.