Most of us are security conscious when it comes to our homes, and we take the time and spend the money to make sure our doors and windows are properly secured with adequate locks and well-constructed materials, but too often people forget about making sure the garage is also adequately protected. This can leave both your home and some of your most valuable possessions at risk.
There are two reasons for this. First, if the garage is attached to the house and there is a door directly in to the home from the inside of the garage, then this can provide relatively easy access for an intruder. Secondly, look at what is actually stored in the garage. Your car can often be the most valuable item you own, tool sets are expensive and desirable, and mountain bikes are also favourites for thieves as they are easy to re-sell. So making sure you protect you garage is just as important as any other part of your property.
There are several actions you can take to reduce the risk of your garage being targeted, all effective, and you can implement them as appropriate to your budget.
Stop People Looking In
If thieves can see in to your garage, it not only adds to the temptation, it allows them to work out what they’re going to do before they even try the door, allowing them to make the actual break in quick and efficient. Either have frosted gall installed, or purchase the cheap plastic films that achieve the same purpose by making the window opaque, but at a fraction of the cost. Either way, you’ll still let in the light while keeping prying eyes at bay.
Close and Lock all the Doors, Including Roller Shutter Garage Doors Orlando
It’s easy to become complacent about garage doors Orlando, especially during the daytime when we assume no-one would be so obvious as to steal something in full view of the world, but nothing could be further from the truth. Opportunist thieves are experts and getting away with quick grabs of your possessions, knowing that in the few seconds it takes them to go in and remove your items they’re unlikely to be spotted, even if you’re just around the corner in the garden. Always keep the garage locked, including any side or back doors Orlando, and especially any doors leading directly in to the house. When you take the car out, even if it’s only for a few minutes, take the time to lock the door behind you. If you have the additional security of roller shutter garage doors, this can seem like a chore, but it really is worth the effort.
Ensure Good Visibility from The House Into the Garage
If there is a door directly from the house into the garage, make sure you can see in to the garage while the door is still safely locked. If you do hear what you suspect may be an intruder in your garage, you don’t want to have to open the door in to the garage to check, possibly giving that person access to both the house and you and your family. Either have a small window or a wide-angle peep-hole in the door so you can see what’s going on without endangering yourself.
Never Leave Your Keys in the Car
Never assume your car is safe, even if you have locked the doors into the garage. The thief may be successful in getting through your locked door, so don’t make it easy for them, and always make sure you take the keys into the house with you. Never leave them in the car, or hanging up near the car in the garage.
Remote Controlled Garage Doors Orlando
If you can afford a remote-controlled garage door, they can be a very convenient way to come and go, but beware. The remote control is also a key to your house, allowing whoever has it access to your garage, and possibly even your home. Make sure you keep the remote secure at all times, especially if you have more than one, and if you leave it in the car all the time make sure it is attached somehow, preferably with a chain. Think of the garage remote control in the same way as you do your house keys – the thieves certainly do – and keep it safe.
Lighting
Make sure garage doors are well-lit so that anyone coming and going can be clearly seen, and include coverage of the garage in any security lighting arrangements you have.
General Maintenance
Don’t neglect the garage when it comes to up-keep and maintenance. It’s easy to neglect the garage, particularly when the budget is tight and you spend what money you do have on the main house, but this can lead to trouble. If you allow the fabric of the garage to fall in to poor repair, you can make it easy for an intruder to break in.
Security System
Any security system you have installed should include the garage. This includes motion sensors, keypad access and door and window sensors. If you can afford it, roller shutter garage doors add the ultimate level of security as they provide a secure and solid barrier against anyone trying to break in.
We Are Here To Help You
Our team at King Garage Door are here to assist with your conversion. If you are planning to convert your garage space into living space, we can remove your garage doors. The garage doors are extremely heavy. We can professionally dismantle them for you, without risking damage to yourself or your home. Call us today (407) 358-6684 , our experts are on hand to help you.
