Most people don’t realize it, but thieves look towards garage doors as an opportunity. Not only is the garage door the biggest door in your house, but once the burglar is inside your garage door, they are hidden from sight. This gives them the necessary cover to really get to work unnoticed. Plus, your garage is full of expensive home items — bikes, sports equipment, lawn accessories. And most thieves will enter a garage from a garage door that needs repaired. Be smart. Here are 5 ways you can improve home security on your garage door.

Never Leave Your Garage Door Opener in Your Car

If you ever park outside and leave your garage door opener in your car, you might as well leave the house key taped to the front door with a hand-drawn map to the cookie jar and your wife’s diamonds. All that stands between the thief and easy access to your garage and really your entire home is a good rock. Instead, always keep your opener on a keychain, in your purse, or a commonly used coat pocket.

Mount a Smart Camera on Your Garage Door

Install a smart camera that focuses on your garage door that feeds video into your phone. That way you can check to make sure that the kids remembered to close the garage door so your precious $1000 mountain bike isn’t hanging open in the breeze all day. You might also want to install a smart remote so you can close the door from your phone. With a smart remote you can also check to see if your garage door was left open even when you’re on the other side of the world. Smart cameras and openers have made a world of difference in garage door security, now if only we could do the same for our stoves.

Frost or Cover Garage Door Windows

Whoever invented garage door windows probably likes to watch strangers sleep at night. Frost those windows or cover them with curtains or matching wood paneling. It’s a simple garage door repair that will provide you privacy and security.

Replace an Old Door

If you have an old garage door that cannot be properly secured or has cracks or doesn’t connect to the ground, it’s time to get a new one. Consider installing a new garage door that doesn’t have any easy openings perfect for a crowbar. A new garage door will improve the value of your home in addition to the security. It’s a smart investment worth considering.

Fix Any Garage Door Maintenance Issues

Keep up on the maintenance of the mechanical parts of your garage door. Make sure all the parts are well oiled. Protect against corrosion. Make sure all the rollers and brackets are in good shape. Keeping a garage door in good repair improves the life and function of your garage door as well as the security.

Install a Smart Garage Door Opener

Installing a smart garage door opener puts the control of your garage door in the palm of your hand — your phone! If you forget to close your garage door, a smart garage door opener will send an alert to your phone. You can then close the door remotely from anywhere. Installing a smart garage door opener also puts an end to package theft. You can give your delivery driver instructions to contact you upon arrival. You can then open the door from anywhere so they can stash your package safely inside your garage. When it comes to repairs and upgrades, installing a new smart garage door opener is an affordable upgrade that makes your garage less susceptible to thieves.

When You’ve Done Everything You Can, It’s Time to Look at Your Driveway

Enhancing your home’s security extends beyond just your garage. One of the most effective ways to add an extra layer of protection is to install a driveway gate with iron fencing. The mere presence of a driveway gate serves as the first line of defense. It’s a visual deterrent for unwanted visitors while providing a physical barrier that’s difficult to bypass. Iron or wrought iron fencing, is known for its durability and strength. It’s a perfect complement to the gate by creating a secure perimeter around your property.

These gates are more than just a security measure; they also offer convenience and curb appeal. Automated gates can be equipped with access control systems, allowing you to control entry with ease from the comfort of your home. Additionally, modern iron fencing or gates can be customized to match the architectural style of your property, adding a touch of elegance while maintaining security.

Beyond deterring potential intruders, a driveway enclosure creates a sense of privacy, blocking the view into your property and minimizing unwanted attention. For families with children or pets, the gate acts as a safeguard, preventing them from wandering onto busy streets. Investing in a driveway gate with iron fencing ensures your home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also well-protected and private.