- May 22, 2025
Is your garage security the best? Can someone enter your parking unit when you are not around to watch? Hmm… You can’t take risks with that! So, what to do? Garage security is a valid concern as these parking areas are often overlooked entry points for intruders. In fact, garage & back doors are used as an entry point in 31% of burglaries. Hence, safety matters!
But don’t worry. Securing your prefab garage space does not have to be a complicated task. We will walk you through simple tips that will help deter theft and vandalism. Let’s first begin with the vulnerabilities related to your garage.
What Are The Risks Related To Garage Security?
Common Entry Points – It is important to prevent your garage from becoming a weak link in your home security. Here are some common target areas for burglars:
- Flimsy or weak doors
- Unlocked side doors
- Vulnerable and unlocked windows
- Old and unsecured garage door openers
What Thieves Look For? The first thing that a thief looks for is an unlocked door or window as an entry point. Next, they often look for garages with tools, bicycles, sports equipment, and other items that can be sold for money. Moreover, if you have an attached garage, it can lead to a larger security breach.
Outdated Garage Door Systems – Outdated garage door mechanisms like fixed code systems can be easily hacked to enter, while aging doors with wear and tear, such as weak springs, gaps in the door frame, brittle materials, etc., reduce safety.
Poor Lighting And Visibility – A dim and poorly lit 2 car steel garage can become a prime target for theft since inadequate lighting creates shadows and blind spots where they can enter without getting noticed. Moreover, common entry points, like a main garage door, side doors, and windows, become easily accessible when visibility is low in the outdoor areas of the garage.
Top 7 Garage Door Security Tips To Prevent Break-Ins
Here are 7 easy-to-apply tips to secure your metal prefab garage from break-ins and store your household belongings and vehicles with peace of mind:
Tip 1. Keep It Closed And Locked
It is one of the easiest ways for thieves to break into a garage via an open door or an unlocked window. So, ensure all garage doors, like roll-up, sectional, and walk-in, are locked properly. So, always double-check to ensure these are locked before stepping out. You can also enhance metal garages with hacks, such as using organizers and proper storage to keep items. In that way, you can easily find out if anything is out of place or missing.
Tip 2. Secure The Emergency Release Lever
The emergency release lever is a handy feature for opening the garage door during power outages, but it can also be exploited by thieves, as they can use a simple tool to pull this lever and enter your residential-style garage. So, to secure this lever, you can use a zip tie or a padlock.
You can also add a deadbolt to your automatic opener, which will make it hard for any intruder to tamper with your garage door system. Moreover, pay attention to regular maintenance of equipment if you own a repair workshop and have proper lighting and vents. This will ensure safety in your commercial garage building.
Tip 3. Consider A Garage Door Lock
A garage door lock is a physical security for your parked cars and household belongings stored in the garage. You can secure the door by bolting or locking it to the tracks, which can make it harder for anyone to force it open. You can choose:
- Track locks (which clamp onto the door tracks)
- Defenders (which sit in front of the garage door & are secured with heavy-duty bolts)
These are the physical barriers that give peace of mind against forced entries. One of the tips for building secure one car garages for small spaces is to choose a versatile design with high-quality construction material and superior durability. We also provide customizable, certified roll-up doors for all types of metal buildings.
Tip 4. Upgrade Metal Garage Door Opener
Old garage doors with fixed codes can be easily hacked by thieves by recording the opening signal and reusing it to gain entry. Instead, you can opt for modern openers for a vertical steel garage with rolling code technology that keeps changing codes every time it is opened. You can choose smart openers with alerts and remote access, too.
Tip 5. Secure Other Entry Points
Local Side And Back Doors – Most homeowners design their side entry garages with a walk-in door for easy and quick access to stored items. So, treat them like your front door by using a solid-core material or a deadbolt lock. You can also use reinforcement for doors, windows, and large ventilation systems.
Secure Garage Windows – Windows, if left open, can give anyone a clear view of the garage interior. So, it is best to install frosted film, curtains, blinds, security bars, grilles, etc., to create a barrier. Monitor the window’s latch regularly to ensure it is sturdy and functional.
Check Pet Doors – Pet doors may seem harmless, but a small drone or tool can be sent inside using them as an entry point. So, it becomes necessary to secure them with locks or blocks temporarily when you are away for a weekend.
Tip 6. Enhance The Visibility Of Your Garage
Keep Your Valuables Out Of Sight – Thieves can target your garage based on what they can see from outside. So, store high-value items like power tools in closed cabinets, and keep bikes and sports equipment covered to avoid anyone getting a glimpse.
Motion Sensor Lights – Potential intruders might get surprised by a bright, sudden light that prevents them from breaking in. Don’t forget to add energy-efficient LED lighting outside your all-weather metal garage to create a well-lit area after sunset.
Tip 7. Use Technology For Security And Deterrence
Visible cameras can be a strong deterrent for intruders, and they are less likely to target a home where they have a chance of being caught. You can choose the following to keep theft possibilities to a minimum:
- Wired camera
- Wireless camera
- Doorbell camera
- Smart garage system for remote access and alert
- Real-time alert camera
With features like automatic closing timers, live updates, theft deterrence, etc., a smart garage system will offer unbeatable security to your home and belongings. You can also upgrade metal garage doors to enhance safety. Some examples include getting an automatic roll-up door with a smart control system.
Habits That Will Boost Metal Prefab Garage Security
Who Has Access To Your Garage? To boost the security of your steel garage, be sure to share codes and keys only with trusted people like your close family members, close friends, or tenants. If your tenant leaves or a friend no longer needs access to your garage, don’t forget to reprogram the codes to avoid unauthorized entry.
Maintenance Of Your Garage – A malfunctioning door can leave vehicles and items vulnerable to security threats. So, ensure all moving parts are well-lubricated, any loose screws/ fasteners are replaced, and worn-out cables are changed.
If possible, hire a professional for garage door repair or replacement. Some factors influencing the costs of a garage door repair are its material quality, size, style, hardware, insulation, and labor charges.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings – It is important to stay proactive and report any suspicious activity or a stranger near your property to the local authorities or neighborhood watch group. Be sure to close and lock your garage every time you leave, even for a short period.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late, Protect Your Garage Now!
Securing your garage is not just about protecting your belongings. It is also about the safety of your loved ones and your peace of mind. Our custom steel garages with steel doors and windows provide robust protection from all-weather conditions and external elements that your cars and storage deserve. So, why wait? Enhance your security today with a tailored steel prefab garage built to fit your needs. Call us at (704)-741-1587 today!
Alabama