CANASA Member
5-Year WarrantyWhy Garages Are Targeted
Garages are attractive to burglars for three reasons: they contain valuable items (tools, bikes, vehicles), they often have weak security compared to the main house, and attached garages provide interior access to the home.
Most garage break-ins exploit a small number of weaknesses. Address these 10 points and you'll dramatically reduce your risk.
1. Upgrade to a Roll-Up Door
Standard sectional garage doors have panels that can be pried apart and emergency release cords that can be triggered from outside with a coat hanger. Roll-up garage doors eliminate both vulnerabilities — the continuous curtain has no panels to separate and no external release mechanism.
2. Add a Manual Lock
Even motorized doors benefit from a manual deadbolt or slide bolt lock. Engage it when you leave for vacation or at night. This provides a physical backup that no electronic attack can bypass.
3. Secure the Interior Door
If your garage connects to your house, treat that interior door like an exterior door — solid core, deadbolt lock, and reinforced strike plate. Many homeowners leave this door unlocked or use a flimsy hollow-core door.
4. Cover the Windows
Garage windows let burglars case the contents. Frost the glass, add curtains, or install window shutters. If they can't see what's inside, they're less likely to risk entry.
5. Install Motion-Activated Lighting
Bright motion lights on the exterior deter approach. Place them above the garage door and along the driveway or laneway. LED flood lights are inexpensive and effective.
6. Use a Smart Garage Controller
Smart controllers alert your phone when the garage opens and let you close it remotely. Some integrate with home security systems to trigger cameras or alarms when the door opens outside scheduled hours.
7. Don't Leave the Remote in Your Car
A garage door remote clipped to the visor is an invitation. If your car is broken into, the thief now has access to your garage. Use a keychain remote you carry with you, or a smart-phone-controlled system.
8. Reinforce the Track
For sectional doors, a C-channel track lock or padlock through the track prevents the door from being forced open. For roll-up doors, the guide rail design inherently resists this type of attack.
9. Add a Camera
A visible security camera above the garage is a strong deterrent. Modern Wi-Fi cameras are affordable and provide instant phone alerts with video clips.
10. Maintain Your Door
A well-maintained door operates reliably and closes fully. A misaligned or damaged door may leave gaps that compromise security. See our maintenance guide for tips on keeping your door in top condition.
