Prevent Break-Ins with These Garage Door Security Tips

by | Jun 19, 2024 | Security

September in Lubbock can still feel a lot like summer. But anyone who has lived in West Texas for long knows that cooler mornings and the first real cold fronts aren’t far away.

That makes September a good time to pay a little attention to something you probably use every day without thinking much about it: your garage door.

Heat, dust, wind and everyday use can take a toll on a garage door over the summer. Small problems that aren’t especially noticeable in August can turn into a garage door that won’t open, won’t close or suddenly needs repair once temperatures begin changing.

You don’t need to become a garage door expert. A quick inspection can help you catch some of the more common problems before they leave your car stuck inside—or outside—the garage.

Here are seven things Lubbock homeowners should check this fall.

1. Look at the Weather Stripping Around Your Garage Door

Start at the bottom of the door.

The rubber seal should make fairly consistent contact with the garage floor when the door is closed. If you can see daylight underneath the door, notice sections that are cracked or missing, or have a seal that has become hard and brittle, it may be time to replace it.

In West Texas, this isn’t only about keeping cold air outside.

Good garage door weather stripping can also help reduce the amount of dust, dirt, leaves and insects that find their way into the garage when the wind picks up.

Check the seals along the sides and top of the door as well.

If your garage always seems dusty even when the door stays closed, worn weather stripping is one of the first things worth checking.

2. Pay Attention to a Garage Door That’s Getting Louder

Garage doors aren’t silent, but you probably know what yours normally sounds like.

Don’t ignore a new:

  • Grinding sound

  • Squeak

  • Rattle

  • Popping noise

  • Scraping sound

  • Sudden bang

A noisy garage door doesn’t automatically mean you need a major repair. Sometimes rollers, hinges, or other moving components simply need attention.

But a new or increasingly loud sound can also indicate a worn roller, loose hardware, track problem or another component beginning to fail.

The important thing is noticing when the sound changes.

Catching the problem early is usually much better than waiting until the door stops moving altogether.

 

3. Check for Signs of a Garage Door Spring Problem

Your garage door is heavy. The springs do much of the work required to lift it.

That makes a broken garage door spring one of the most common—and most important—garage door repairs.

Signs of a spring problem can include:

  • The garage door suddenly feels extremely heavy

  • The opener runs but struggles to lift the door

  • The door opens a few inches and stops

  • The door appears uneven while opening

  • You heard a loud bang from the garage

  • You can see a visible gap in a torsion spring above the door

A broken spring isn’t something we recommend attempting to replace yourself.

Garage door springs operate under significant tension and require the proper tools and experience to service safely.

If you think you have a broken garage door spring in Lubbock, stop repeatedly operating the door and have it inspected.

 

4. Make Sure Your Garage Door Opens and Closes Smoothly

Stand back and watch the door complete a full opening and closing cycle.

You’re looking for smooth, consistent movement.

A door that jerks, shakes, hesitates or appears crooked may have an issue with its rollers, tracks, cables, springs or other hardware.

Also pay attention to speed.

If you’ve recently found yourself thinking, “Why is my garage door opening so slowly?” that’s worth investigating.

Problems tend to become more noticeable as components wear. A door that is already struggling after a long West Texas summer may not improve on its own.

 

5. Test Your Garage Door Opener

Sometimes the garage door itself is fine and the problem is the opener.

Common garage door opener problems include a door that:

  • Doesn’t respond to the remote

  • Opens but won’t close

  • Stops partway

  • Reverses unexpectedly

  • Makes noise without moving the door

  • Requires several button presses before working

Before assuming the opener needs to be replaced, check the obvious things. Replace the remote battery and make sure nothing is blocking the safety sensors near the bottom of the door.

Dust can be especially relevant around Lubbock garages. If the photo-eye sensors become dirty or misaligned, the opener may think something is blocking the doorway and refuse to close normally.

If you’ve cleaned the sensors and the problem keeps happening, it may be time to have the opener or garage door inspected.

 

6. Check the Door for Wind, Hail and Everyday Damage

West Texas weather isn’t particularly gentle on anything outside.

Walk outside and look across the surface of your garage door.

Check for:

  • Dented garage door panels

  • Bent sections

  • Gaps between panels

  • Loose hinges or hardware

  • Damage around the tracks

  • Cracked or deteriorated seals

  • Sections that no longer sit correctly when the door closes

A small dent doesn’t always mean you need an entirely new garage door.

Depending on the door and the extent of the damage, individual components or panels may be repairable or replaceable.

On the other hand, if the door has significant damage, keeps requiring repairs or is simply reaching the end of its useful life, replacement may make more sense.

A local garage door company can help you compare the cost of garage door repair versus replacement rather than guessing. 

 

7. Think About How Well Your Garage Is Sealed Before Winter

We may not get months of bitter cold in Lubbock, but West Texas can still deliver some pretty dramatic temperature changes.

If your garage is attached to the house, a poorly sealed garage door can also affect how comfortable the rooms around it feel.

Check for obvious gaps around the closed door, damaged weather stripping and areas where outside air is getting in.

This can be especially worth addressing if you:

  • Spend time working in your garage

  • Have plumbing running through the garage

  • Use the garage for storage

  • Have living space above or beside it

  • Own an older, poorly insulated garage door

If you’re already considering replacing an older door, ask about insulated garage door options. The right choice depends on your garage, how you use it and what you want from the door.

 

When Should You Call a Garage Door Repair Company?

Not every squeak requires a service call.

But some garage door problems shouldn’t be ignored.

Call a professional if your garage door:

Won’t open or close:
There could be a problem with the springs, cables, opener, tracks, sensors or another component.

Has a broken spring:
Garage door spring replacement should be handled by a trained technician.

Is hanging crooked:
Stop using it until you know what’s causing the problem.

Has a loose or broken cable:
Cables are part of the system responsible for controlling a very heavy moving door.

Keeps reversing or stopping:
The problem could involve the safety sensors, opener or the door itself.

Has been damaged by wind, hail or an impact:
A damaged door may still move while putting additional stress on other components.

Is getting progressively louder:
Changing noises are often one of the first signs that something isn’t working the way it should.

Repair the Garage Door Now or Wait?

It’s easy to put off a garage door problem when the door technically still works.

The problem is that garage doors have a number of parts that work together. A worn or damaged component can put additional strain on the rest of the system.

If something suddenly sounds different, moves differently or doesn’t look right, September is a great time to deal with it.

You’ll have one less thing to worry about when the first West Texas cold front rolls through. 

 

Need Garage Door Repair in Lubbock?

If your garage door is making strange noises, won’t open or close, has a broken spring, needs new weather stripping or just doesn’t seem to be working the way it should, Overhead Door Company of Lubbock™ can help.

We’ve served Lubbock and surrounding West Texas communities for more than 70 years, providing garage door repair, installation and maintenance for local homeowners and businesses.

Whether you need a simple repair, a new garage door opener or help deciding whether it’s time to replace an older garage door, our local team can inspect the problem and recommend the right next step.

Schedule garage door repair in Lubbock today or call us at (806) 797-4141.

Your garage is more than just a place to store your car or tools; it’s an extension of your home and often houses valuable items. Unfortunately, garages can also be prime targets for thieves. Keeping your garage secure is crucial whether you use it for storage, DIY projects, or parking your vehicle. 

Here are some effective strategies to safeguard your garage from unwanted intrusions:

1. Upgrade to a Stronger Garage Door

Although very unlikely, an intruder could enter your garage by penetrating your garage door with a crowbar or other object. A garage door made of solid wood or thick insulated steel will offer you the most protection from this type of break-in. 

It is also important that your garage door is in good condition. A garage door with a bent panel or any other sign that it is off its track could signal an opportunity for thieves. Most local garage door companies have showrooms, so you can actually see and feel the material before you buy.

Are you not sure how much a new garage door costs? If you provide the material you are looking for and have the measurements of your garage door opening, you can get an exact quote today to replace your door.

Get a Quote to Upgrade Your Garage Door

2. Install Smart Locks or a Smart Garage Door Opener

Smart door lock systems aren’t just for front doors. Did you know you can get a smart garage door system? These garage door openers are equipped with smart built-in technology that connects to your iPhone or Android phone and allows you to open, close, or limit access to your garage door from anywhere. You can even get notifications when someone is opening your door. Smart garage door openers can also integrate with your home security system so you can monitor and secure your entire house from one app.

3. Secure/Cover Windows

Thieves usually don’t go in if they can’t see anything to steal. If your garage has windows, use frosted glass or a tint to prevent thieves from seeing into your garage in the first place. 

You should be careful about putting anything thick inside your garage door windows, like boards or curtains. This can add weight to the door or catch something when it is being operated. Some homeowners will also DIY windows by cutting their garage door panels themselves. This could impact the integrity of the steel and make it easier for a thief to break in. This is one reason it’s recommended to hire a professional when adding windows to your garage door.

4. Install Motion-Activated Lights

Thieves prefer darkness, so installing motion-sensor lights around your garage can be a deterrent. These sudden bursts of light can startle intruders and alert you or your neighbors. But if a burglar knows and wants whatever is in your garage, lighting alone isn’t an effective strategy to stop an unwanted guest from entering.

5. Keep Your Garage Organized and Utilize High Storage

Keeping your garage organized and utilizing storage may not stop a thief from entering, but it can minimize the likelihood that they will get away with valuable stuff. 

One of the main items thieves look for in a garage is expensive tools and equipment, which should be locked in cabinets or secured with chains and padlocks

If most of the items in your garage are stored in locked cabinets or on high shelving, it will be very difficult for a thief to access them and get away with your belongings quickly. 

If you don’t have room for locked cabinets, ceiling storage racks and mounts are great for making more space in your garage and keeping everything out of reach for an intruder.

6. Keep Your Garage Door Closed

You wouldn’t leave your front door wide open for hours, but it’s not uncommon for homeowners to leave their garage door open for long periods of time. 

As we’ve mentioned, thieves will typically scout out a home before they make a move. Not only are you giving them a peak at what you store in your garage, but they may notice you leave your garage door open at specific times of the day, allowing them to plan a robbery. 

If you don’t need to keep your garage door open, keep it closed. This is not only a good security measure but will also help keep your garage door clean of debris, like blowing leaves, and help maintain the temperature of your garage.

7. Use Security Cameras

Many burglars will still act even if there is a security camera, but installing a security camera inside and outside your garage can act as a deterrent for some, and more importantly, will record footage that provides valuable evidence in case of a break-in.  

Most burglars can see a camera outside your garage, but they may not expect one inside and, in some cases, may remove their face covering once inside. This is why having a camera inside the garage could also be a good idea.

8. Be Cautious with Garage Remote Controls

Many people clip their garage door remote to their car visors, but forgetting to lock your car gives a thief easy access to your garage. Consider using a keychain remote or keeping the remote hidden in your home. 

The easiest solution is to make it a habit to make sure your car is locked.

9. Install a Garage Door Lock

Some garage doors are manufactured with a locking mechanism, but if you don’t have a way to lock your garage door from the inside, you may want to look into getting a sliding side lock. Sliding side locks are similar to deadbolt locks you would use on a regular door but are mounted to your garage door frame, and the locking mechanism slides through the metal track to secure your door.

If you have a garage door opener, and it’s connected correctly, then opening your door manually from the outside shouldn’t be possible. If you don’t have a garage door opener or your opener is disconnected, you should have some way to lock your door. Even if you have a garage door opener, having a lock can add an extra layer of security to your door.

10. Get Regular Maintenance and Checks

Regularly inspect your garage door, locks, and security systems for any signs of wear or tampering, and promptly address any issues. If you are unsure how to do this, hire a professional garage door repair company.

They can also recommend security solutions for your garage door system. 

SCHEDULE REPAIR OR INSPECTION TODAY

Implement These Strategies and Educate

Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance the security of your garage and protect your belongings from theft. It’s also important to ensure everyone in your household understands the importance of garage security. Teach them how to properly use and secure garage doors and entry points, and make it a habit to close the garage door.

Investing in security measures can save you from the stress and inconvenience of dealing with a break-in later. Stay vigilant and prioritize the safety of your home and garage.