The Case for Adding Physical Locks to Your Electronic Garage Door

28 June 2019
 Categories: , Blog


The garage door is probably the most vulnerable part of your house. If not well secured, it can serve as a convenient entry point for burglars. You probably already have an electronic garage door. If you think that's enough, think again. Below, we explain why you need to consider an extra lock for your garage.

Digital Codes Can Be Unlocked

Garage door openers that use static digital codes offer enhanced security. However, static digital code doors can easily be decoded when a burglar drives by and steals your code using a scanner or code grabber.

Your code can also be stolen from your car. Most drivers will leave their codes on after locking the garage. They then leave their remote in the car. This code can easily be stolen at a car wash or when using valet parking services. Door openers with rolling codes offer better security than door openers with static codes, but contrary to what you may think, they can still be tampered with.

Burglars Can Break in Through Your Emergency Release

Automatic doors are fitted with an emergency release mechanism. This mechanism allows you to open the door manually in case you lose or misplace your door opener. Unfortunately, burglars can use the same mechanism to open your garage door and access your home, using a simple coat hanger.

They will kick the bottom of the door to create space above the garage door. They then insert a wire with a hook through the space. They will then fish for the emergency release latch and open the door.

Disabling the Door Opener Doesn't Always Work

Some people suggest that you disable the automatic door opener and only use the emergency release to access your garage. Unfortunately, disabling the door opener will not do if the burglar gains access to the garage from inside your house.

Get an Extra Lock

So you see, automatic door openers are not 100% fool-proof. What is the solution? The best solution is to add an extra lock on your garage door. Also, consider adding a lock between your garage and your house. Your locksmith will advise you on the best locks and install them for you.

When you are away from home for prolonged periods of time, your home is more likely to get burgled. You do not want to always have to worry when you take those business trips, or when away on vacation. An extra physical lock will give you the much-needed peace of mind to focus on your business or vacation.


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