The door leading from your garage into your home should be as secure as any other door in your house. This can be accomplished by installing a deadbolt and ensuring that the door is properly locked.

Also, change the code on your keypad on a regular basis, to limit the probability of someone learning it and using it for malicious purposes.

Check the Deadbolt

If you live in a neighborhood with homes that have garage doors leading into the home, it is very important to make sure that these are secured the same as if they were doors to the main part of the house. This means that you should have deadbolt locks installed, and you should lock them when you are away from home. This helps to deter burglars because it takes a lot of time and effort to break down a door with a deadbolt, so they may give up and leave before they can be caught.

It is also important to keep in mind that a garage door is much more effective when it is completely closed, so you should make sure that the lock on your door is set to fully shut when you are using it. Some people have their garage doors set to only be partially open or closed and this can make it easy for burglars to gain access to your home.

Another tip that is very important to remember is to change the code on your garage door opener on a regular basis. This helps to deter thieves because they may not know your current code, and you will be able to tell them that it isn’t a valid one anymore.

You should also be careful about what you put inside your garage, and try not to store anything that is too close to the door or in the way of the door closing. This can prevent the sensor lenses from working correctly and cause your garage door to open when it shouldn’t.

A good idea is to purchase a garage door that has built-in safety features such as sensors that are programmed to detect any obstructions or changes in the track, and they will stop or reverse the motion of the door until it is clear. This can help to keep your family safe and can also save you from a costly repair bill.

It is also a good idea to install a service door on your garage, and a deadbolt that will go with it. This will help to deter burglars because it will take a lot more effort to break down this type of door, and you can always add a strong, sturdy lock to the service door for an extra level of protection.

Check the Tracks

If the garage door’s tracks aren’t aligned properly, it can cause the door to wobble when opening and closing. This is a serious safety concern, so you should always check your garage door’s tracks and adjust them if needed.

Fortunately, this is a relatively easy DIY project that you can do on your own without needing the help of a professional. First, loosen the bolts that secure each track to its lower track bracket using a wrench. Then, move the track up or down until there’s only a quarter-inch gap between the track and the stop molding of your garage door. Make sure the gap is uniform on both sides of your garage door before tightening the bolts again.

Next, inspect the rollers for signs of rust and debris. If your track is noisy or making grating sounds, it’s likely because the rollers are worn out and need replacing. Be sure to lubricate them afterward to avoid friction and further wear.

It’s also important to keep the garage door sensor clean and clear of anything that could interfere with its operation. Burglars and thieves are opportunistic, and they’ll be more interested in stealing items that are visible or easy to grab. Make sure that the sensor is not being blocked or obstructed by any objects, especially cars. You can also prevent the sensor from being accidentally activated by keeping it out of reach of children.

Many DIYers try to fix a noisy garage door by simply adjusting its pulleys or cables. These are the parts that connect the door to its high-tension springs, so if they’re wearing out, you’ll want to replace them as soon as possible to ensure that the garage door operates smoothly.

It’s also a good idea to inspect the mounting brackets that hold the tracks to your walls for loose screws and bolts. The vibrations caused by opening and shutting the garage door can loosen these components, which can pose a serious safety hazard for your family. While you can easily tighten loose bolts yourself, it’s a good idea to have a professional look at any problems that require major part replacement or are beyond your ability to fix.

Check the Lights

While we all remember to lock our front door, back door and windows before leaving for work or going to sleep, many homeowners forget that their garage doors can be an easy entry point for burglars. Luckily, a few quick upgrades can make your home more secure and discourage burglars from targeting it.

Adding a deadbolt to your garage door is one of the best ways to make it more difficult for a burglar to break in. The additional security measure is inexpensive and simple to install, so there is no excuse for not doing it.

Another easy way to increase the security of your garage is to add a light. Having an exterior light is important for your safety and security, especially if you are working in the garage after dark. If you do decide to install a light, consider getting a motion-sensor model. This will ensure that the lights only turn on when someone is nearby.

If your garage is a common entry point for you and your family, consider installing a keypad. Having an extra keypad can also be a good idea, especially if you frequently have deliveries delivered to the garage. By connecting your myQ account to Amazon, you can even track in-garage delivery so that you know exactly when a package is arriving.

A garage door’s sensors are designed to prevent the door from closing on people, pets and cars. To test the sensors, simply place an object such as a box in the path of the sensor. If the sensors detect the obstruction and reverse the door, the system is working correctly.

Another thing you should check regularly is the tension of your garage door springs and cables. You should inspect the wires for rust, bends and frayed strands. If you see any, it is a good idea to contact a professional garage door service company for a safety inspection.

It’s important to keep up with the regular maintenance on your garage doors in order to avoid expensive repairs. While you may be able to fix certain parts, such as the opener motor, it is always a good idea to call a professional to help you determine what is wrong and how to repair it.

Check the Motor

It’s important to check the motor on your garage door at least once a year. This process can be dangerous, but it’s also necessary to ensure the safety of everyone inside your home. A faulty garage door system can be very dangerous, especially to young children and pets. It can become stuck, causing them to get trapped and potentially injure themselves. It can also wear out the motor and cause further damage to the system.

A quick visual inspection of the motor and the cables can help you identify potential issues. Look for any signs of fraying, rust, or bent ends in the cables. If you notice any of these issues, you should call a professional for a garage door service company to replace the cable.

Another thing that you should do regularly is to test the sensor system. The system is designed to stop closing when it detects an object in its path. You can test the sensor by placing an object, such as a box or piece of wood, in the door’s path while the system is operating. If the sensor works correctly, the system should reverse and avoid damaging your object.

You should also test the force settings of the down close and up open sensors to make sure they are set properly. You can do this by following the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you need to adjust the force settings, make small adjustments and retest the sensors.

Keeping the metal parts of your garage door lubricated can also prevent wear and tear. You should lubricate the springs, rollers, and hinges on a regular basis with a silicone-based lubricant. It is a good idea to clean the area before applying the lubricant.

It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect the garage door for any signs of damage, dents, or scratches. A quick cleaning of the door with soap and water can help keep it looking nice. If you find a dent, you can repair it by covering the damaged area with aluminum foil pressed tightly to the shape of the dent. You can then heat the foil with a hot plate or hair dryer to melt it into place.