Keeping your garage secure is essential. It’s the perfect place for thieves to go unnoticed. But how do you prevent that from happening? With a garage door security system, of course! However, even with these systems, burglars remain undeterred. Some security companies report that the recent rise in break-ins has been due to homes with garage doors featuring manual operators rather than automatic ones. Fortunately, most modern garage doors come with an integrated security system. This means that you get some added benefits without any additional installation costs or the need for special tools or skills. These security systems are becoming more common as burglars find that homes with manual garage doors are easier targets than those with automatic ones. But what does this mean for you? Let’s take a look at five things you should know about tricking your garage door security system so as to protect your home and its belongings better!
How To Trick Garage Door Sensors
Determine your needs
Before you even start shopping around for a new garage door opener or security system, you need to decide what you’ll be using it for. If you have a large family, you might need a system that can monitor multiple people at once, for example. You may even want one with a remote control option to help you avoid false alarms. However, if you live alone, a smaller system may be enough. If you have a detached garage, then you’ll want to make sure that the system is installed properly so that it can communicate with the main system. If you live in an apartment or condo, you may need a different system that doesn’t involve drilling.
Know Your Motion Detectors
Most garage door security systems come with some form of motion detection. These sensors are designed to pick up on any sort of movement in the area, indoors and out. If they detect something, they’ll send a signal to the control panel to open the garage door. Some systems also allow you to choose whether to close the door as well. This can be useful in cases where you want to let a visitor in but don’t want them to know where your car is parked. Just be sure to check the manual to see if the sensors are adjustable. If not, you may need to reposition the garage door opener. If you don’t want to rely on the motion sensors, you can also use a door or wall switch. This is a small panel that you can install anywhere in your garage so that you can open the door manually. It’s useful if you have something too large to fit through the door, or if you need to let someone in who doesn’t have a remote.
Stay Up to Date on Security Protocols
When you buy a new security system, you’re probably excited to get it installed and start using it. However, this is also the time to start keeping up with security protocols. For example, most security companies will change their encryption protocols from time to time to combat evolving threats. You may have to get a new garage door opener to ensure that it’s compatible with the new system. If you don’t, you may find that your system is less efficient and more prone to false alarms. Fortunately, most companies will send you a notice when it’s time to update your system.
Change your code
As soon as you’ve installed your new garage door opener, you should change the code. This is essential because it’s easy to trick security systems once you know how they work. If you don’t change the code, a burglar could easily open the garage door and gain access to the rest of your home. You may want to change the code periodically in the future as well. This will keep your system as secure as possible. If you’re worried that you’ll forget the code, you can program the opener to require a certain leg movement pattern to open it.
Check the Batteries
Batteries in garage door openers can drain over time, and if you don’t check them, your security system could end up being less reliable. You could end up with false alarms, delayed notifications, and potential issues with the signal strength. Ideally, you should inspect the batteries and replace them once a year. If a system requires batteries, then you can easily check and replace them yourself without having to hire a professional. Other systems may not require batteries, but they can still be helpful if you’re hearing false alarms. Your system may be picking up interference from other sources, such as nearby radio towers. If you hear a beeping noise while you’re testing your system, this may be the cause. You can use the remote to shut it off and test your system again.
Utilize a Keyfob or Remote
Some garage security systems require you to open and close the door manually. While this is more secure, it can be inconvenient, especially if you work away from home and need to keep coming back to open the door. Luckily, you can add a remote that lets you control your system from anywhere. You may need to purchase the remote separately, though most systems come with the wiring pre-installed. You can also use a keyfob to control your garage door. Some systems come with an integrated keypad that you can use to open and close the door as well as set up the system.
Check your sensors
If your security system has sensors on your windows and doors, make sure that they’re working properly. If you notice that a sensor is damaged or broken, you should replace it promptly. What If a sensor isn’t working? This could be a sign that something is wrong with your security system. You can check your system remotely using your smartphone to see if it’s showing any faults. If there are issues, you can contact the security company to get them fixed as soon as possible. These sensors are essential because they tell your system when it’s safe to open the garage door. If they’re not working, you could end up with false alarms, or your system won’t know when it’s safe to close the garage door. This could be dangerous if you have small children or pets who might try to go through the door.
Add a manual lock
Many garage security systems are installed with a manual lock as well as an electric one. This can be helpful if you want to open the door without triggering the sensors. If you want to make it even safer, you can replace the manual lock with a motorized one. This will make it impossible for someone to open the door manually, even if they have the code. You can replace the lock yourself, and it’s a relatively cheap solution. If you have a detached garage, you may want to consider adding a lock to the door that leads to the house as well. This will prevent anyone from entering your garage without setting off the sensors.
Install a motorized door
If you plan to keep your manual garage door opener, you can upgrade it to a motorized door. This will make your system more secure as well as easier to use. You can choose between a two-piece or three-piece door. A two-piece is ideal if your garage is above ground. However, if your garage is below ground, you’ll want a three-piece door. Before you install a motorized door, you need to make sure that your garage is strong enough to support it. You also need to purchase the right brackets for your model. You may need to do some electrical work as well.
Summing Up
It’s easy to get caught up in making your garage more secure, but you also need to consider your windows and doors. You can install security bars on your windows to stop burglars from entering through them. You can also install a security gate or door at your front entrance. These are relatively inexpensive ways to increase your home security. They also don’t require a lot of effort on your part. All that’s required is a little bit of research and some care with your choice of products.
