7 Garage Door Security Tips Every Texas Homeowner Should Know

Why Your Garage Door Is a Security Risk

According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, garages are involved in approximately 9% of all residential burglaries. In Texas, where detached garages and large suburban homes are common, this risk is even higher. The good news: most garage security vulnerabilities are easy and inexpensive to fix.

7 Security Tips to Protect Your Texas Home

1. Never Leave the Remote in Your Car

Your garage door remote is essentially a key to your home. Leaving it in an unlocked car — even in your own driveway — is a serious risk. Use a keychain remote instead, or better yet, switch to a smartphone-based opener that can't be stolen.

2. Install a Deadbolt on the Interior Door

The door connecting your garage to your home should have a solid core construction and a deadbolt lock. Many builders install hollow-core doors here — upgrade it if yours is hollow.

3. Use a Garage Door Lock Bar

For added security at night or when you're away for extended periods, install a sliding lock bar on the inside of the door track. This physically prevents the door from being opened even if someone has your remote code.

4. Upgrade to Rolling Code Technology

Older garage door openers use a fixed code that can be captured with a code grabber. Modern openers use rolling code technology (also called Security+) that generates a new code with every use. If your opener is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading.

5. Install a Smart Opener with Alerts

Smart garage door openers like the LiftMaster myQ send you a smartphone notification every time your garage opens or closes. You can also close the door remotely if you forgot to close it. This is one of the most effective security upgrades available.

6. Secure the Emergency Release

The red emergency release cord can be triggered from outside the door using a wire hook through the top seal gap. Install a zip tie or cable lock through the release lever to prevent this attack while still allowing you to use it in a real emergency.

7. Keep Your Garage Well-Lit

Motion-activated lights inside and outside the garage are a powerful deterrent. Burglars avoid well-lit areas. Install LED motion lights above the garage door and inside the garage near the entry door.

Free Security Assessment

Texas Garage Door Pros offers a free security assessment with every service call. Our technicians will identify vulnerabilities and recommend cost-effective upgrades to keep your family safe.