The garage is vulnerable for three main reasons: it often holds valuable items, it provides sheltered access to the house, and its security mechanisms are frequently outdated. Here are the top three vulnerabilities thieves exploit—and what Dr. Garage Door can do to fix them.
Vulnerability 1: The Manual Release Trick
This is the fastest, simplest method of illegal entry. An opportunist uses a coat hanger or similar tool inserted between the top of the garage door and the frame to snag the manual emergency release cord (the red cord). Once pulled, the thief can lift the door manually.
- The Security Fix: Secure the emergency cord. For added holiday garage security Central Florida, remove the red handle (or cut a few inches off the cord) when you leave on vacation, or use a zip tie to secure the release lever to the opener carriage, which prevents it from being pulled by a hook while still allowing manual use from the inside.
Vulnerability 2: Outdated Openers and Remotes
If your opener is more than 10 years old, it likely uses a fixed code system. Thieves can “read” this code with cheap equipment, or even use an old remote frequency from a neighboring house. Furthermore, leaving an old remote clipped to your visor in an unattended car is essentially leaving a key to your house.
- The Security Fix: Upgrade your opener. Modern smart openers use rolling code technology, which generates a new, encrypted code every time the door is used, making code theft impossible. We specialize in replacing outdated openers with the latest, most secure systems. You can read more about these modern features in our article on Smart Garage Doors.
Vulnerability 3: The Weak Physical Barrier
Older, unreinforced doors, especially those with windows, can be forced or punctured more easily than you think. Once a thief creates a small hole, they can manually reach in, unlock the door, or trigger the manual release.
- The Security Fix: Consider a replacement door. If your door is thin, warped, or damaged, it’s a security risk. A modern, multi-layer steel door provides significantly greater resistance against physical intrusion. If a full replacement isn’t needed, you can reinforce existing doors with vertical struts for better protection against high winds and forced entry—a critical part of maintaining holiday garage security Central Florida while you’re away.
Your Holiday Security Checklist
Before you travel for the holidays, ensure you take these steps to maximize your holiday garage security Central Florida:
- Unplug Your Opener: If traveling for extended periods, simply unplugging the opener guarantees no electrical signal can activate it.
- Lock the Pass Door: Always deadbolt the interior door connecting the garage to your home.
- Reprogram Remotes: Clear all codes from your opener’s memory if you suspect a remote has been stolen or lost.
Ready to Secure Your Home Before You Travel?
Don’t let the holidays be ruined by preventable theft. Invest in the security of your garage door system. Contact Dr. Garage Door today to schedule a full security inspection or an opener replacement consultation.
Contact us here: https://garagedoorsofcentralflorida.com/contact-us
