Protecting Your Garage: Lock Types and Other Measures
Homeowners need to take certain measures to protect their garages. Most of the time, garages house valuable items such as our vehicles, tools, equipment, and other assets we want to keep protected.
Ensuring that you take the right precautions and safeguards are in place will help guarantee that the items in your garage remain in your possession. The following article will detail the kind of locks you should use to secure your garage, as well as other security measures you can take to keep your garage protected around-the-clock.
A Note About Automatic Garage Doors
If you have an automatic garage door, chances are, you will not want to use the two lock types listed below. Automatic garage doors have built-in locking features that typically make the locks below unnecessary to install.
There may be some circumstances where you may want added security, such as when you leave home for extended periods of time. However, for the most part, you will want to refrain from using them since they can damage the garage door motor if they are left locked and you try to operate the garage door. If you are unsure what kind of locks you should use and when, be sure to speak to a locksmith or garage door expert.
T-Handle Locks
T-handle locks are the most popular kind of lock type for manual garage doors. They sit in the center of the garage door near the bottom. The lock gets its name because it is shaped like a letter ‘t’ with the bottom part of the ‘t’ connected to the garage and the top portion sticking out to create a handle. In the center of the handle is a key slot that allows homeowners to lock and unlock their garages when it is in a down position.
These locks are easy to use and do a great job of securing garages. Without having to install a bunch of heavy hardware, homeowners can rest easy knowing their garage and the assets inside are protected. You may need help with the initial installation of a t-handle lock, so be sure to call a professional for assistance.
Slide Locks
Unlike t-handle locks, slide locks go on the inside of your garage door as opposed to the outside. You will only want to install this type of lock if your garage door has an alternative exit, such as a doorway leading outside or into your home.
Slide locks for garage doors work much like the slide locks you may have seen installed for interior doors inside homes, except they are much larger and sturdier. Depending on your needs, choosing either a slide lock, a t-handle lock, or a combination of both is sure to keep your garage protected.
Deadbolts for Entry Doors
If you have any doors that lead to and from your garage, always ensure that these doors are kept locked with deadbolts. Homeowners that make the mistake of only have a knob lock on these doors may be putting their security at risk.
Your garage is often a place where intruders will first look in an attempt to break into your home. With deadbolt locks, you can guarantee that these entryways will be more difficult to break-in through. If you have a garage that is attached to your home, you will especially want to make sure that a deadbolt lock is on the door leading to and from the garage.
An intruder could easily make their way into your home by breaking into your garage and bypassing a knob lock or weaker lock to get inside your home.
Other Security Measures to Take
In addition to the locks on your garage, you will want to take other security measures to protect your garage, assets, home, and loved ones. The following measures are affordable, easily installed, and can make a big difference when it comes to your overall security. Consider how the following installations may help increase your overall safety.
- Add Exterior Lighting
If the exterior of your home is not well lit, this may make you an easy target for a home invasion. Bright lights act as a great deterrent to criminals that may be tempted to break-in to your home. If you haven’t already, be sure to install floodlights or other forms of exterior lighting. You might even consider automatic or motion-detecting lights that only shine when movement is detected.
- Cover Up Windows
If you have any windows in your garage, be sure to keep them covered with curtains or blinds. If criminals can see inside of your garage, they are more likely to try to break-in. If you can conceal these items, there is a chance that intruders will be less likely to attempt to break-in.
- Install Exterior Surveillance Cameras
If you are especially worried about keeping your garage secure or you simply want to take as many security measures as possible to protect your property, you may want to consider installing security cameras of some kind. As these devices have become more popular in recent years for homeowners to install, there is no doubt you will be able to find an affordable model that fits both your budget and needs.
Need Assistance with Your Garage Door Security in West Lake?
If you live in the Westlake, OH area and need help installing or replacing locks for your garage, give Westlake Locksmith a call! We can help replace your current locks and install new ones that better suit your needs. Our locksmiths have worked with countless homeowners in the area to help increase their garage security and protect their homes.
In addition to our residential locksmith services, we also offer commercial, automotive, and emergency lock and key replacements, upgrades, installations, repairs, and more. Westlake Locksmith is available 24-hours a day to assist with lockouts, emergency replacements, break-in repairs, and other issues with your security that you need addressed immediately. Call now for immediate assistance in Westlake!
