Home security is important stuff. Peace of mind is important. Your home is your inner sanctuary and it deserves to be protected. Punching numbers into your home security keypad makes you feel secure but what about the garage? The garage is one of the weakest links in your home security setup. It’s time to learn about the different types of overhead door protection.
Types of Overhead Doors
Canopy Overhead Doors
Canopy garage doors usually tip up and don’t have sections. They are constructed of one solid piece and have a pivoting hinge that allows them to tilt up into the garage. The canopy door sits near the garage ceiling and extends past the front of the house when the door is opened.Retractable Overhead Doors
Similar to the canopy overhead door, the retractable door lifts up and into the garage. These doors are hung separately from the frame so they do not extend past the front of the house. Retractable doors require more space than canopy doors. While some homeowners prefer this type of door, they are more difficult to operate and are usually more expensive.Roll-Up Overhead Doors
Roll-up overhead doors are used more in commercial applications than in residential. They are used extensively in areas where high winds are expected. Some of the newer roll-up doors can withstand hurricane strength winds. Due to the heavy-duty construction of these doors, the upfront costs are much higher than most other types of overhead doors.Side-Hinge Overhead Doors
Side-Hinge overhead doors are basically an oversize door similar to most other household doors. They are hung by hinges on the side and are mounted to the garage door frame. These doors are becoming more popular in suburban neighborhoods due to the vast selection of materials, colors, and styles. They are considered more stylish than the common sectional overhead door.
This type of door is especially for convenient for garages with limited space or no overhead area to mount tracks for roll-up or sectional doors. Side-hinge doors can be fitted with an electric swing arm to automatically open the door with the user of a remote control.
Slide -to-Side Overhead Doors
Slide-to- side garage doors operate exactly how the name suggests. They are most commonly used in areas with little to no headroom for a roll-up or sectional overhead door. Many modern slide-to-side doors have a motor that automatically moves the door along the track.Overall Garage Protection
When formulating the plan for your overall garage protection, consider the following recommendations:
- Install motion-sensor lights near all points of entry including windows and doors
- Trim shrubs or trees that might provide a hiding spot for burglars
- Reorganize your belongings so valuables aren’t in plain sight when you open or close the front garage door
- If you have the remote for the garage door opener clipped on your car visor, make sure the car is LOCKED when it’s in the driveway
- Don’t hide spare keys in obvious spots like under a mat or in a flower pot
- For hidden rear doors that are out of sight, consider installing a dead bolt that can only be locked and unlocked from the INSIDE
Zip Ties As Overhead Door Protection
Some ill-informed "experts" recommend securing the emergency release mechanism on an electric garage door opener with a zip tie. This is foolish and against UL code. If you really need to get out of the garage in a hurry, the last thing you want is to be running around trying to find something to cut the zip tie.
We will not provide further information on this dangerous practice other than to say DO NOT USE A ZIP TIE TO SECURE AN ELECTRIC GARAGE DOOR OPENER.
The Garage Shield
The Garage Shield should be an integral part of your overhead door protection plan, especially if you have an electric door opener. Without the unit, burglars may be able to gain access to your garage in just a few seconds.
The Garage Shield is easy to install and takes just a few minutes. It allows for normal use of the emergency cord, which is critical if you need to get out of the garage during an emergency or power outage.
Be sure to check out THE GARAGE SHIELD. It provides an added layer of security as well as peace-of-mind against garage break-ins.
