Garage Door Locks - how they add additional security
Many people aren't aware that they can add garage door locks and use them to increase their home protection and security.
Why Garage Door Locks?
You may be wondering; it's a garage; what's the big deal? Go take a peek inside your home's garage and notice what you see. Of course every residential garage is different according to the occupant's needs, but basically the same items can be generally found in these car parking spaces.
Start with transportation. You have at least one car and possible more parked in there. Now, add ATVs, bicycles, golf carts, motorcycle(s) and maybe even a riding lawn mower! Add up the value of these vehicles alone and you can see that we are talking about some real value.
Keep looking; what else is noticeable? You might notice hot water heaters, water conditioners, garden supplies, tables, paint, storage cabinets, shelves, lawn furniture, tools, work benches and lots more! Do you see all that value adding up? Even if you don't; a crook can and will! Accessing a residential garage is not hard and can yield quite a treasure for someone who wants to steal or vandalize your belongings.
Burglar Heaven!
Were you aware that many homes are broken into with no one really noticing? All the crook had to do was access the garage by any number of means, and then close the door.
Don't Panic!
This post is written to inform you; not make you panic. There are simple and affordable steps that you can take to make your garage and home less susceptible to unwanted visitors and robbers. Let's start with the outside of your home. Clear away any clutter outside. Not only will your property look better and be less of a fire hazard but your neighbors will quit giving you the stink eye whenever they see you. Seriously though, clutter outside the home practically invites crime. Trim over-grown tree branches, hedges, garden growth and remove boards, trash piles and barbeque equipment. You don't need to have someone hiding behind those things waiting to make their move or even watching you and your loved one's actions!
Garage Door Locks!
Adding some locks to your garage door(s) can work wonders for your peace of mind and security. There are many lock choices and brands available so be sure to do your homework and check out the right ones for your needs and budget. If your first instinct is to go "as cheap as possible" stop and consider for a moment the value of the things we mentioned above that you are trying to protect. Try to look at adding locks to your garage door as an investment in your overall protection and not as just another expense.
Do It Yourself
Many people like to be the handyman around the house and if your time and ambitions allow this, you might consider adding your garage door locks yourself. Before you start, do a quick check and make sure that your rollers, tracks, hinges and the garage door itself are clean and working properly. Some lock types to consider include:
T-Handled Lock - this garage door lock is all metal and is used with an interior swivel lock handle. You can also use this lock on mobile home doors and recreational vehicles.
Deadbolt Lock and Key Cylinder - if your garage door has a locking hub; this may be the lock for you. Its key cylinder has a locking tumbler piece and all parts including the plates, fasteners and mounting hardware are made of sturdy metal.
Deadbolt V7651 Lock - this lock is highly resistant to burglars because its 2 inch lock cylinder is installed on the exterior while the actual lock body is installed on the inside and it has a locking bar that is almost 4 inches long.
There are many other styles and designs of garage door locks so it's best to do some research online or in home improvement stores and see what is best for your needs. Don't be afraid to ask questions and to check reviews and comments. Keep in mind that people tend to not comment on forums and reviews when happy. It's when they are not pleased with the hardware or the brand that you really hear about it. The smart way to get all of your garage door lock questions answered is to simply call an experienced and fully certified residential locksmith shop like ours. Virginia Beach Locksmith offers a huge line of garage door locks to fit any size or material of garage door. Rates are affordable and we even offer free consultations! What a great way to get all of your questions answered and any concerns you have addressed!