Many of us are diligent when it comes to locking up our homes, but it is often the garage that can serve as the most vulnerable access point in security.
Choosing the right door can be a challenge as the sheer variety can leave you wondering which door better suits your needs.
In this guide, we’ll navigate you through our knowledge of garage door types and additional security features.
Choosing a Garage Door
Your garage is where you will store some of your prized belongings; from your car, bicycle, or all of your tools and hardware. Aesthetic appeal is alluring, but if you are serious about protecting your possessions, then security should be the most crucial factor.
Specifying and installing a high-quality, security-enhanced and certified garage door is the best way to combat attempted break-ins. A key consideration is what material the door will be made from, and there are several materials for you to choose from – ranging from solid timber, GRP, aluminium and steel.
There is no best door material – each has its advantages and disadvantages. You will need to consider which garage door composition best suits your security needs (some types of doors are dependent on space and preference).
Types of Garage Doors & Security Features
Side-hinged Garage Door
Also known as side openings or ‘swing’ garage doors, these (as the name suggests) are garage doors hinged at the sides. They are popular in terms of aesthetics and sturdiness but offer great performance in security, insulation and easy daily use. They nearly always open outwards because if they don’t, they may swing into your vehicle.
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Security: High levels of security due to their construction – particularly the insulated models Unique & Attractive Look: Doors made of timber can offer a beautiful finish with natural graining that cannot be recreated in any other material/steel doors give off a sleek and aesthetically pleasing look Locking Systems: Multiple robust locking systems can be installed to give stronger protection and maximise security:
Accessibility: Ideal for when the garage is shared between vehicle and pedestrian use, or for those with accessibility or mobility concerns If required, the door can open a third, or half of the way on one side, making this a unique benefit so you do not have to open the door all the way, giving easy access to the contents of your garage. Also, a viable solution if your garage sees high foot traffic Low Maintenance, Good Insulation & High Weather Resistance: Timber doors have excellent insulation (insulated steel is also an option) and are a sustainable material for the environment GRP doors offer canopy styles for limited headroom and side room applications and high resistance to harsh weather conditions |
Lock Reminder: It is important to ensure that multiple locking mechanisms are used to maximise safety and security from brute force attacks. Forgetting to lock them can make them prime targets for burglars Not Easily Upgradable: These doors are more awkward and costly to upgrade into an electrically operated/automated garage door |
Up and Over Garage Door
The ‘up and over’ garage door operates as you would expect – the door smoothly slides up and over the entryway and tucks flat against the ceiling. These are the simplest and fastest to install, or easiest when replacing an existing ‘up and over’ door, due to it being a long-established and reliable design.
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Simple Design/Smooth Operation: Suitable for most applications and for a range of different garage sizes Construction: A door with a steel subframe and a four-point locking system will make for a more secure and stronger garage door – all provided that the door panel is of a box section construction, uses steel locking rods (used instead of cables and makes it harder to compromise the locks from the outside) and a euro profile cylinder system is fitted. Tidiness: The canopy door’s lack of internal tracking is useful for keeping the garage interior neat and tidy to avoid obstacles, such as pipework or shelving Installation: One of the easiest doors to install. Plus, a good option if no power is available. Maintenance Free: The retractable version involves no cables and is practically maintenance-free. Affordability: They tend to be cheaper than other types of garage doors. |
Extra Security Needed: You may need to augment security features – such as an alarm or garage door defender – or keep up with maintenance on your door to ensure the frame and panels remain in good condition. These doors are generally made from a single skin steel so are pretty easy to break into. Manual Operation: If the doors are not automated, they can be heavy to operate. Because the door opens outwards you won’t be able to park your car too close to the door, a disadvantage if you have a shorter driveway. Less Insulation: They are less well insulated than other alternatives and aren’t recommended for use if the garage is a habitable room |
Aluminium Roller Shutter
Roller shutter garage doors have neat and compact mechanisms that lift vertically upwards and roll around the opening into a box concealed at their head. Domestic roller shutters tend to be aluminium versions due to the high-quality corrosion-free metal, the aesthetic appeal, and the fact they run quieter than steel.
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Durability: Aluminium is generally resistant to corrosion and atmospheric damage. It also makes for quieter operation. Accessibility: Domestic roller shutters are generally automated as standard, making them an incredibly popular choice for those with accessibility concerns. Good Value: Single-skin doors are great value for money and are available in different sizes and garage widths. However, they do tend to be more expensive than their steel counterparts. Double-skinned options are still cost-effective but have greater energy-saving benefits. Protection: The interlocking curtain slats immediately pose a tough proposition for intruders and should deter most opportunist thieves. Attempting to cut through aluminium is also extremely difficult and very rarely attempted by criminals. It would require the use of a power tool that would usually be extremely loud and awkward to use. Easy Repair: If the slats are damaged, they can be replaced without the expense of removing the entire door Noise: Unlike their steel counterparts, as aluminium is a “softer” metal, it doesn’t tend to make as much noise when being operated or in the wind. Naturally corrosion resistance: Aluminium is a lot more resistant to corrosion than its steel counterparts by design. |
Cleaning: Since roller shutters have horizontal slats, they may be difficult to clean between the slats. Headroom: They require a certain level of headroom to accommodate the box that conceals the door once it’s open. However, they can generally roll “tighter” than their steel counterparts. Power Source: An automated/electric roller is convenient, but there may be instances where your door may lose power and will need to be manually opened in an emergency Manual Operation: The spring-assisted manual door is usually not the best option, as it can be difficult and cumbersome to bend down and operate the locking and handle |
Steel Roller Shutter
Steel roller shutters are the most common type of shutter, and probably the most cost-effective. Potentially too heavy and/or noisy to be used in a domestic setting.
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Security: If you opt for thicker (or double-skinned steel) this shutter is incredibly sturdy and hard-wearing. Durability: Ensure the steel is galvanised and powder coated if near the coast to ensure minimal risk of rusting. Accessibility: Domestic roller shutters are generally automated as standard, making them an incredibly popular choice for those with accessibility concerns. Good Value: Single-skin doors are great value for money and are available in different sizes and garage widths. Steel is often a cheaper option than aluminium too. Opt for twin skin insulated roller shutter if energy conservation is a concern. Protection: The interlocking curtain slats immediately pose a tough proposition for intruders and should deter most opportunist thieves. Attempting to cut through aluminium is also extremely difficult and very rarely attempted by criminals. It would require the use of a power tool that would usually be extremely loud and awkward to use. Easy Repair: If the slats are damaged, they can be replaced without the expense of removing the entire door. |
Heavy Operation: A manual steel roller shutter can become too heavy to operate (this is usually why it is required that the shutter be automated). Corrosion: Steel is naturally more susceptible to corrosion and rust. Rusting along the bottom section is particularly common in areas where excess salt is used for de-icing in the winter months. Powder Coating helps to mitigate against this. Noise: Unlike their aluminium counterparts, steel shutters “rattle” a lot more and so will be noisier in the wind and when in operation. Cleaning: Since roller shutters have horizontal slats, they are more difficult to clean between the slats. Headroom: They require a certain level of headroom to accommodate the box that conceals the door once it’s open. However, they can generally roll “tighter” than their steel counterparts. Power Source: An automated/electric roller is convenient, but there may be instances where your door may lose power and will need to be manually opened in an emergency. Manual Operation: The spring-assisted manual door is usually not the best option, as it can be difficult and cumbersome to bend down and operate the locking and handle. |
Sectional Garage Door
Sectional doors are similar to roller shutters, but the main difference is that they are made of separate sections that lift vertically and curve up into the ceiling space of the garage. Some say that the sectional doors are the engineer’s choice, and are frequently the best for security, efficient insulation/sealing, and total practicality.
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Optimum Security: Sturdy and reliable – sectional garage doors are one of the most secure doors available, given their excellent panel construction and guidance. The strong qualities, combined with a well-fitted electric motor, make this door incredibly difficult to penetrate by force or with tools. Their robust panels leave no obvious leverage points for intruders to take advantage of, discouraging them from attempting a break-in. Space-saving: Sectional doors open and close vertically, giving this type of door a space-saving edge (both above and to the sides of the door). Custom-made sectional doors are ideal for any type of garage that needs to maximise space and access. When fitted accurately, unlike other door types, it can fully utilise the height and width dimensions of garage door space. A useful trait for homeowners who have limited driveway space, or need large vehicle access. Insulation: Double-skin sectional doors are designed to give incredibly high U-value ratings (the scale for measuring heat insulation) and can therefore improve energy ratings. Weather Sealing: Effective weather sealing on all sides with rubber gaskets usually comes as standard. Operation: Whether manually or electrically operated, most decent sectional doors operate smoothly and produce low noise. Longevity: The construction facilitates operation that places little strain on the components of the door. As a result, these doors come with a long lifespan. Design: Sectional doors have a large range of designs to select, from classic Georgian cassette to horizontally ribbed. |
No Extra Space: Internal space is a slight issue, as a requirement for the doors is the headroom needed for the tracks. As the door slides into the ceiling space of the garage, it is not possible to use the roof as extra storage space Pricey: These types of doors are generally more expensive than the alternatives listed here. |
Electric Vs Manual
Each type of door has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Electrically operated doors are largely popular due to their convenience, and aesthetic appeal, and don’t require a user-operated chain or pulley system (although they nearly all come with a manual override in the event of a power failure or emergency). Basic models are also considered more secure than their basic manual counterparts as the break in the motor acts as a natural locking mechanism that can’t be “picked”.
Electric Garage Doors
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(Photocells, also called ‘electric eyes’ or ‘photo eye sensors’, are little camera-like boxes located about six inches above the ground on either side of the garage door. They work by sending an invisible infra-red beam across the door opening) |
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Security: The locking action of an automated door offers higher levels of security and makes them tougher to gain access to than most basic locking options on manual doors. This is because an intruder would either need to get access to the remote or fight against the natural break in the motor rather than picking or burning a lock. Ease of Operation: Easy and reliable to operate with security features built-in, improving access. They are designed so that the locks are actuated by the motor, and can be locked or unlocked at the press of a button. Convenience: Automation is more convenient. Raising and lowering your garage door can be done at the push of a button and with minimal effort. This can bypass the hassle of getting out of your car to open the door and is a useful feature for those with disabilities or mobility issues. |
Potential Security Issue: This issue applies to roller shutters that are face-fixed externally to the aperture (sometimes a necessity due to unavailable space inside the garage). If you have the manual override installed, someone could take the canopy off and manually crank it up. That said, winding up the shutter does take a lot of time and would be pretty obvious. Power Supply: You would need to ensure there is power to your garage. Maintenance: An electric door requires more maintenance and servicing than a regular door due to the motor. |
Manual Garage Door
Manual garage doors are generally less expensive than their electrical counterparts. Standard key-operated manual locks are adequate for garages that are filled with inexpensive or valueless items. If you store anything of particular worth, added layers of security should be considered.
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Budget: They are usually a cheaper, more budget-friendly alternative to electric doors. The less complex design will reduce the cost to install and maintain. Conversion: Most manual garage doors can be upgraded to an electric option later if you wish. Less To Go Wrong: Manual roller shutters will work in power outages and never have the potential risk of a motor failure. |
Operation: The biggest drawback is the manual operation of the door. There is nothing convenient about having to get out of your car and physically lift the garage door open. It may be too physically demanding to use, especially for elderly homeowners Extra Security Needed: For most types of manual door, additional locks will need to be installed to provide higher security. Older models of doors come with limited security features. The construction of the garage door panel, and how well it is installed will dictate how secure it is |
How are Garage Doors Broken Into?
There are numerous ways in which an intruder will try to break into your garage. Ultimately it will depend entirely on the type of garage door you have installed, but these are some common methods used to break in:
Brute Force
While not particularly elegant, it is more effective against older doors with noticeable gaps around the edges, weak locking systems, or signs of poor maintenance.
Crowbar
By utilising accessible leverage points at the sides or bottom, a well-aimed crowbar can be used to prise the door open. This is a widely used method of gaining entry into standard single-skin or wooden garage doors.
Kick and Slide
If your garage door is a single-skin metallic ‘up and over door’, burglars can easily gain access by giving it a hard kick around the bottom middle of the door. The kick will dent the metal which can then be prised open for them to slide underneath.
Lock Picking And Blowtorch Burglary
Some doors (especially uPVC side doors or garage swing doors) will likely use a type of lock called a euro profile cylinder lock. They will come in various designs with varying degrees of security, but standard versions can be picked, snapped or ‘melted’ out with a blowtorch to gain access
Car Jack
If you’ve got a roller shutter or an up and over door and there is a slight gap at the bottom, a car jack can be rolled under and cranked to push the curtain up. Sometimes there won’t already be a gap but a thief will create one with a crowbar.
Cutting
Thieves may attempt to gain entry by cutting through the door. For most decent garage doors this will require some sort of electric power tool so, unless your garage is in a remote location, this is generally rare.
Ram Raid
This method involves criminals driving vehicles into the door and smashing through it. Again, unless your door is somewhere remote, this is rare.
Pulling the Emergency Latch
Also known as ‘fishing’. Intruders can easily exploit the emergency latch of older up-and-over or manually operated sectional garage doors. These types of doors are usually secured by a cable and can be manipulated quickly and subtly, by creating a gap at the top of the door and threading through a wire or coat hanger. The cord can be hooked and pulled to disengage the safety release, and then the door can be lifted by hand:
Manually Cranking Open Electric Roller Doors (If Externally Face Fixed)
Most electric/automated garage doors have a bypass that will allow you to open it manually in the event of a power or motor failure. The bypass takes the form of a small eyelet connected to the motor which allows you to manually wind the shutter up with a crank handle.
If your roller shutter is fitted externally then the winding mechanism will be situated outside leaving a potentially easy way for thieves to gain access to your garage.
That said, the mechanism will be situated within a canopy that is usually pop riveted closed. Alternatively, you can fix a lockable steel plate that covers the access point to the socket where the winding mechanism is fed. A thief would also have to have had to take a pretty conspicuous crank handle with them and the process does take quite a while so it’s not a very efficient method of breaking.
Hacking Your Garage Door Opener
Radio technology has enabled the wireless use of remote controls, the device you use to activate your electric garage door. When you click your remote, it sends a signal using low-frequency waves to communicate with the opener. Early automation systems used ‘fixed’ coding and had very basic levels of security, making it easy for a hacker (if using the right equipment) to clone the code and use it to activate the door.
Many manufacturers have responded to this by developing ‘rolling code’ technology that changes the code every time you use the remote. Incorporating digital encryption provides a high level of security, but can still be hacked. Hackers can jam signals so that the system does not roll over to the next code. The code can then be used and transmitted with another device to open the garage door.
What Is the Most Secure Garage Door?
The level of security will depend on how well your garage door is constructed, and how reputable your supplier is. That said, automated/electric doors are generally considered better prepared than manual doors from a security standpoint (thanks to natural brakes in the motor). If you’re getting a standard door, a twin-skinned sectional overhead from a reputable supplier will probably be your most secure bet.
You can also get a door which has achieved ‘Secured By Design’ status. Secured by Design, is ‘A police initiative to guide and encourage those engaged within the specification, design and build of new homes, and those undertaking major or minor property refurbishment, to adopt crime prevention measures’.
For even greater security you should consider an LPS1175-rated door. LPS 1175 is an LPCB certification used to test the resistance to unauthorised access offered by physical security products. LPS 1175 considers the resistance of security equipment to forced entry based on the size and type of tools used and the time that assailants will risk spending on attempting to gain entry.
How Can I Make My Garage Door More Secure? – Additional Security Measures
Side Doors
Hinge Bolts
- Outward opening doors have hinges on the side which are exposed and easily accessible for intruders.
- Reinforcing the hinges is an inexpensive way of making your door impenetrable.
- Non-removable hinge bolts come with built-in studs that prevent the door from being lifted from its hinges.
- Manufactured from steel and resists hacksawing.
Anti Snap, Anti Bump and Anti Drill Euro Profile Cylinder Locks
- Also known as barrel locks. There are different types of euro cylinder locks that you can upgrade to for both internal and external use.
- They offer anti-snap, anti-drill and anti-pick technology, and are made with a corrosion and temperature-resistant material.
- Can be used on various types of material, such as uPVC, timber, steel and aluminium.
- It can also be used with ‘up and over’ garage doors.
Up and Over Doors
Garage Door Defenders
- A bar and thick base plate is bolted to the floor and ensures the door cannot be opened beyond the bar, by a few millimetres.
- The base plate should be anchored to the ground securely for them to work effectively, and when padlocked will prevent intruders by halting the outward swing of the door. This means even if someone breaks the lock, the door will remain closed.
- They work the same way as a steering lock on a vehicle.
- Even if they manage to get a crowbar under the base plate, it will take a tremendous amount of effort to force the bolts out of the ground.
- They are easy to install and an excellent way of providing substantial and visible security.
Slide Locks
- Levered locks that mount on the end style of your garage door and latch through your vertical track.
- There are two main types of slide locks, also known as ‘slide bolts’ or ‘latches’.
- One version can be attached to a T-handle and comes with levers.
- Another version comes with only a sliding bolt without any lever.
- Slide locks are a very cost-effective way to secure your overhead door if it opens manually, and are easy to install provided you have the right tools and materials.
Roller Shutters
Bullet Locks
- Sometimes known as ‘pin locks’ or ‘guide locks’.
- A bullet-shaped lock with a thick pin can be placed through a door frame to prevent it from opening. The product is welded or screwed to the guide rails.
- There is a sprung locking pin on top of the cylinder that is depressed with the turn of a key, allowing the bullet to be inserted or withdrawn. The lock then pushes through and is secured in position, acting as a compact addition to the system.
- Bullet lock isolator units are designed for internal use on electronically operated roller shutters. They are fitted next to the door and respective control panel and/or switches to prevent the door from being operated until all of the bullet locks have been completely removed and inserted into the isolator unit.
Ram Barriers
- Highly visual and physically effective deterrents to ram raiders.
- Their primary aim is to restrict access to property and protect shutters and doors from frontal assault, thus saving damage and expensive repairs.
Sectional Doors
Disengage the Opener (if you’re away for a while)
- This applies to an automated system. This will make it impossible for anyone to access your opener through hacking. A useful method if you are planning on leaving the house unattended for some time.
- Ensure that the garage door is in the down position (trying to disengage while the door is up is extremely dangerous as this may cause the door to come crashing down, and anyone standing underneath may be injured).
- Locate the red cord hanging from the trolley, which is connected to the door and move with it as it opens and closes. The trolley is also connected to the opener carriage, an automated mechanism that moves the door along the guide rail.
- To release the garage door opener, pull on the red cord and you will hear a click when it disengages. This will disconnect the trolley from the opener carriage so that the door can slide along the rail, which will allow you to manually open and close the door.
- To re-engage the opener, make sure the door is in the down position again.
- Pull the red cord towards the garage door until you hear a click. This indicates the garage door is once again engaged.
- Either simply slide the door along the track until the trolley reconnects, or use your remote control and the trolley will automatically reconnect with the opener carriage.
All Door Types
Alarms
- Electric shutters and sectional doors should come with an alarm anyway, but you can install an alarm system inside your garage that will detect a break in connection between your garage door and its frame.
- Alternatively, you can set up motion alarms which will go off when they detect movement.
Security Cameras/CCTV
- Installing a CCTV camera surveillance system is a great addition to your garage security. Both outside and inside cameras can help to ensure that all activity happening in the area is monitored.
- These are more common in industrial, commercial and retail environments, but they are available in a variety of designs so they may be considered for domestic use.
Motion Lights
- This one applies to any detached garage that has the disadvantage of being hidden away from the view of neighbours and having little to no lighting, making them more susceptible to break-ins.
- The one thing intruders fear the most is getting caught in the act, so installing motion sensor lights will be an effective deterrent.
- The lights will activate when movement is detected and will be helpful for keeping detached garages out of poorly lit areas.
- They may not physically prevent burglars from breaking in, but the lights will send the message that they are not welcome.
- Alternatively, you may want to install a smart lighting system where the garage lights can be controlled via WiFi or an app.
General Maintenance
- Some garage doors require more maintenance than others (electrically operated doors require more than manual).
- It is important to keep your door in good working condition to ensure its longevity and reliability.
- Cleaning/washing regularly to remove any dirt/debris which may be clogging the mechanism.
- Hinges, springs and other attachment points can become worn or loose over time, so it is important to check these in case they need tightening or replacing.
- Checking garage lights and sensors are working – the sensors will detect if any objects are blocking the door, helping to avoid damage and injury while the mechanism is in operation (applies to electrically operated doors).
- A noisy or squeaky mechanism indicates you may need lubrication for smoother operation. It is recommended you remove any debris and wipe the track clean before applying lubricant.
- Having a professional inspect and service your door will prolong the longevity of the system, and will be able to identify any bigger issues, saving you expensive repair bills in the future.
What Makes Breaking into a Garage Door Easier?
Some of the signs to look out for should inspire you to remove any potential break-in methods:
- Latches on the Outside of the Door – Older garage doors have one latch, usually at the top and centre of the door. This is a small latch and can be fairly easy to force. It is connected to a door system with a series of wire cables which stretch and expand over time, making it easier to open the door from the outside
- Badly Fitted Doors – If the garage door is old, loose or poorly fitted, intruders may be able to spot potential leverage points. The door panels are only strong if fitted properly and made of durable material, such as steel, aluminium or uPVC
- Faulty Electrical Operators – These do not offer any better security and can compromise it. They need to be specified and installed correctly to a high-quality, solid-built door.
- Locks that are not anti-bump, anti-drill or anti-pick (if euro cylinders are used). On swing doors or garage side doors, ensure an accredited euro cylinder is used.
Other FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Are there any garage door security products with home automation integration?
Yes, there are garage door openers with built-in smart features that can connect to your automated garage door. They can link with the WiFi so you can control and monitor it from anywhere via a mobile app. You can sync and coordinate your home automation systems so that an “away” mode turns off the smart lights, operates on energy-saving mode, and secures your garage door, all at the press of a button. You can also receive alerts, so if you forget to close and secure your door, you can lock it straight from the app.
Smart scheduling and voice assistants are also some of the available options. Most garage doors can be retrofitted to enable smart control.
- My garage door opener remote is old. Would that affect my garage security?
Yes. Hackers can use code grabber technology to intercept and copy the signal from your old garage door remote. They can then send the cloned code to your garage door opener and open the door.
Newer security measures incorporate ‘rolling code’ technology, which changes the code every time you use the remote, making code grabbers ineffective.