Choosing the right garage door lock is a smart way to protect your home and everything inside it. While just having a garage door in the first place is a great safety feature, the right lock can keep your property safe against even the more determined break-in attempts. Here at A Plus Garage Doors, we know that finding the right garage door lock goes a long way in bringing you peace of mind. Let’s go over the basics together so that you can make an informed decision for your garage and your home’s security.
Why the Right Garage Door Lock Matters
At most properties, a garage is more than just a place for homeowners to store their vehicles and yard work supplies. It’s often a main point of entry into the home or building. Without a reliable garage door lock, your garage could act as a weak spot targeted by potential invaders or those with malicious intent. As a Utah-based company, we share many common Utah values, like safety and family security. That’s why we know that it’s incredibly important to make sure your property is secure.Â
When it comes to potential forced entries, older garage door locks might not prove to be helpful. Newer high-quality lock options prevent easy access to your space and add another layer to your peace of mind. Choosing wisely (and even investing a little more in the beginning) keeps you better protected long-term and could even help you avoid future stressful emergency garage door repair caused by break-ins.
Types of Garage Door Locks Explained
The best first step to choosing a garage door lock is learning about the options available to you. Each type offers different benefits, different downfalls, and comes at varying price points. Let’s outline the most common garage door lock types:
T-Handle Locks
A t-handle garage door lock is commonly used in detached garages and is very difficult to pick. It operates using a cylinder-shaped key, and holds up well in tough conditions.
Slide Bolt Locks
If you’re curious about how to manually lock garage doors, slide bolt garage door locks are a pretty straightforward answer. Accurately named, they work by sliding a basic bolt into a hole in the garage door track, keeping the door closed. This is a great budget option and works well for garages without automatic openers.
Deadbolt Garage Door Locks
Deadbolts are most often paired with another type of garage door lock to offer added security. Some deadbolt locks are even installed directly into the garage door panel, making them stronger than surface-mounted deadbolts.
Keyless Entry and Smart Options
Younger or more tech-savvy homeowners are beginning to opt for smart garage door locks that can be linked to a smartphone and other smart home security elements. This is a great option for busy families or those inclined to feel more anxious about the security of their home, since you can check remotely if your garage door is closed and locked.
Automatic Garage Door Locks
For security on auto-pilot, automatic garage door locks are a fantastic choice. LiftMaster’s automatic lock system is a great example: it integrates directly with your garage door opener to engage a hefty deadbolt each time the garage door closes. These automatic options also save you the extra step of manually locking a garage door.
How to Lock Garage Door the Right Way
Understanding how to lock a garage door properly ultimately comes down to two variables: the type of lock that you choose, and the purpose of your garage door usage. For example, if you mainly use your garage space as storage space, or if it is detached from your primary home, a manual lock (like a t-handle or slide bolt) may be a great choice. They offer great protection and are often more reliable for detached spaces as they don’t rely on electricity. But, if your garage is attached and vehicles are regularly going in and out, automatic garage door locks are likely more convenient and offer better security. These locks automatically engage when the garage door closes, saving you from needing to remember to lock the door manually.
Regardless of which lock type you select, the key to locking garage door the right way is being consistent. Whether you’ve selected a smart lock, an automatic lock, or a basic manual slide bolt, always make sure your garage door is locked for maximum home safety.
Garage Security Tips for Homeowners
While an effective garage door lock is a great layer to add to your home security set up, there are a few additional precautions that complement a good lock:
- Motion-Sensor Lights: Installing motion-sensor lights outside your garage can help alert you to potential danger and deter potential intruders from proceeding out of fear of being caught.
- Security Cameras: A camera system with the garage door area in view, even the kind integrated with your home’s doorbell, can give you added peace of mind that everything is secure.
- Smart Home Integration: By integrating your lock with other smart home features, and with your phone, you can monitor your garage door locks remotely.
- Reinforced Garage Door Tracks: Reinforced track in your garage can serve as an added layer of protection against forced entry.
Choosing the Best Garage Door Lock for Your Situation
Because everyone’s situation and preferences are unique, not every garage door lock option fits every home’s needs. As you decide which garage door lock to use, take into account how you use your garage space, whether you value convenience or security more, and how often you enter and exit your garage. Here’s what we recommend:
- For a garage that is used daily with an automatic opener: We recommend looking into automatic garage door locks that engage without extra thought.
- For tech-savvy homeowners: We recommend implementing a smart garage door lock that comes with app control and integrates with common smart home systems like Ring or Google Home.
- For garages that are only used occasionally, or for detached garages: We recommend manual garage door locks like slide bolts or t-handles, with reliable protection against forced entry and little chance of being forgotten.
If you’re curious about other considerations, like how your garage door material affects your lock’s effectiveness, feel free to ask. A Plus Garage Doors is always happy to assess your situation and make recommendations for maximum garage door safety.
Trusted Garage Door Lock Brands
Generally speaking, going with a big name in the garage door industry won’t steer you wrong when deciding on the brand of your garage door lock. Often, these larger brands will sell reliable options that can even come with warranty support and the option to replace parts if needed. These are considerations that are always present in our minds as we complete garage door repair or installation projects for our clients.Â
Here are a few industry-trusted names to keep an eye on:
- LiftMaster – Offers great automatic garage door locks that integrate with their openers and with smart home systems.Â
- Genie – Offers reliable performance and options that integrate with your remote.
- Chamberlain – Offers great options for smart garage door locks, with unprecedented reliability.
- Master Lock- Offers the best choices for manual locks for older garages or custom spaces.
Local Garage Expertise You Can Count On
Here at A Plus Garage Doors, we know that security goes hand-in-hand with trust (something we’ve been building with Utah homeowners for years). We’re honored to be chosen for services like installing a new garage door lock, upgrading to a more modern garage system, or repairing garage door damage after unfortunate incidents like a break-in. We understand the homes of our clients, and we recommend products that we stand behind. We’re focused on what we have seen is best for your safety in our community.
Final Thoughts: Locking in Your Peace of Mind
We said it once and we’ll say it again: choosing the right garage door lock is one of the best steps you can take to keep your home and belongings secure. Whether your chosen solution is simple, like a slide bolt, or complex, like a smart home-integrated automatic garage door lock, what matters most is that you feel confident in your garage’s safety.
We hope that understanding your options has helped you move one step closer to making an informed choice when deciding how to lock garage doors on your property. If not, when in doubt, call a knowledgeable local team like our experts at A Plus Garage Doors. We’re in your corner and are here to keep your home safe.Â
Ready to upgrade your garage door locks, or in need of garage door repair after a safety incident? Contact A Plus Garage Doors today for a consultation and quick, reliable response.
