Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. Your garage door is the biggest, weakest door on your house. Most break-ins I see come from two things: the emergency release being fished with a coat hanger, or ancient openers with junk security. The easiest, cheapest fix? Add an emergency release shield and a manual slide lock. You can do both yourself for under $50, easy. If you want to get serious, a new 'rolling code' opener is a good investment, maybe $300-$500 installed. But start with the simple mechanical locks. It’ll stop 90% of the opportunists.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Inspect the top of the garage door from the outside for gaps a wire could fit through.
Step 2
Push on the center of the door panels to check for excessive flex or weakness.
Step 3
Look for existing, unused manual slide locks on the interior door tracks.
Step 4
Check the security of the entry door from the garage into the main house; it must have a deadbolt.
Step 5
Identify the manufacturing date of your opener motor to see if it uses modern rolling-code technology.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Install Emergency Release Shield | $10-30 | $100-150 | < 1 hour |
Install Manual Slide Lock | $20-50 | $120-200 | 1-2 hours |
Reinforce Door Panels w/ Struts | $75-200 | $250-500 | 2-3 hours |
Install New Smart/Rolling Code Opener | $200-400 | $450-800 | 3-4 hours |
Install Deadbolt on House Entry Door | $40-80 | $150-250 | 1 hour |
When to Call a Professional Locksmith
- If you've already experienced an attempted or successful break-in.
- If your door is an old, heavy wood door with potentially dangerous springs.
- If you want to install complex systems like floor locks or smart home integrations.
- If you're not confident in your ability to diagnose weaknesses or perform the installation safely and correctly.
Prevention Tips
- Install and consistently use a manual slide lock on the inside of the door track.
- Secure the emergency release lever with a zip tie or install a dedicated shield.
- Reinforce the entry door from the garage to the house with a solid core door and a Grade 1 deadbolt.
- Install motion-activated floodlights pointing at your garage door.
- Apply frosted privacy film to any windows on your garage door.
Frequently Asked Questions
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