Not many people view the door between your garage and house as something that could deter a robbery from happening. When the kids are playing outside, is your garage door left open? A burglar can quickly enter through the door between your home and your garage; it is your last line of defense. Which begs the question: What is the best way to secure the entry door between your garage and your home?
To secure the door between your home and your garage, install an automatic door closer. A keyless lock or deadbolt with auto-lock will ensure the door is locked at all times while allowing easy entry. For extra strength, install a solid wood or steel door that is at least 1-⅜ inches thick.
Securing your door between your garage and home should be just as important as all other exterior doors. Read on to learn more about the types of locks to use and the most secure types of doors.
Why Does the Door Between My Garage and House Matter?
In my house, we use the garage as the main entrance and exit. Often the garage door is left open while the kids play outside. A few times, I went to work while talking on the phone and left the garage door open. When the garage door is open, your house and valuables are vulnerable. This means that the door between your home and garage is the most crucial door to secure. Here is how to do it:
1. Install an Automatic Door Closer:
There is nothing more inviting to a criminal than an open door. You can have the best locks installed on the most robust door, but if the entry door between your home and your garage is left open, then it is as good as a curtain! Think of your kid rushing out to play with friends; he or she is sure to leave that door open. The solution? An automatic door closer.
An automatic door closer is a simple mechanical device that slowly shuts the door when it is opened. The door between your home and your garage is probably the most used in the house. It is opened tens of times each day. Thus, it is better to get a heavy-duty automatic door closer or a commercial-grade one (look for grade 1 or grade 2 closer). Also, choose one that is easy to open and close when installed on lighter residential doors (look for sizes 1,2, or 3). I have found this highly-rated, yet reasonably-priced, door closer on Amazon that meets both requirements.
Door closers can be tricky to install, so you may want to hire some help.
2. Install the Right Lock for Security and Convenience
The locking system on the door between your home and your garage should be equal to the locking system on all other exterior doors. You can choose to install a deadbolt or enforce the handle lock. Here are some options for your consideration:
Automatic Locking Deadbolt
Deadbolt locks are a viable option for your door between your garage and your home because they offer an extra layer of protection. Deadbolt locks are sturdy and might be the one last deterrent your burglar needs to decide not to enter your home.
Deadbolts can be tricky to unlock for some. If you choose to install one, make sure that your family (especially your kids) is aware of how to unlock it. Your best bet is an electronic keypad deadbolt, an RFID deadbolt that can be opened with a key FOB, or a biometric fingerprint one. This will significantly reduce the chance that you will be locked outside your home (now that you have the automatic door closer and all)
Most importantly, get a deadbolt that locks automatically. You can have a deadbolt with 2” titanium beam, but all that does not matter if you do not bother to lock it. Do you see a pattern here?
Here are some examples of highly-rated self-locking easy entry deadbolts from Amazon:
Self-locking biometric fingerprint deadbolt –easiest for kids–
Self-locking RFID Phone Unlock deadbolt –easiest if you are carrying groceries!!–
Self-locking numeric keypad deadbolt
You may want to get your deadbolt installed professionally to ensure that you don’t ruin your door or door frame.
Automatic Locking Keylock
If drilling your door for a deadbolt is out of the question, then think about fortifying your existing door handle lock. This is also a more affordable option. Since there are countless types of keyed doors, you will be able to find one to fit your homes’ style (for handle type, make sure to pick a right or left hand that fits your door). Again, the only option your should consider is an automatically locking one.
Again, having a keyed door presents some drawbacks as well. You will always need to have your key, and you will need to use it repeatedly if you have more than two bags of groceries to carry into your home. Consider a lock that allows easy entry.
This lock on Amazon has it all! Fingerprint, FOB, and keypad entry. This lock has the essential auto-lock feature with the benefit of “passage mode,” where you can temporarily disable auto-lock for when you are working in your garage.
3. Choose a Strong Door
When considering security on your entry door in your garage, you will want to make sure you have a solid door. Your garage entryway should not be regarded as an interior door. Interior doors are flimsy and would allow a potential burglar to access your home with one or two kicks.
Along with providing reliable security, the doors should comply with the International Residential Code or IRC. This code requires a fireproof door for all entries between your garage and your home.
Solid Wood Door
If you choose a solid wood door, you will want to install a thick door that cannot easily be broken. In most cases, burglars are looking for homes that allow the easiest access. Wood doors, if not thick enough, could be kicked or broken through. It is recommended that the wooden door be at least 1⅜ inches.
When looking for a solid wood door, avoid those with raised panels. These doors often prove to have some thinner (means weaker) parts that do not meet the 1 and ⅜ inches thick recommendation.
Steel Door
Installing a steel door between your garage and home might be the best option in terms of overall security. It eliminates the possibility of potential burglars breaking in by damaging the door. Like the wood door, you should consider installing a door that is at least 1⅜ inches thick.
Fire-Rated Door
Many fires start in the garage; it is where most people store flammable liquids. When you shop for a new entry door, whether wood or steel, get the additional peace of mind of a fire-rated door.
What Else Should I Consider?
Always shut your garage door when you leave and at night. Take a drive through your neighborhood, and you will often see wide open garage doors when no one is home or at night when everyone is asleep.
Just by closing your garage door, you will deter potential burglars from coming into your home. Burglars are opportunistic, and a house with the garage door wide open is very inviting.
If you frequently forget to close your garage door, choose a garage door opener that would automatically do that for you.
Conclusion
For maximum security of the entry door between your garage and your home, consider pairing a steel door equipped with an automatic closer with a robust auto-locking deadbolt. This combination will thwart off potential burglars and prove to be challenging to break. Overall, you will want to decide what combination works best for your situation, depending on the level of security and convenience needed for your home.