12
May
2014
By Calvin at 12:02 GMT, 9 years ago
As you might recall, Hörmann (UK) Limited, who make excellent garage doors and entrance doors (approved by the police Secured by Design project), joined our Directory last month and they’ve kindly sent us this article about garage security.......
As we make our homes more secure, garages and garden sheds are becoming targets for burglars.
With many valuable items such as bikes, power tools, golf clubs, freezers and vehicles stored in garages, the simplest bit of security advice is to keep the garage door shut. In the summer months opportunist thefts from garages increase as many people leave their garage doors open while gardening or working on the outside of the house. Keeping the door shut also means that thieves aren't tempted to visit later, to take what they’ve seen.
One reason that garage doors get left open is simply because they have worn with age and become difficult to open or close. Modern doors are much easier to open and close than their predecessors and, with a wide range of options now available, there are doors to suit every home and pocket that can give improved security.
If security is a significant concern, fitting a new garage door could prove to be a very cost effective solution. However, there are some simple measures that you can take to improve the security of your garage.
Some simple actions you can take to improve security of your garage include:
- Making sure the lock works or better still fit good quality additional locks
- Fitting a simple garage alarm [or extending your house alarm to the garage]
- Installing low voltage security lighting
- Poorly fitting up and over doors can easily be prised back so ensure there are no gaps by fitting metal plates if necessary.
- If windows are not used screw them shut from the inside
- Marking all property [with a proprietary marking product or engraving them]
- Installing anchor points to secure items such as bikes and ladders
If home improvements are being considered changing garage and entrance doors can give a home a dramatic face-lift, adding kerb appeal and value while giving you the opportunity to improve security while adding style.
The type of garage door chosen can have a significant effect on the level of security on offer. Sectional garage doors that slide up into tracks in the garage are the most secure and Hörmann's automatic sectional doors are the first of this kind to achieve Police approved Secured by Design accreditation. The combination of the door style and the mechanical lock that is included with the company's Series 3 Bisecur operators make it practically impossible to prise these doors open.
If headroom is limited a new side-sliding sectional door is now available that uses the same garage door operators.
If space is limited roller garage doors are a popular choice; however, the quality of the fit can impact on security. The more precise the fit the more difficult it is to break-in through these doors. Cheaper models are often derived from roller shutters originally designed for windows. Garage door specific options tend to offer a better break-in resistance and operate more smoothly.
Similarly for traditional up-and-over garage doors, the better the fit the more secure they can be. Multi-point locking is offered with some brands too, so it is always worth looking at the options available.
All these doors can be fitted with automatic operators (often called electric operators) and here Hörmann also offers enhanced security with its unique BiSecur system. This system uses the same encryption that online banks rely on to interrogate the transmitter each time it is used. This system makes the doors digitally as well as physically secure.
Hörmann has also gained Secured by Design status for its ThermoPro entrance doors, so it is possible to have a combination of matching front door and garage doors, in a choice of styles, that both carry this Police approved accreditation.
If you are considering security improvements don't forget the garage. We would recommend taking a visit to a garage door specialist's showroom to see firsthand the options available. You could be pleasantly surprised at what you can get for your money.
For details of your local independent specialist contact Hörmann on 01530 516888, by e-mail to info@hormann.co.uk or for information on the extensive Hörmann range, go to www.hormann.co.uk
See Hörmann Directory page here: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/directory/l69/hrmann-uk-ltd/
More advice on Garage security: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/preventing-crime-in-the-garden-outbuildings-and-garage/493/security-for-the-garage/
