Garage Door Opener Technologies: Comparing Chain, Belt, and Direct Drive Systems

When it comes to home security, many homeowners focus on doors, windows, and alarm systems — but forget one critical area: the garage door. A weak or unsecured garage door can be an easy entry point for burglars. At Brentwood Door Co Inc, your trusted garage door company, we know that keeping your garage door secure is essential for protecting your home, vehicles, and valuables.

 

 

If you're serious about boosting your home’s security, here are seven smart ways to protect your garage door from break-ins.


1. Upgrade to a Stronger Garage Door

One of the best ways to start securing your garage is with a door that’s built tough. Older wooden doors or basic aluminum models can often be forced open easily. Investing in a reinforced steel or composite door adds a major layer of protection.

Modern garage doors are not just stronger—they also come with built-in security features. If you’re unsure whether your current door is up to the task, Brentwood Door Co Inc can help you assess and upgrade your system with the best options available.

Pro Tip: Look for doors with a multi-layered construction and insulated cores for additional strength.


2. Install a Smart Garage Door Opener

Today’s smart openers offer far more than just remote access. Features like real-time alerts, automatic closing timers, and remote control from your smartphone allow you to monitor your garage from anywhere.

Some systems can even integrate with your home’s overall security system, offering video surveillance and two-way communication. If your current opener is outdated, it might be time for a garage door repair or full replacement with a smart-enabled model.

At Brentwood Door Co Inc, we install the latest in smart opener technology to give you total peace of mind.


3. Secure the Emergency Release

Every garage door has an emergency release mechanism—a crucial feature during power outages. Unfortunately, burglars can exploit this feature by fishing a coat hanger through the top of the door to pull the release cord and manually open the garage.

How to Protect It:

  • Install a garage shield or emergency release cover to block access.

  • Tie the emergency release cord in a way that makes it harder to snag from the outside.

  • Keep the cord short but accessible for emergencies.

Need help reinforcing your door? Our expert team at Brentwood Door Co Inc can quickly make adjustments to ensure your garage is safe without sacrificing functionality.


4. Add Motion-Activated Lighting

Burglars prefer the cover of darkness. Installing motion-activated lights near your garage can deter potential intruders by drawing attention to their presence.

Placement Tips:

  • Install lights near the garage entrance and driveway.

  • Choose LED lights with wide coverage areas.

  • Connect them to your home’s security system for added effectiveness.

If you notice areas around your garage that seem too dark at night, addressing this simple issue can make a big difference in overall security.


5. Reinforce Garage Door Locks

Many garage doors rely solely on the automatic opener for locking—but adding a manual lock boosts security, especially if you're going away on vacation.

Options include:

  • Slide Bolt Locks: Installed inside the garage door to secure it to the frame or floor.

  • Deadbolt Locks: Some high-end garage doors come with integrated deadbolts.

Before adding any locks, consult with a professional garage door company like Brentwood Door Co Inc to ensure that additional locking mechanisms won’t interfere with your opener’s functionality.


6. Don’t Leave the Remote in Your Car

It might be convenient to clip the remote onto your car’s visor, but it's also risky. If a thief breaks into your car (even in your driveway), they gain easy access to your garage—and potentially your home.

Better Alternatives:

  • Use a keychain remote and keep it with your house keys.

  • Use a smartphone-based garage control app if your opener supports it.

  • If you must leave a remote in your vehicle, hide it in a locked glove box or other secure compartment.

At Brentwood Door Co Inc, we can help you upgrade to an opener system that offers smartphone access, removing the need for a physical remote altogether.


7. Maintain Your Garage Door Regularly

A worn-out garage door is not just a mechanical risk—it’s a security risk. Broken springs, misaligned tracks, or malfunctioning openers can make it easier for intruders to force their way inside.

Maintenance Checklist:

  • Inspect and lubricate springs, tracks, and rollers at least twice a year.

  • Test the door’s balance and auto-reverse features regularly.

  • Schedule a professional tune-up annually.

If you notice unusual sounds, slow operation, or any gaps around the door, call Brentwood Door Co Inc for prompt garage door repair. Preventive maintenance not only extends the life of your door but also fortifies your home's security.


Bonus Tip: Secure the Interior Door

If your garage is attached to your house, the door leading from the garage into your home should be treated like any other exterior door:

  • Install a solid-core door.

  • Add a high-quality deadbolt.

  • Consider adding a security alarm sensor to the door.

Even if a burglar manages to get into the garage, a secured interior door can stop them from accessing the rest of your home.


Final Thoughts

Your garage door is one of the largest, most vulnerable entry points to your home—but it doesn’t have to be a weak spot. With the right upgrades and habits, you can turn it into a strong line of defense against break-ins.

Whether you need stronger locks, smart opener installation, or professional garage door repair, Brentwood Door Co Inc is here to help. As a leading garage door company, we offer expert services to keep your garage secure, functional, and reliable year-round.

Ready to upgrade your garage security? Contact Brentwood Door Co Inc today for a full security evaluation and custom solutions designed to protect what matters most.

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