A Comprehensive Checklist for Garage Security Fortification

If you’re serious about home security but haven’t thought much about your garage, it’s time to change that. Garages are often the soft underbelly of an otherwise secure home - and burglars know it.

Whether you use yours to park your car, store your tools, or house a side hustle’s inventory, your garage deserves the same level of protection as your front door. This garage security checklist is designed to help you fortify that vulnerable space with practical, step-by-step upgrades - no fluff, no scare tactics, just smart, effective tips you can start today.

Not sure where to begin? The Ultimate Guide to Garage Door Security by LathamsSteelDoors breaks down common vulnerabilities and shares smart, affordable upgrades to keep your garage locked tight.

Why Garage Security Deserves More Attention

Let’s be real - most people don’t think twice about their garage security until something goes wrong. But here’s why that’s a mistake:

• Garages are often a direct entry point into your home
• They store thousands of dollars in tools, bikes, gear, and vehicles
• Many garages have outdated doors or locks that are easy to force open

According to multiple home insurance reports, up to 1 in 10 home break-ins happen through a garage door. That’s not a stat you want to ignore.

Garage Security Fortification Checklist

Here’s your 12-step action plan to lock down your garage - inside and out. Don’t worry, you don’t need to do it all at once. But the more you check off, the harder it becomes for anyone to get in.

1. Inspect Your Garage Door for Weak Points

Start with what burglars start with - your door.

• Look for warping, cracked panels, or loose tracks
• Check for outdated locking mechanisms or gaps
• Make sure the emergency release cord isn’t reachable through the top of the door (common trick: coat hanger through the weather strip)

If you’re unsure where to begin, this Ultimate Guide to Garage Door Security offers a deeper dive into what to look for - and how to fix it.

2. Upgrade to a Reinforced or Steel Garage Door

If your door is more than 10 years old, upgrading might be the single biggest security boost.

• Go for steel or solid-core models with internal bracing
• Swap tilt-up doors for sectional or roller-style doors - they’re harder to force open
• Prioritize options with multi-point locking systems

3. Add a Garage-Specific Deadbolt or Slide Lock

Factory latches aren’t enough. Period.

• Install interior slide bolts that can’t be accessed from the outside
• Add a deadbolt to your door-to-home access (often overlooked!)
• Reinforce with strike plates and 3-inch screws into the frame

4. Secure Garage Windows (Or Eliminate Them)

Windows are weak spots. If they’re not giving you necessary light, consider removing or sealing them. If you want to keep them:

• Add frosted film to obscure contents
• Install locking mechanisms on all window frames
• Use security bars or replace glass with laminated shatterproof panes

5. Install a Smart Garage Door Opener

These aren’t just convenient - they seriously improve security.

• Look for models with rolling code technology to prevent code theft
• Get remote monitoring and alerts via app4
• Many systems let you open/close your door remotely, which is great if you forget

6. Use Motion-Activated Lighting Outside and Inside

Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. Don’t give them cover.

• Mount motion sensor lights above the garage door and side entrances
• Install interior motion lighting so any movement triggers visibility
• Consider solar-powered units for detached or off-grid garages

7. Mount a Security Camera or Smart Doorbell

Visibility = deterrence.

• Place cameras above your garage door and any secondary entries
• Choose cameras with night vision, motion alerts, and cloud storage
• Bonus: integrate with your home security system or smart home setup

8. Anchor Large Valuables Inside

Even if someone does break in, don’t make it easy to grab and go.

• Bolt down heavy items like tool chests, compressors, and safes
• Use ground anchors and steel cables for motorcycles or lawn equipment
• Tuck valuables behind shelves or inside locked cabinets

9. Secure the Interior Access Door to Your Home

This is your second front door. Treat it like one.

• Upgrade to a solid-core or steel door
• Install a deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate
• Add a peephole or smart camera, especially if you hear noises from inside

10. Don’t Leave Garage Door Openers in Your Car

This one’s huge - and easy to fix.

• Switch to a keychain remote that stays with you
• Better yet, use your smartphone as the opener
• Always lock your vehicle, even inside the garage

11. Reinforce Side or Back Access Doors

These are often made with cheap materials and left forgotten.

• Replace with solid wood or steel
• Install anti-kick plates
• Use high-security deadbolts and hinges with non-removable pins

12. Keep It Tidy and Organized (Yes, Really)

This one’s more psychological than physical - but it works.

• A cluttered garage = more hiding spots for intruders
• Clearly visible valuables = more temptation
• Label bins discreetly ("Hardware" instead of "Power Tools")

Conclusion

Most people lock their front door and set the alarm - then forget the garage entirely. But it’s often the most vulnerable space in the whole house.

Whether you’re storing your car, your business stock, or your entire tool collection, protecting that space is non-negotiable. Even small upgrades like better lighting or a deadbolt on your side door can make a big difference.

Start with one or two items from this list. Then build from there.

Because peace of mind? It starts with a steel door that shuts - and locks - every single time.