Garage Security 101: How to Protect One of the Most Overlooked Entry Points to Your Home

When you think about securing your home, your mind likely jumps to the front door, cameras, or even your Wi-Fi network. But what about the garage? Whether it’s attached to your home or stands alone at the end of a driveway, the garage is often overlooked when it comes to home security. And yet, for opportunistic intruders, it’s one of the easiest ways to get inside.

In this edition of our Security Health series, we’re shining a light on garage doors, remote access, and the small but powerful steps you can take to lock things down. Because when it comes to home safety, every point of entry matters.

Why Garage Doors Matter in Home Security

The garage is more than just a place to store tools or park your car. For many homes, it’s directly connected to the main living space. That means a vulnerable garage is a vulnerable home.

Here’s why this matters:

• Many people leave the internal garage-to-house door unlocked.

• Some older garage remotes use fixed codes, which can be easily cloned.

• Emergency release cords can be tripped from outside with minimal effort.

• It’s common to leave valuables like bikes, tools, and outdoor gear in the garage.

Burglars know all this. That’s why garages are a frequent entry point in opportunistic break-ins.

Types of Garage Doors (And What They Mean for Security)

Knowing your garage door type is the first step in identifying its strengths and weaknesses. Here are the most common types in Australian homes:

Roller Doors

These are popular across Brisbane and other suburbs. They roll up into a coil above the opening. While convenient, older models can have weak locking mechanisms unless upgraded.

Sectional or Panel Lift Doors

These slide up on tracks in several horizontal sections. Often insulated and more secure, they’re a favourite in new builds. Still, the emergency release should be considered a potential risk.

Tilt-Up Doors

Made from one solid piece, these tilt outward and up to open. They’re typically used in older or lower-cost homes. The downside is that they can be forced open with leverage and often have basic locking systems.

Custom or Side-Hinged Doors

Less common but stylish, these swing open like a traditional door. Their security depends entirely on the locks and frame quality used.

Garage Remote Controls and Smart Access: What to Know

The convenience of opening your garage with a click can come with hidden risks, especially if you’re using older tech.

Fixed Code Remotes

These send the same signal every time you open the door. Unfortunately, they’re easy for intruders to intercept using inexpensive code grabbers. If your remote is from the 90s or early 2000s, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

Rolling Code Remotes

Today’s standard. These generate a new code every time you press the button, making them much harder to clone. If your system doesn’t use rolling code technology, updating it is one of the best things you can do for your home’s security.

Smart Garage Openers

These connect to your phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and often integrate with smart home systems. You can monitor the door’s status remotely, receive alerts, and even use a live camera feed. But like all smart tech, they must be secured with strong passwords and, ideally, two-factor authentication.

Practical Tips for Securing Your Garage

You don’t need to spend thousands to make your garage more secure. A few smart changes and habits can go a long way.

Physical Locks and Barriers

• Install a garage door defender or visible lock to act as a deterrent.

• Use a manual sliding bolt on the inside if the garage isn’t used often.

• Fit anti-lift brackets if your door has a gap underneath.

• Keep the emergency release cord tied up or cover it with a guard to stop it being accessed from outside.

Light and Visibility

• Add motion-sensor lights near your garage entrance.

• Consider installing a doorbell camera or CCTV near the garage door.

• Keep the garage windows frosted or covered so no one can see what’s inside.

Daily Habits and Behaviour

• Lock the internal door between your garage and the house every time.

• Never leave your remote control in the car, especially if parked in the driveway.

• Turn off the power to the opener when going away for extended periods.

• Make sure packages and tools are not left visible through windows or an open door.

What About Detached Garages?

For standalone garages, the same advice applies, with a few extra considerations. These spaces are often out of direct view and less likely to be lit at night. That makes lighting and visible locks even more important. If possible, install a motion-sensor floodlight or a security camera that covers the entrance. A good old-fashioned padlock can also act as a strong deterrent.

In Summary: Garage Security Is Everyday Security

Securing your garage isn’t just about protecting the things inside it. It’s about protecting the whole home. By thinking beyond the front door and paying attention to garage access points, you close a gap that many burglars hope you’ll ignore.

Here at Bolster Home SAS, we believe in making security part of your everyday routine. You don’t need to live in fear, but you should live with confidence. And a secure garage is one more step toward peace of mind.

If you’re not sure how secure your garage is, we’re here to help. Our expert assessments give you practical, criminologist-informed advice tailored to your home and lifestyle. Whether you're in Brisbane or beyond, Bolster Home SAS can give you the clarity and direction you need.