Smart Garage Door And Its Security

Did I leave the garage door open?

Well, you are not the only one to think like that in the middle of the working day and rush towards home. And it is worth worrying because, according to FBI data, 33% of break-ins occur because of unlocked or open doors, including open garages.

Smart garage doors Solve this problem as you' can control it from wherever you are.

Let’s talk about the benefits of smart garage doors and the security issues related to it:

Manual vs. smart entry:

You can either open the garage manually with a handle by grabbing and pulling or automatically with a control pad in the garage.

On the other hand, a smart garage door is an automated garage door. It is wired into your existing system so that it can get remote access and operates through Wi-Fi. It can work with other smart devices, as well.

It is worthwhile investing in a smart garage door.

Benefits of a smart garage door

A smart garage door provides better security than the manual ones. It is the most significant entry point to a home and can provide access to the entire house. Surprisingly, the manual door is straightforward to break in just with a coat hanger and little pressure.

With a smart door, you don't need to worry about whether you kept it open or not. You’ll receive notifications on your smartphone whenever your garage door is kept open. And of course, you don't need to rush towards the home to close it. You can close through your smartphone app from anywhere. It can be integrated with smart home systems like your home security cameras and door alarms and provides enhanced security for your whole residence.

Even though automatic door openers are highly technical and advanced, they do not consume excessive power and operating smoothly. That's why they are cost-effective and affordable. These are kids friendly as well.

How to choose a smart opener:

A smart garage door is an opener and not the door itself. The factors you should evaluate while buying a smart garage door openers are:

Make sure the opener id compatible with your existing door. If you have an automatic one, it will be less complicated to install than the manual one. Check the manufacturer list that includes the garage door models and systems that are compatible with the product.

Make sure it can be integrated with your existing home security system.

How to install :

In most cases, you don't need to install or replace your existing door. But, you need to check whether you have the tools and knowledge to install the smart garage door opener and integrate it with your existing smart home system.

Steps to install

1. Prepare the Door:

Before you install the opener, make sure your garage door works smoothly.

2. Assemble the Opener:

Assemble the head tube or rail sections first. Some will snap together while others will require fasteners. Remember to follow your particular model's instructions since there are many types available in the market.

The trolley needs to be installed on one of the sections and make sure that the stop bolts and tabs are in the proper place. After that, secure the other end to the power unit.

3: Adjust

Adjust the Chain/Cable, or Belt Tension keep tightening the chain until approximately ¼" is above the base of the rail.

For the belt drives, hand tightens the spring nut. Once it is released, it will apply the correct amount of tension to the belt.

4: Install Power Unit

Once you have located the middle point of the garage door, mount the header bracket at that point at the specified distance above the door.

With the power, raise the attached rail/rod and attach it to the header bracket with a clevis pin and split ring. Raise it high enough to clear the door when it is open. Set it on a ladder to prop it up.

5: Attach Opener to Door

Attach the L bar to it to the door bracket and the bracket to the door. Put the straight bar to the trolley. Use a clevis pin and split ring. Pull the emergency release on the trolley. Then slide the trolley to the door. Finally, attach the straight bar to the L bar with the fasteners and re-engage the trolley.

6: Install Wall Control

The wall control needs to be attached at a convenient location, like near an entry door and at least 5' off the floor, which is out of reach for children. Then run the low-voltage using insulated staples and connect the wire to the power unit.

7: Install Safety Sensors, Set Travel Limits, and Test

Finally, install the Safety Sensors and set Travel Limits and test it.

No installation is complete without adjustments to the open or close force controls and obstruction sensors. Don't forget to test the operation according to installation instructions.

That's it! Your garage door will now open and close with only a touch of a button.

Increasing Security

Garage door openers are equipped with emergency release levers, which ignored until you lose power or can no longer open it automatically. You can raise the door manually by Pulling the lever down.

But unfortunately, anyone with a clothes hanger will be able to do the same thing, including a thief and break into the house.

Here are some tips for increasing garage security.

• Disable the emergency release lever
• Remove the cord that is attached to the emergency release lever
• Lock the release lever
• Cover the windows.
• Install a wireless keypad
• Install motion sensor lights
• Secure the entry door to the house