How to secure your garage door

Your garage contains valuable items - not only your car, but also tools and other equipment. It can also have an internal door leading to the rest of your home. It is therefore vital that the garage door is secure, to prevent theft from the garage and to stop intruders getting into your home.

Your garage door will come with some level of security, but it is well worth considering additional options such as locks and alarms.

Interior security
For valuable items inside your garage, such as motorbikes or bicycles, you can add an extra level of security by using a ground anchor and chain to secure the item to the floor, or brackets and chains to secure it to a wall.

Locks and padlocks
There is a huge range of locks and padlocks that can be fitted to your garage door. The best garage door suppliers will offer several, and will be able to provide advice on which is best for your needs. Manufacturers include Codringtons, Kabrus, PJB Security and Oxford. The most popular garage security product is the Garage Defender. There are two types of Garage Defender, both of which secure the door in an identical way, locking onto a steel base which is itself fixed with expanding rawl bolts.

Red Garage Defender:
The red garage defender has an armoured padlock concealed within the unit.

Black Garage Defender:
With the black garage defender, the padlock is exposed. This has a front mounting, which is slightly easier to use for those with less dexterity.

Alarms and lighting
Good lighting will deter intruders - consider installing a light above your garage that automatically comes on when someone is nearby. When it comes to alarms, you can choose from a wide range, even if you are on a limited budget. For example, the Micro Alert Alarm from PJB Security is currently available at less than £25. This wireless unit incorporates a motion sensor, allowing you to control entry and exit of your garage.

For more information on security for your garage, visit the website of Up and Over Doors Ltd, a garage door supplier in Bristol, at http://www.upandoverdoorsltd.co.uk/Security_-and-_Accessories/.