News & Events

Garage Door Security: How Secure Are Roller Garage Doors?

24th January 2024

Evaluating Roller Garage Door Security

The robust security of roller garage doors is not attributed to a single feature but rather a combination of factors working in synergy to create a formidable barrier against unauthorised access. We will dissect these factors into three categories: the resilience of materials used, the function of electric operation, and the design elements that deter break-ins.

The Sturdiness of Roller Materials

In terms of security, the door’s material is significant. Roller garage doors are usually made of steel or aluminium, both known for their strength and durability. These materials offer a sturdy deterrent against unauthorised access, making roller garage doors a secure option for your home. Aluminium, in particular, is lightweight, facilitating easy installation, and resistant to rust and corrosion, reducing maintenance requirements. But the sturdiness doesn’t stop at the door material. Double-skinned insulated slats and other robust materials like uPVC enhance the durability of the door, providing additional strength and improved insulation. This mix of robust materials and innovative design contribute to the door’s sturdiness, making it one of the most secure garage door options.

Electric Operation: A Barrier to Forced Entry

Beyond the resilience of materials, the electric operation of roller garage doors also bolsters security. An electric roller garage door operates through an electric motor, a control system, and a mechanism enabling vertical upward rolling of the door. This operation style deters forced entry by maintaining pressure on the door, making it challenging for intruders to force entry around the perimeter. With electric roller garage doors, homeowners can enjoy enhanced security and convenience.

Design Elements That Deter Break-Ins

Examining the design elements of roller garage doors, features that deter break-ins become immediately apparent. For instance, the overlapping lathes in roller garage doors minimise the space between each section, making it difficult for intruders to pry them apart or create an entry point. The absence of leverage points on these doors makes it harder for intruders to use tools to force the door open, thus enhancing its resistance to break-ins. When compared to other types of garage doors, roller garage doors are widely regarded as one of the most secure options, offering exceptional protection against theft and vandalism. So, while the design of these doors may look simple and sleek, they are backed by a robust structure and purposeful design elements that greatly enhance their security.

Advanced Security Features in Roller Garage Doors

Beyond the fundamental features that contribute to the security of roller garage doors, there are advanced security features that further enhance their security. These include:

  • Locking mechanisms
  • Alarm systems
  • Sensors
  • Hood covers

We will delve deeper into each of these aspects.

Locking Mechanisms Beyond the Basic Models

Even though the basic models of roller garage doors provide ample security, additional locking mechanisms can be chosen to augment their security, making roller garage doors secure. Roller garage door straps, for instance, prevent the curtain from moving externally once fully extended by pushing it firmly into the ground. The additional locks are crafted from high-security materials, providing an elevated level of safety and resilience against tampering. The installation of these additional locks is designed to:

  • Improve the security of the door while maintaining its functionality
  • Provide an extra layer of protection
  • Make your roller garage door even more resistant to potential forced entry.

Alarms and Sensors: The Electronic Watchdogs

Alarms and sensors significantly contribute to boosting garage door security. They operate through the utilisation of infra-red radio signals to:

  • Trigger the electric motor
  • Ascertain the status of the door
  • Improve the security of roller garage doors by identifying any break in the connection between the door and its frame
  • Activate motion alarms in response to detected movement.

High-quality alarm systems should be equipped with suitable sensors, such as motion sensors, and should be designed to be compatible with the garage door system. Incorporating these alarms and sensors into roller garage doors provides advantages such as the capability to detect if the door has been inadvertently left open, and subsequently closing it automatically. Additionally, they can identify movement within the garage and offer multiple levels of sensing, enhancing overall security measures.

Personalising Your Garage Security

Your specific needs largely dictate the type of garage door you choose. If you’re storing high-value items in your garage, you’ll need a door that offers maximum security such as a security rated garage door. However, you also need to balance security with accessibility so that you can easily access your garage when needed.

For High-Value Items: Opting for Maximum Security

Storing high-value items in your garage necessitates the need for maximum security. This includes:

  • Implementing general garage security measures to discourage theft
  • Fitting a deadbolt lock on the garage door for enhanced security
  • Adhering to specific security guidelines to safeguard valuable possessions

Recommended types of garage doors for maximising security when storing high-value items include double-skinned aluminium roller shutters with high-quality side guides, and sectional doors with sturdy steel frameworks.

Balancing Security with Accessibility

Although security is paramount, it’s equally vital to ensure that your garage door is accessible for everyday use. This involves:

Ensuring that the garage door is properly balanced

Upgrading to a more secure material such as steel or roller doors if necessary

Considering adding a garage door defender to prevent unauthorised lifting of the door.

Roller shutter garage doors, also known as roller garage doors, offer a range of accessibility features, including:

  • Safety features suitable for families
  • Automated operation for ease of use
  • Remote control functionality
  • Compatibility with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and smart technology

These features collectively provide convenient access options while prioritising security and addressing the needs of diverse users.

Installation and Maintenance: Keeping Your Roller Garage Door Secure

Correct installation and frequent maintenance are key elements in sustaining the security of roller garage doors. It’s essential to conduct thorough risk assessments and ensure the correct installation of the roller garage door to uphold its security. Regular roller shutter servicing is also important, with a recommended frequency of at least once a year.

Choosing the Right Installer

Selecting a trustworthy installer is paramount for the security of your roller garage door. An installer should possess on-the-job training and formal qualifications, such as an L2 NVQ Diploma in Specialist Installation Occupations (Construction) - Door, Gate and Shutter Systems- Installation and Maintenance. Before hiring an installer, it’s advisable to seek recommendations from previous customers, review online feedback and testimonials, and verify their physical location, accreditation, industry experience, and emergency service provisions. Also, be vigilant for signs of inadequate installation, such as slow response time, noisy operation, rust spots, dents and cracks, worn parts like rollers or cables, unusual noises, visible damage, slow or stiff operation, increased vibration, and a misaligned door.

Regular Checks and Servicing

Appropriate maintenance is vital to maintain the security of your roller garage door. Regular checks can help identify potential issues such as:

  • Improper opening or closing
  • Incomplete opening or closing
  • Incorrect movement speed
  • Sticking
  • Issues with the motor or power source

To maintain optimal security, it is recommended to service roller garage doors at least once every 12 months. Regular servicing can help avoid issues such as:

  • Abnormal sounds
  • Noticeable damage
  • Sluggish or difficult operation
  • Heightened resistance
  • Irregular movement

These issues have the potential to impact the door’s functionality and security.

Summary

Securing your garage door is a crucial step in enhancing the overall security of your home. Roller garage doors, with their robust materials, electric operation, and advanced security features, stand out as a secure option. However, the choice of garage door depends on your specific needs, and it’s important to balance security with accessibility. Proper installation and regular maintenance are also key to maintaining the longevity and security of your garage door. Remember, a secure garage is not just about protecting your car or belongings, but about providing peace of mind and enhancing the overall safety of your home. Get in touch with Security Direct UK today to find out more about garage roller door security and browse our range of top-quality garage doors.

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