The importance of a good home security system cannot be overstated. In a day and age when home invasions are commonplace and burglaries are everyday occurrences, a homeowner can never be too careful. One of the biggest leaks in a home security system comes from the garage. This is where a good garage door opener system can come into play to not only help with security, but also to add to convenience.
When the convenience of a garage door opener is desired, homeowners have several different basic styles to choose from. These can vary in price greatly, but they all serve the same purpose. The types are the basic chain drive, then the screw drive, and the most advanced, the belt drive. All work on primarily the same principles and are meant to take the burden of lifting a heavy garage door off a person.
The chain drive is generally the cheapest of the options. It works using a metal chain on a trolley to open the door. Simple and affordable, this device does its job, but typically is pretty loud.
The screw drive falls in the middle, when it comes to pricing. This one works by lifting the door with the help of a steel rod. It's a slow mover, which can be good when small children and pets are in the home, but with more modern upgrades, it tends to be more quiet than the old fashion chain drive.
The belt is considered the top of the line in garage door openers. This one uses a rubber belt system to lift the door and return it to its place. It's considered the best because of its quickness, lack of noise and reliability. It costs the most, though, so keep that in mind.
No matter the style of garage door opener you end up going with, there are some things it should include to be considered good for security and more importantly safety. Garage doors are perhaps the most heavy single item in a home. Inasmuch, these things can be dangerous - very dangerous. More than one pet and even person has been crushed by the weight of a garage door. A good opening system can make this hazard go away almost completely.
When looking at garage door openers, be certain the one you're interested in has an automatic reverse feature. This device will sense an obstruction on the floor under the door and automatically pop the door back open rather than crushing the object below it. This is a feature that cannot be stressed enough in homes with small children, plus it can protect belongings and even vehicles from garage door damage.
And while the auto reverse is a necessity, a simple lighting system and remotes should not be overlooked either. A good system comes with at least two remotes. The best systems have everything necessary - remotes, auto reverse - and come with brain boxes that have lights included. This means when the door is opened or closed, a light comes on in the box that illuminates the garage. This is very important for safety and shouldn't be overlooked. Ever try fumbling for a light switch in a dark garage that's also used for storage?
A good garage door opener can really enhance a home, its security and the ability for the garage to be used to its maximum potential. No one wants to deal with opening and closing a heavy garage door.
Keeping a home as safe as possible is now key to peace of mind and this is where a good garage door opening system can come into play. Although just part of an overall security plan, the doors are a main area of concern, or should be, for homeowners.
Garage doors don't seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but they are.
Consider a mother comes home alone with a newborn and a load of groceries in the car. It's pouring down rain and she has to get inside. A garage door opener will allow her to enter the home, close it back up, and ensure security all without having to truck the baby out in the rain and all without having to leave valuables exposed in the car, too.
Garage doors are important features in a security system for a number of reasons and those who use openers, however, need to be mindful of a few things. They include:
* Security when opening and closing a door. A garage door is much larger than the front door. When opening the door from the outside while pulling in, pay attention to the surroundings. Keep hedges and other visual obstructions trimmed so no one can hide behind them and do look before opening. More than one bad guy has snuck into a home through an opened garage door. They've even managed it a few times by following a car in. Look before you leap.
* Functionality of the garage door. Make sure your garage door works correctly along with the opener. A good door opening system will have an automatic set up for returning to its open position if there's an obstruction, such as a person, in the way. These doors can be dangerous, so safety features are a must.
* Lighting. To help a person be mindful of the first point, lighting in the garage and outside of it should be activated either by the garage door opener remote, motion sensors or a combination of both. A dark driveway that leads into a dark garage is an invitation to disaster.
Many garage door opening systems come with lighted control panels for the garage. These panels illuminate the entire room and can be worth their weight in gold for minor accidents, such as trip and falls, they can prevent and the fact they help keep bad guys at bay. The element of surprise is seriously jeopardized when a bad guy's standing in a fully illuminated room.
Garage doors should absolutely be considered as part of an overall security plan. Remember to use common sense when opening and closing doors. Inspect opening systems to make sure they work properly. Always use a smart combination of lighting both inside and outside of the garage to ensure you can clearly see your environment. And never, ever leave a garage door open that's unattended.
Both Ray La Foy & Aaron Vaughn are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.