Different Types of Garage Door Locks
Your garage door might be where you store lots of important tools, your car, bikes, food items or it might just be a route of access into your home. Whatever you use your garage for, you’ll want to prevent thieves from gaining entry, that’s for sure.
Did you know that you can get specialist locks for your garage door? Choosing the right one, however, is crucial to how well protected your garage door is, and with multiple styles of doors and locks, this can be tricky. This month, we’re taking you through the three most common lock types and offering tips on choosing the right garage door lock.
T Handle Lock
One of the most common and popular garage door locks, the T handle lock is exactly what it sounds like – a handle in the shape of a ‘T’. It comes with a key locking mechanism that means the door cannot be opened without the right key. Often this is a singular handle, but these locks can be installed on each side of the garage door as a dead-bolt system for added protection.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
Garage Door Defender
The garage door defender lock is a device external to your garage door. It effectively acts as a blocker, preventing the raising of an up-and-over garage door or the opening outwards of a side-hinged door. A panel is secured into the concrete floor at the front of your garage door (the panel extending just under the door itself) and then a cylindrical block can be bolted to the panel in the floor. You then use a padlock to secure this block in place.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
Keyless Lock
For a great locking system using the latest technology, keyless locks are the way to go. They come in various forms – fingerprint readers, pin codes, remote control – but the lack of a normal keyhole means it cannot be picked. It also means the door lock is combined with mechanical gears, making it more difficult to force.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
How to choose the right garage door lock
Choosing the right garage door lock isn’t simply about picking the one you like the sound of. You should always be thinking about what most suits your garage door type, as this will ensure you’re counteracting any potential weaknesses that thieves might try to exploit.
You might also want to think about:
- Your budget when compared to the value of what is kept in your garage
- The environment you live (seaside properties see more corrosion)
- The number of locks you need
- Whether you want a visual deterrent
- How often you need quick and easy access
These are the things that you can consider, but ultimately, your best option when trying to select the right garage door lock is to consult the experts. A professional garage door company will be able to assess the risks and make a recommendation based on what you tell them and what your budget is.
Garage Door Installation & Maintenance from Doormatic
Here at Doormatic, we provide professional installation and maintenance for garage doors. We ensure your doors are professionally fitted from the start and maintain them to uphold strength and usability. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, the latest tools and technology, and a qualified team, there’s no one better in the South East – we cover Surrey, London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Hampshire, West Sussex and Kent.
Contact our friendly team today if you’d like to discuss the security of your garage door and we’ll be happy to assist you in finding the right door and locking mechanism to help you protect your property.
