Identify Your Garage Door Lock for Security

Filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing your Fortify Plan is a critical step in ensuring your home is fully secure. One of the most important aspects to consider is your garage door locking mechanism. Knowing which type of garage door lock you have is essential for evaluating the security of your garage, as it is often one of the largest entry points into a home. Here’s a guide to help you identify the various types of garage door locks and ensure your Fortify Form is completed with accuracy.

1. No Lock

If your garage door has no lock, it is vulnerable to unauthorized access. Many older garage doors or manually operated doors may not have a lock at all, leaving your home at risk.

Characteristics of a Garage Door with No Lock:

The door may have a handle or latch but no actual locking mechanism.
It is common in older or detached garages, where a separate lock may have been installed on an interior door.
The garage is left unprotected, making it easy for intruders to gain access.

Security Considerations for No Lock:

If your garage door has no lock, it’s important to install a locking mechanism immediately to enhance security.
Consider upgrading to a more secure option, such as a deadbolt lock for garage doors or a smart lock.

If your garage door has no lock, be sure to note this in your Fortify Form so your Fortify Plan can provide recommendations for installing an effective locking mechanism.

2. T-Handle Lock

A t-handle lock is a manual lock commonly found on older or manually operated garage doors. It is shaped like a “T” and requires a key to turn the handle and unlock the door.

Characteristics of T-Handle Locks:

Shaped like a T and installed on the exterior of the garage door.
Requires a key to turn the handle, which engages or disengages the locking mechanism inside the door.
Typically used on garage doors that are opened manually, especially on older models.

Security Considerations for T-Handle Locks:

T-handle locks offer basic security, but they can be vulnerable to picking or tampering. For added protection, consider pairing the lock with an additional sliding bar lock or upgrading to a modern smart lock for garage doors.
Ensure the lock is properly maintained and that the key is kept secure.

If your garage door uses a t-handle lock, include this in your Fortify Form so your security plan can account for this traditional locking mechanism.

3. Sliding Bar Lock

A sliding bar lock is a simple but effective manual lock that adds extra security by preventing the door from being opened, even if the exterior lock is compromised.

Characteristics of Sliding Bar Locks:

Installed on the inside of the garage door, the bar slides into a bracket on the door frame, securing the door in place.
Often used in combination with other locking mechanisms like a t-handle lock.
Requires manual operation from inside the garage.

Security Benefits of Sliding Bar Locks:

Sliding bar locks provide strong security by preventing the garage door from being forced open.
This type of lock is best suited for homeowners who don't need frequent exterior access to the garage, as it can only be operated from the inside.

If your garage door is secured with a sliding bar lock, make sure to include this detail in your Fortify Form to enhance the overall security recommendations for your garage.

4. Electronic Garage Door Lock

An electronic garage door lock is a more advanced, automatic option that provides keyless access and can be integrated with remote controls or home automation systems.

Characteristics of Electronic Garage Door Locks:

Operates with an electronic keypad, remote control, or smartphone app, eliminating the need for physical keys.
Allows for convenient, automated locking and unlocking of the garage door.
Often integrated into an automatic garage door lock system that works with the door’s opener.

Advantages of Electronic Garage Door Locks:

Electronic locks offer enhanced convenience, as they can be controlled remotely and automatically lock the door when closed.
Some electronic locks also include additional security features like encryption and access monitoring.

If your garage door features an electronic lock, be sure to include this in your Fortify Form so your security plan reflects the added convenience and security of keyless garage locks.

5. Deadbolt Lock

A deadbolt lock is a heavy-duty manual lock that is commonly used on entry doors but can also be installed on garage doors for added security.

Characteristics of Deadbolt Locks for Garage Doors:

Operates with a key or thumb turn to engage a solid metal bolt that locks the door into place.
Available in both single-cylinder (keyed on the outside) and double-cylinder (keyed on both sides) versions.
Provides high security by offering resistance to forced entry and lock-picking.

Security Benefits of Deadbolt Locks:

Deadbolt locks for garage doors offer strong protection and are an excellent option for garages that need extra security.
Deadbolts are often paired with other types of locks, such as a t-handle lock, to provide multi-layered security.

If your garage door is secured by a deadbolt lock, include this in your Fortify Form to ensure your security plan reflects this strong locking mechanism.

6. Smart Lock

A smart lock is one of the most advanced types of locks available, offering keyless entry and remote control via a smartphone app or other smart device. Smart locks for garage doors are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and high-tech security features.

Characteristics of Smart Locks for Garage Doors:

Allows keyless entry through a smartphone app, keypad, or voice control.
Can be integrated with home automation systems for remote monitoring and control.
Offers additional security features, such as real-time alerts, automatic locking, and access history.

Advantages of Smart Locks:

Smart locks provide excellent convenience, especially for homeowners who frequently use the garage for entry and exit.
The ability to monitor the lock’s status remotely ensures that you can always secure your garage, even if you're not home.