An easy door to overlook

Ask someone how many doors their house has and they usually count the front and back. The door between the attached garage and the house often gets left off the list, and it is frequently the one with the weakest lock.

Why it matters

Builders commonly install a basic knob lock on this door, sometimes with no deadbolt at all. Many families leave it unlocked because the big garage door feels like enough. But garage doors get left open, remotes get left in cars parked outside, and keypad codes get shared with friends and service people.

Simple upgrades

• Add a deadbolt. A single-cylinder deadbolt on the garage entry door gives it the same protection as the front door.
• Match the keys. Rekey it to the same key as your other exterior doors so it does not get skipped out of convenience.
• Check the door itself. Fire-rated doors between a garage and living space are often required by code, so upgrade the hardware rather than swapping the door for a weaker one.
• Reinforce the strike. Long screws that reach the framing help the door resist being forced.

Habits help too

Treat the garage keypad code like a house key: change it when you move in and after anyone who no longer needs access has used it. Do not leave the garage remote clipped to the visor of a car parked in the driveway. Close the big door at night even if the entry door is locked.

Consider the side door

Many garages also have a small side door that leads outside. Give it the same attention, since it is usually hidden from the street.

Next step

If you are in Loveland and want the garage entry and side doors brought up to the same standard as the rest of the house, Choice City Locksmith can install deadbolts and match keys in one visit. Call (970) 803-1100 to set it up.