Installing a new garage door can really make a difference in the appearance, efficiency, and security of your home. Unfortunately, even a brand-new garage door won't keep the garage secure if you don't take the necessary steps to optimize the security in your garage. Here, you'll find a few things to do to make sure that your garage is as secure as it can possibly be.

Upgrade the Garage Door Lock                            

When choosing a garage door lock, you'll have four options to consider. Any of the four options will do well in securing the garage, but some are not so convenient to use on a garage door that is utilized several times a day. The types of locks include the following:

Anchor Locks — This type of lock utilizes a bolt mechanism that keeps the door from opening when it is engaged. The anchor is drilled into the concrete flooring and the mechanism attached to the door slides through it, locking the door securely. In most cases, this type of lock is installed inside the garage and can only be unlocked from inside.

Bolt Lock — Like the anchor locks, this uses a bolt mechanism to secure the door, but instead of the anchor point being installed in the floor, it's installed on or beside the garage door track. Again, this lock is only accessible from inside the garage.

Padlock — This lock uses a hasp and lock to secure the door. It can be installed inside or outside, but to optimize the security and make it impossible for someone to try to pick it, it should be installed inside.

Electronic Door Lock — In some cases, the electronic garage door lock can be used in conjunction with the garage door opener. Even though you have your garage door hooked up to a powered opener, it is possible to pry the door open if you try hard enough. So, look for a garage door opener with a lock built into it or look for an add-on electric door lock. These can be used with a remote control or a keypad for entry, making it the most convenient way to secure the garage door.

Add an Alarm

If you have a home security system, the garage should also be connected to it. So many people fail to install alarms on the windows and doors in their garage. If you don't have a home security system, you can install alarms on each window and door so that they will sound whenever the doors and windows are opened. This will let you know if anyone is trying to access your garage.

Talk with a garage door company like J & R Garage Door Company Inc. to learn more about optimizing the security of your home's garage.