Garage doors are the first line of protection for our homes, they serve as both the protective shield for our prized vehicles and an unexpected potential entry point for unwanted guests.
When it comes to choosing the right garage door, you’ve got options, with wood and steel being the primary contenders. In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of garage door security, all with a sprinkle of personality.
Securing Your Home Before the Festive Session Begins
The holiday season is approaching, and you’re gearing up for some well-deserved time with loved ones. But guess who’s also preparing? Intruders. Yes, they have a calendar, too, and they know that when folks are away, homes are more vulnerable. That’s why it’s absolutely crucial to be a step ahead and secure your home before the holiday season kicks in.
Wood vs. Steel: The Ultimate Showdown
1. Physical Force
Steel: Steel garage doors are like the bouncers of the entrance world. They can take a hit and keep standing strong. Try as they might, burglars will find it tough to force their way through these garage doors.
Wood: Wooden doors, while no pushovers, might not withstand a determined shove as well as steel doors do.
2. Drilling or Cutting
Steel: Think of steel doors as the fortress walls. Drilling or cutting through them is no walk in the park for intruders. You’ll need more than a handy toolbox to breach these defences.
Wood: Wooden doors, while charming to the eyes, can be a bit softer on the security front. A crafty intruder with the right tools might find their way in more easily.
3. Arson-based Break-ins
Steel: Steel doors have nerves of steel, too, because they are fire-resistant. So, if you’re worried about arson-based break-ins, these doors have your back.
Wood: Wooden doors, on the other hand, can turn into a fiery spectacle in case of an arson attempt.
4. Wear and Tear from Weather
Steel: Steel doors practically don’t age. They stand strong against the weather’s attempts to wear them down. Rain or shine, they’ve got your back.
Wood: Wooden doors have a softer side when it comes to weather. Over time, exposure to the elements can make them a tad weaker, potentially compromising your security.
Protecting Your Garage | Possible Entry Point
Here’s a fun fact: most break-ins happen when intruders think no one is home. And where do they like to make their entrance? Yep, you guessed it – the garage. So, even if you’re not stashing your cars in there, securing your garage is still a top priority.
How to Assess Your Security Needs: Step-by-Step
When deciding between wood and steel garage doors, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate your personal security needs and priorities. Living in different parts of South Africa your security needs may differ, as such you can follow a few steps to help you decide what level of protection your situation calls for.
1. Perform a Security Audit
First, begin by assessing the overall security of your home as it stands, this includes potential weak spots such as windows, regular doors surrounding your home, and of course the garage door itself.
By Identifying which weak points an intruder is most likely to target first you can decide if your garage door needs to be extra secure, or if other points of entry would be worth investing more security measures in.
2. Evaluate Local Crime in Your Area
As South Africans, we are all too aware of how crime rates can differ widely by area, as such it’s important to gain a solid understanding of the risk level associated with crime rates in your area.
This information will ultimately help inform you when deciding which material, you need for your garage door and allow you to put additional security measures in or around your garage door if necessary.
3. Consider Your Budget
Decide how much you’re willing to spend on a garage door, considering not only the initial upfront cost of the garage door itself but also the long-term maintenance expenses of the particular garage door and motor you have your eyes set on. Remember that while steel doors may offer higher security, they often come with a higher price tag.
4. Assess Aesthetic Preferences
Consider the style of your home and your personal aesthetic preferences. Decide whether you prioritise security over aesthetics or if you’re looking for a garage door that blends seamlessly with your home’s exterior.
When assessing this section, it is important to do a bit of reflecting to point two of this list to gauge if security is something you can afford to compromise on given the local crime rates in your area.
5. Explore Additional Security Features
Research any additional security features or technologies available for garage doors, such as smart locks, motion sensors, or surveillance systems. Determine whether these features fit your security needs and of course your budget.
6. Seek Professional Advice on Garage Doors
Consult with a reputable garage door specialist to discuss your options and receive personalised recommendations based on your specific circumstances. They can provide valuable information on the specifics and help you choose the best garage door for your home because, at the end of the day, your garage door should bring you and your family peace of mind knowing your vehicles and home are safe behind those doors.
Conclusion
Now, the big question is, should you go for wood or steel? Well, it depends on your priorities.
If you’re all about security and want a garage door that could withstand a zombie apocalypse, steel is your best bet. These doors can fend off physical force, drilling, cutting, and even fire. To explore a range of steel garage door options with different personalities, check out our range.
But, if you’re more into aesthetics and want your garage to match your home’s natural charm, wooden garage doors can still offer decent security. Just remember, they might need a bit more TLC and some extra security measures. To meet the woodsy bunch of garage doors.
In the end, it’s all about peace of mind. By picking the right garage door, be it wood or steel, you’re not just securing your vehicles; you’re securing your sanctuary. So, go ahead and choose the one that speaks to your heart and keeps the troublemakers at bay.