As exciting as it is to go on vacation, it can be nerve-wracking when you leave your San Diego home behind. There are likely multiple entry points to secure, including your garage, especially since it leads into your home. Taking proactive measures to secure your garage door is a significant way to protect your house and give yourself added peace of mind.
Secure Your Garage Door Before a Trip
There are more options than ever to ensure that your garage door is properly secured before leaving San Diego. For instance, you can use a smart garage door opener, or you can manually lock it. Our garage door experts can suggest the best options.
Are Smart Garage Door Openers Safe To Use While on Vacation?
Yes, you can use smart garage door openers while on vacation as long as you do so properly. Make sure to implement security measures on your phone so that no one can access your smart garage door opener app. It’s also important not to accidentally activate your garage door while you’re away, which could leave it open for anyone to access. If you must open your garage door for any reason, double-check that you close it afterward.
Should I Disconnect My Garage Door Opener Before Leaving?
Disconnecting your garage door opener while you are away is a great security measure. It can prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the remote, ensuring that the door cannot be opened remotely by them. Disconnecting it can also prevent accidental opening in the event of a power surge or malfunction with the system. You will have extra confidence that your garage door is securely closed.
Where Should I Put My Garage Door Remote or Keys Before Leaving?
If you’re not keeping your garage door remote or keys with you while you’re away, make sure to put them in a secure spot at home. Never leave them in easily accessible places, such as the entryway or on the kitchen counter—two of the first locations a criminal will check. Another option is to give them to a trusted loved one who can hold them for you until you return. However, ensure that they will be available and not on vacation themselves when you get back.
Should I Let a Serviceperson Into My Garage While I’m Away?
It depends on your comfort level. Some homeowners with smart garage door openers will let a service person into the area and ensure they leave afterward, while others aren’t comfortable with that scenario. There are a few options to consider.
If you have a smart garage door opener, you can open and close the door remotely for them. Having security cameras on and monitoring the situation allows you to watch what’s happening at all times. However, if you don’t have security cameras inside or outside the garage, or in the main living areas of your home, you’ll have to trust that the service person is behaving professionally.
Another option is to have a trusted loved one on the property to let them in and out. They can keep an eye on the situation and inform you of what is happening.
If none of those scenarios sound ideal, you can always wait to schedule the service for when you return to your San Diego property. This is typically the safest option with the least amount of risk and the one that will provide you with the most comfort.
Are Physical Locks Necessary?
Not all garage doors have physical locks. If yours doesn’t, installing locks is certainly a viable option. Our expert technicians can install the lock on the outside of your garage door, on the inside, or on both sides. We can assess your door and discuss your comfort level to determine a plan that will help you feel confident in your home’s security.
Should I Get a Professional Inspection Before My Vacation?
We recommend getting an annual professional garage door inspection so our experts can ensure there are no current issues or problems developing. Scheduling an inspection before you go on vacation is a great idea. It will allow us to discuss the perfect security options for your garage.
Avoid scheduling the appointment right before your departure. Allow some time for us to make any necessary repairs or upgrades, such as installing a new manual lock or a smart garage door opener. Schedule the appointment approximately two weeks prior to your departure, giving us time to return at a convenient time for you.
Is Using Security Cameras a Good Idea?
Using security cameras at your home is a great idea. If you don’t already have them, you could schedule an installation appointment at least a few weeks before you leave, allowing plenty of time to learn how to view and operate them remotely via your smartphone. A professional security camera technician can place them in the perfect positions for unobstructed monitoring and easy viewing.
If you have them, ensure that at least one camera is aimed at your garage door so you can monitor it even while on vacation. Consider installing an additional camera inside the garage, especially if a door leads into the main living area of the home.
Do I Need To Upgrade My Garage Door Before Leaving?
You don’t need to, but you may want to, depending on the condition of your garage door. If it’s not in great condition, such as not closing properly or having rusted spots, you should strongly consider upgrading it before you go on vacation. However, if it’s still in great condition, you can call us for an inspection, and we’ll recommend ways to make the garage door even more secure.
Should I Have Someone Check on My Home While I’m on Vacation?
Having someone look in on your San Diego home can be a great idea, but make sure they are a responsible person you trust. Ask them to check your garage to ensure there are no issues, such as a malfunctioning door. If they spot a problem, they can let you know, and you can call us immediately for assistance.
What Do I Do if My Garage Door Malfunctions While I’m Away?
Call us right away if you’re monitoring your garage door while on vacation and notice that it has malfunctioned, especially if it has popped open, exposing its contents to the elements, intruders, and wildlife. We offer emergency services, so you can count on us for fast, reliable assistance to diagnose and repair the issue. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring you can feel confident that we’re working hard to secure your garage.
Don’t risk your home’s security while you’re on vacation. ADS Automatic Door Specialists in San Diego, CA, can provide personalized recommendations on how to keep your garage safe until you return. Our decades of experience in the industry ensure you receive top-notch advice and service. Call us today to book an appointment or schedule maintenance service through our website.
