Designing your ideal garage door is an exciting process. There’s an array of colours, styles, textures and profile options to choose from, all coming together to create a door that perfectly complements the look of your home. But as you get wrapped up in the excitement of how your door looks, it’s also important to consider how it acts to protect you and your home.
Garage door security should be a priority. Does it lock? Is it secure enough to ward off unwanted intruders? Will it continue to operate safely and securely, regardless of power outages or unexpected weather? Are you able to properly monitor the door? Below are eight key features to look for in a new garage door to ensure it’s the toughest, safest, most secure that money can buy.
1. A Sturdy Locking System
Most garage doors don’t actually lock when they’re closed, and an unlocked door is an open invitation to unwanted visitors.
One of the most important features to look for is that it has a tough locking mechanism to keep burglars at bay. While a standard garage door with an opener might not open easily, a determined intruder may be able to force their way into a door that’s not properly secured, which is especially dangerous if your garage leads to your home.


Recognising this vulnerability in home security, B&D developed Auto-Lock – a keyless, heavy-duty locking bolt that automatically engages every time you close the door. This prevents the door from being forced open, giving you peace of mind that only those who have access can operate it.
Auto-Lock comes standard on all B&D Panelift Icon sectional doors and is available as an optional extra on Panelift, Storm-Shield, and Designer Series sectional doors.
2. Automatic Reverse and Backdrive
These two crucial safety features will ensure children, pets, cars and other valuable items are kept out of harm’s way when your garage door is opening and closing.
Built into all B&D garage door motors, Automatic Reverse is designed to prevent the door from closing on an obstruction. If the door encounters something in its path while closing, it will immediately stop and reverse.
Similarly, Automatic Backdrive kicks in when the garage door is being forced open. The opener instantly drives the door back down, resisting unwanted access.


3. Safety Beams
To help protect your family, cars, and possessions, infrared Safety Beams sense objects in the path of the closing door. As soon as an object or person breaks the invisible beam, the garage door will stop and reverse, avoiding serious damage.
Highly recommended on all automatic garage doors and required for doors with smartphone controls, B&D’s Safety Beams are completely wireless, eliminating unsightly cables and minimizing risks associated with damaged wires.


4. A Quality Remote Or Keyless Entry Keypad
Automating your garage door offers greater convenience and – most of all – security. If you’ve arrived home late at night, stay secure in your car as the garage door closes behind you with the click of a button. But remote-control codes can be hacked, so investing in one that only you can control is crucial.
B&D’s remote control technology delivers advanced security and excellent functionality. All remotes feature encryption technology to protect against code-grabbing, preventing hackers from intercepting or recording your remote’s command.
Multiple remotes can be linked to the same B&D opener. Your local B&D Accredited Installer can handle set-up and programming.
Another option is a Wireless Entry Keypad, allowing you to enter the garage without a transmitter. This is a great solution for children no key needed, just a secure PIN.


5. Smart Phone Control
Modern smart home automation makes life even easier, particularly in the garage.
Smart Phone Control allows you to open and close your garage door from anywhere, granting access to guests, relatives, or delivery drivers remotely. For enhanced security, you can see via the app whether the door is open or closed in real time and receive alerts whenever it’s operated or obstructed. The B&D App can also link to multiple smart devices, so everyone in the family can be granted access.


6. Battery Backup
The last thing you need when the power’s out is to be locked out of your garage. In the event of a blackout or interruption to the power supply, having a Battery Backup installed ensures your garage door can still open, close, and importantly remain secure.
Once the power is lost, the Battery Backup takes over. When power returns, it automatically recharges.


7. Emergency Key Release
Much like a Battery Backup, an Emergency Key Release is recommended in situations where the garage door is the only access to your garage.
It allows the automatic door opener to disengage if there’s a power outage, letting you safely open and close the door manually. If you have questions about any of these security features, reach out to your local B&D Accredited Dealer for expert advice.
With these critical features in mind, you’ll be better prepared to choose a garage door that protects both your family and your property day or night, through power outages or rough weather.


General Garage Security Tips:
2. Automatic garage door openers provide superior security over the door alone with security features like automatic reverse and back drive built-in to the opener. Opt for an opener with a heavy-duty motor and a host of security features such as Auto-Lock, Wireless Safety Beams and Smart Phone Control Kit, and B&D Smart Pro opener.
3. Always lock your car when it’s parked in your garage.
4. Lock the door between the garage and house for an extra level of security between the two if either is breached.
5. Never leave garage door remotes in the car; thieves love that mistake. The security-conscious solution is to keep house keys and garage door remotes inside your house.
Now that you know which security features to look for in a garage door, you’re well equipped to ensuring your home and family are properly protected. But chances are, there’s still much to discuss. Contact us for a complimentary measure and quote so we can discuss your exact needs and security requirements.
Looking for more information?
Why Choose B&D
-
Safe as can B&D
-
Reliable as can B&D
-
Smart as can B&D
-
Quite as can B&D
-
Original as can B&D