As summer approaches and temperatures rise, many homeowners are tempted to leave their garage doors fully or partially open to allow cool air into their garages. However, it’s essential to understand why leaving your garage door open, especially unattended, in the summer is not advisable. While it’s acceptable to have it open while you’re actively using the garage, leaving it unattended can lead to various problems and risks.
Here’s what you need to know about why you should never leave your garage door open in the summer. It’s one thing to have it open while you’re working in it or in the yard; it’s another to leave it open unattended. For your safety and the longevity of your garage door, it’s best to avoid leaving your garage door open unattended.
#1. Risk of Theft
Many people, especially those in upscale neighborhoods, assume they don’t need to worry about thieves. However, garages often contain valuable items such as cars, car parts, sporting equipment, power tools, and more. Leaving your garage door open unattended puts you at risk of attracting the attention of thieves.
Ironically, those in more affluent neighborhoods may be more likely targets for thieves, as they are presumed to have valuable possessions. Leaving your garage door open unattended provides thieves with easy access to these valuable items. To safeguard your belongings, it’s best to keep your garage door closed when not actively in use.
#2. Home Invasion
Leaving your garage door open can provide a potential entry point for home invaders. Many people leave their garage doors unlocked, making it easy for intruders to access your home through the garage. Since the garage is often attached to the house, leaving it open and unattended increases the risk of a home invasion. Just as you wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked and wide open, it’s crucial to keep your garage door closed and secure.
#3. Pests
Even leaving your garage door open slightly can allow pests to enter your home. Rodents and insects seek shelter and safety, and an open garage is an inviting entry point. Pest infestations can lead to various damages and are challenging to resolve without professional pest control services. To avoid unwanted pests, it’s best to keep your garage door closed.
#4. Damage To Your Garage Door
Leaving your garage door partially open places undue stress on the door system, potentially reducing its lifespan. While garage doors are designed to be strong and durable, leaving them partially open causes excessive strain and wear. This can lead to a shortened lifespan and increased maintenance needs.
#5. Compromised Garage Door Opener
Reprogramming a garage door opener takes only a minute. If you leave your garage door open, even slightly, someone can easily reprogram the opener, granting them access to your garage and home whenever they like. To ensure the security of your garage door opener, it’s advisable to schedule a safety inspection and have it properly programmed.
Are You Reconsidering Leaving Your Garage Door Open?
In our next blog, we’ll explore better and safer alternatives for keeping your garage cool that don’t involve leaving the door open when you’re not around. If your garage door needs repairs or if you’re concerned about the safety of your garage door opener, please don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Door for professional garage door services to keep your home safe and secure.