As summer creeps up on us, temperatures spike, and more and more homeowners are tempted to leave their garage doors either all the way open or cracked open in order to get cool air into their garages. However, you should never leave your garage door open in the summer, unless you’re actually in the garage while the door’s open. Many people don’t realize just how risky it is when you leave your garage door open or all the problems that can occur as a result of this habit.
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 entirely to leave it open unattended. For your safety and for the longevity of your garage door, it’s best to never leave your garage door open unattended.
#1. Thieves
Many people, especially those who live in nicer neighborhoods, assume that they don’t need to worry about thieves. However, there are a lot of expensive things in your garage, from your car and its parts to sporting equipment to power tools and more. If you leave your garage door open unattended, you’re putting yourself at risk for attracting the attention of thieves.
Those who live in nicer neighborhoods are actually more likely to be a target of a thief, as people know that you likely have nicer things, and you’re giving them an easy access point to said nice things that they can steal. The last thing you want is for your car or something else to get stolen, even if you have homeowner’s insurance. It’s best to leave your garage door closed unless you are actively working in it.
#2. Home Invasion
As you may expect, if thieves can get into your garage, what’s to stop people from invading your home if you leave your garage door open? The majority of people tend to leave their garage doors unlocked, which provides an extremely easy access point for home invaders to get into your house from your garage. You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked and wide open. If your garage is attached to your home, it’s the biggest entry point, so you wouldn’t want to leave that door unlocked and wide open and unattended either.
It’s very important to not leave your garage door open when you’re not in it for your safety and the safety of your home. If you leave your garage door open or forget to close it, you’re increasing the risk of a home invasion, and no one wants that.
#3. Pests
Even if you only leave your garage door open a crack, pests can get into your home through your garage and cause all sorts of damages. All types of pests from rodents to insects want shelter and safety, and an open garage is very inviting and will lure them into your house. Pests are easy to attract and very difficult to remove without professional pest control services. If you leave your garage door open, you’ll let fresh air into your garage, true, but you’ll also let pests in.
#4. Damage To Your Garage Door
Many people don’t realize that if you leave your garage door open a crack, this can lessen its lifespan. This is because it places undue strain on your garage door system. While garage doors are designed to be strong and durable, if you leave your garage door open a crack, this can put excessive stress and wear and tear on your garage door system. This causes your garage door’s lifespan to shorten and for you to likely need more frequent maintenance in order to keep your garage door in good condition.
#5. Compromised Garage Door Opener
It takes a mere minute to reprogram a garage door opener. If you leave your garage door open, even just a crack, someone can reprogram your garage door opener so that they can access your garage and home whenever they like. If you’re worried about the integrity of your garage door opener, it’s best to schedule a safety inspection and have it programmed.
Are You Reconsidering Leaving Your Garage Door Open?
In our next blog, we’ll cover better, safer alternatives for ways you can keep 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 worried 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.