Garage Door Sizing 101

Common Garage Door Sizing

Getting the right garage door size is essential when installing a new garage door at home. The number of cars your garage holds determines the size, but the measurements must be accurate to ensure a door that fits.

Explore the standard garage door sizes for various sized garages, including smaller and custom garage doors.

Understanding Garage Door Sizes for Your Home or Project

Whether you’re building a new garage or expanding your current one, the garage space comprises different dimensions that must be calculated individually and holistically to get the right door measurements. A tape measure is sufficient to calculate all the dimensions within the garage. These are the main areas to consider:

• Garage door opening: The opening or entrance to the garage is the size of the garage door, allowing the car to pass through. The door opening height and width are measured in inches.
• Side room: This is the space between the walls and garage door openings on both sides. Torsion springs are usually fitted in this space and should ideally be 3.75 inches on each side.
• Headroom: This is the area between the ceiling and the top of the door opening. Include the garage door opener clearance, usually about 3 inches.
• Backroom: This is the depth of the garage or the length between the opening and the back wall.
• Floor: This is the ground space between the four garage walls measured in length and width or square footage.

Overview of Standard Garage Door Sizes

Garage door sizes vary according to home sizes, but most are standard unless there are custom requirements.

The car sizes impact the dimensions as some homeowners may build according to the vehicle types. For example, they may have a hatchback, a Jeep or SUV, and an RV they want to park in one garage. Standard double garage door dimensions may not be suitable in this case.

The common dimensions for one- to four-car garages are measured in width by depth in feet, while other uncommon dimensions are included in the following section.

• Single garages: These hold one car and are typically available in 8-by-7 feet, 8-by-8 feet, 9-by-7 feet or 9-by-8 feet. Another popular dimension is 12 -by-20 feet to accommodate a bigger vehicle and have enough space to walk around it in the garage and open the doors without touching the walls.
• Double garages: These fit two cars and come in standard sizes of 16 feet by 7 or 8 feet.
• Three-car garages: To fit three cars in a garage, you need approximately 30-by-20 feet up to 36-by-feet of space.
• Four-car garages: Housing up to four cars, this garage size is at least 40-by-20 feet up to 45-by-24 feet.

Detailed Dimensions for Various Garage Types

Regarding garage sizes, there are standard measurements, but the reality is that everyone’s needs differ. It’s not always a one-size-fits-all scenario. We explore the detailed dimensions for different garage types and what might best suit your requirements.

One-Car Garage Dimensions and Square Footage: Essential for Small Households

The dimensions for one-car garages are usually based on the home size. Households with only one vehicle don’t need much space but still need to avoid making the garage too small. Some smaller homes might have limited storage space, and a larger garage can help solve this problem.

In general, one-car garage dimensions include:

• Width: 12-18 feet
• Depth: 20-30 feet
• Additional sizes: 12-by-25 feet, 12-by-30 feet, 18-by-25 feet and 18-by-30 feet.
• Garage door width: 9-12 feet
• Area in square feet: 240-540 square feet

For more storage space, you could add half a car’s size in width, making the garage 18 feet wide instead of 12 feet. A 1.5-car garage provides ample space for a minivan or SUV in a single garage.

Two-Car Garage Dimensions and Square Footage: Ideal for Growing Families

Having multiple cars is common for growing families, so it’s important to accommodate an appropriate-sized garage. On average, double garages fit two cars and are measured as follows:

• Width: 22-30 feet
• Depth: 24-30 feet
• Additional sizes: 20-by-30 feet, 24-by-25 feet and 24-by-30 feet
• Garage door width: One 16-foot or 18-foot wide door, or two 9- to 12-foot wide doors
• Area in square feet: 360-660 square feet

The deeper or longer the garage, the more space you’ll enjoy. Consider adding 3-5 inches, depending on your vehicles’ sizes. You may want to have enough space for 2.5 cars, so you have extra room for storage or a workbench.

Three-Car Garage Dimensions and Square Footage: Balancing Space and Functionality

When you’re parking three cars, there are ways to balance space and functionality. Here, you may consider the length more important than the width since the cars stand behind each other. If parked next to each other to save space in length, one single garage and a double garage make sense.

Or, you could incorporate a four-car garage and use the additional space for storing smaller vehicles like a motorcycle or convert it into a workshop area.

How many square feet is a three-car garage? Standard dimensions for a single and double garage layout are typically these below:

• Width: 32-22 feet
• Depth: 20-30 feet
• Additional sizes: 36-by-24 feet
• Garage door width: An 8- to 10-foot-wide door and a 16- or 18-foot-wide door
• Area in square feet: 600-1,260 square feet

Detached three-car garages are another option if you don’t have space for an attached garage. Common dimensions for these include 32 x 24, 34 x 24 and 36 x 28.

Four-Car Garage Dimensions and Square Footage: A Multifunctional Space

Four-car garages require the most space in length and width and are versatile. So, how big is a four-car garage? These are the standard measurements:

• Width: 40-48 feet
• Depth: 20 feet or more
• Additional sizes: 24-by-45 feet
• Garage door width: Four 9- to 12-foot wide doors or two 16- to 18-foot wide doors
• Area in square feet: 800-1,680 square feet

Homeowners with four-car garages commonly use the extra space as a workshop, gym or recreational area.

Exploring Uncommon Garage Door Sizes

While most garages use standard garage door sizes, sometimes garages are built according to specific dimensions. Half sizes like 1.5- or 2.5-car garages can allow for more storage or workshop space, and five-car garages hold all your vehicles and projects.

With these, you’d add half a car’s width or more to standard sizes to achieve the ideal size.

Factors Influencing Garage Door Size Selection

Some factors that may influence the garage door size include:

• Garage type: The two main garage types are attached and detached from your home.
• Storage requirements: If you store hobby items and other goods alongside the parked cars, you’ll need a larger garage, which could mean a bigger door.
• Vehicle size: Ensure your garage is deep and wide enough to accommodate your varying vehicle sizes.
• Number of vehicles: Account for all your vehicles, including smaller, light vehicles like bicycles, motorbikes and scooters.
• Additional functionality: You may want to convert a section of a larger garage into a recreational or work area if you use a larger garage to park only one or two cars.

Maximizing Your Garage’s Potential

The above factors contribute to maximizing your garage’s potential as you consider space and customization options.

Utilizing Space Efficiently in Larger Garages

Larger garages allow numerous opportunities for utilizing space effectively. Whether you have a one-car or a four-car garage, you can use it for storage or as a recreational or work space.

Consider the garage layout and which parts are free. Corners and the far end are usually available to put up storage units or stack boxes. If there’s enough space, a table and chairs can create a lounge area.

Custom Garage Door Sizes: Tailoring to Your Needs

When planning a custom garage door, explore the options until you’re satisfied with what you can get. Value for money without compromising quality is key when considering the best local garage door companies.

A reputable contractor will advise you on customization preferences, like what can and can’t be customized. Explore their selections and what they can do for you.

Choosing the Right Garage Door Size With Continental Door

Continental Door’s expert team is always available to help our valued customers in Spokane and the surrounding areas. We have been driving customer satisfaction since 2000 and strive to deliver the best service.

If you’re interested in installing a new garage or upgrading your current one and need help determining the right garage door sizes, call us or request a free estimate today. We are always eager to help!

A Handy Garage Door Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Your garage door is an investment, so keeping it in tip-top shape with preventative maintenance is vital. Regularly inspecting your system can extend its life span and keep little issues from becoming costly headaches down the road. 

Not sure where to start? Here are our top garage door preventative maintenance tips for residential and commercial properties.

1. Lubricate, Lubricate, Lubricate

Your garage door comprises dozens of moving parts that work together to function every day. Lubrication takes less than 10 minutes and helps prevent rust and wear. Lubricate all your garage door’s moving parts, including:

• Cables
• Springs
• Steel rollers
• Hinges
• Tracks
• Any surface that turns or slides

2. Clean Your Garage Door

Dirt, dust, rust and debris can easily clog a garage door’s mechanisms. Cleaning your garage door and its track twice a year can do wonders for your system’s life span. You can clean most components with a mixture of mild household detergent and water.

3. Replace the Weatherstripping

The rubber weather seal at the bottom of a garage door can become brittle or cracked, exposing your garage to the elements. Keep your home or business safe and energy efficient by checking the weatherstripping each season. You can cut a new seal to size as a replacement when needed.

4. Examine Your Garage Door Parts

Each mechanical component of your garage door plays an essential role in the system’s overall functionality. Consider inspecting the following parts at least twice a year:

• Hinges: Are the hinges loose or bent?
• Track: Is the track bent? Are there any loose or missing bolts and screws?
• Cables: Do you see any frayed or broken cable strands?
• Springs: Do the springs look stretched, misshapen or rusty? Do they click or whirr when in use?
• Rollers: Do the rollers appear worn, chipped or cracked?
• Drive chain or belt: Does the drive chain or belt groan or make a slapping sound when operating? Do you notice any slack?

While you may be able to complete simple repairs like tightening loose nuts and bolts, a qualified technician with the proper tools and experience should perform most preventative maintenance tasks for garage doors.

5. Perform Safety Tests

A faulty garage door can lead to serious injury. Some routine tests you can perform to ensure the system’s essential safety features are operational include:

• Garage door balance: Place the garage door in manual operation mode by disconnecting it from the opener. Lift it halfway and release. If the door slips down, the balance may be off.
• Mechanical auto-reverse: Test this obstacle detection system by placing a brick or other inanimate object in the center of the door opening. Then, try to close the garage door. The sensor should detect the obstacle and cause the door to reverse direction.
• Photo eye sensor: Test this system by waving a long object like a broom between the two photo eye sensors on either side of the garage door while it’s closing. This motion should cause the door to reverse direction.

6. Schedule Preventative Maintenance From Continental Door

In addition to performing preventative measures you can do on your own, it’s important to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable service team. Continental Door offers preventative maintenance services for residential and commercial garage doors in the greater Spokane area. 

Contact our team today to learn more about our preventative maintenance service plans. 

5 Garage Door Design Ideas

Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or just want to upgrade the style, garage improvements can have a big impact on both the curb appeal and value. No matter what you have in mind, Continental Door can help bring your design vision to life.

5 Styles for Your Garage Door

Need some inspiration? Here are a few garage design ideas to help get you started. 

1. Rustic Warm Wood Finish

Whether your home has siding or white-washed brick, adding a wood garage door can produce an appealing finish. The contrast creates an accent that’s both warm and welcoming.

Because wood is a natural material, you’ll have many colors and grains to choose from depending on the look you’re going for. Whether you prefer Classic™ Wood garage doors or Reserve® Wood Modern contemporary garage doors, wood will add a rustic accent to your home.

2. High-Contrast Color Combo

Your garage design doesn’t need to blend in — let it stand out with a high-contrast color combo. Depending on your home’s architectural style and your design preferences, a two-tone door could add the curb appeal you’re going for. 

With Modern Steel™ garage doors, you can choose from a wide range of door designs and colors to create a high-contrast look.

3. Bold in Black

If it’s your goal to make a statement with your garage door, you can’t go wrong with choosing black. Whether you go with Canyon Ridge® Louver garage doors or Canyon Ridge® Limited Edition Series carriage house and louver style doors, you’ll transform your exterior with a bold new look. 

4. Modern Meets Industrial

Materials like steel and aluminum garage doors offer the perfect balance of modern meets industrial. This simple garage design can add a stylish finish to homes of all styles and sizes. 

With features like glass panels and bronze anodized color options, you’ll find the perfect garage door to add a sleek, eye-catching design element to your home. 

5. Pattern-Play

You can incorporate pattern-play into your garage design. While adding more than one color can help you create a patterned effect with your door, there are several other ways to add texture and style. 

Some of those methods include customizing the way the wood lays, like using a chevron pattern, or adding unique molding or shutters. 

Choose Continental Door 

Ready to transform your home? With our Door Imagination System, we’ve made it easy for you to see what different collections and styles would look like on your home. 

Reach out today to learn more and get a free quote!

Does Strength Matter? Garage Doors to Handle Extreme Weather

If you’ve lived in the eastern Washington or north Idaho area for some time, you know the region has four distinguishable seasons. The region’s changing, occasionally extreme weather conditions can impact your home’s structural integrity. A sturdy, well-constructed garage door is essential for minimizing the risk of extensive property damage. 

How Does Extreme Weather Affect Your Garage Door?

Hot weather is not uncommon in the Inland Northwest — Spokane averages 21 days with temperatures of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit each year. Bitter cold can also be an issue. In December, the city’s coldest month, the average overnight temperature is a chilly 21.6 degrees. While hurricanes and tornadoes don’t pose a threat in the region, high-pressure air forced against the Cascade Range to the west frequently produces heavy winds. 

These factors can affect garage strength and impede the door’s performance. Intense heat and sunlight can interfere with the photo-eye, while melted snow and cold can cause the door to freeze shut. Heavy winds can also cause significant damage to the door’s hardware.

Best Garage Doors for Extreme Weather

Choosing the right garage door is crucial for minimizing the impacts of harsh weather. As a Clopay® Master Authorized Dealer® serving the greater Spokane area and north Idaho since 2001, Continental Door can install a reinforced door from Clopay®, the most trusted brand in North America. 

The Clopay product line includes insulated doors that provide reliable protection against extreme temperatures. Although hurricane garage doors aren’t a necessity in the Pacific Northwest, Continental Door can also install a WindCode® compliant door from Clopay designed to withstand the force of heavy winds.

How to Prepare Your Garage Door for Extreme Weather

Use these steps to get your garage door ready for an extreme weather event:

• If strong winds are in the forecast, use any heavy objects you can find to brace the door.
• Insert steel pins into the locking mechanism to prevent the door from flying open unexpectedly.
• Use two-by-four pieces of wood to brace the locks further.
• If your garage has windows, cover them with plywood to prevent the glass from shattering.
• Replace worn or damaged weather stripping to keep air from heavy winds out of the garage space.

Request Garage Door Service From Continental Door

At Continental Door, we can repair garage door wind damage and meet all your other service needs. Contact us to request a free estimate or schedule a convenient service appointment today!

Easy Home Renovations

Home renovations can provide many benefits to your property, like increasing value, enhancing curb appeal and offering more comfort to you and your family. Even minor renovations can make a huge difference. If your time and budget are a concern, options are still available to transform your property without significant work or preparation.

Easy Home Renovation Ideas

One of the first steps you should take to renovate your home is cleaning the space you want to improve. While decluttering can often offer a huge improvement in itself, it’s also essential prep work for almost every typical DIY project. Once you have the area clean and ready to go, your options are limitless.

Several quick and easy renovation ideas include:

1. Adding a coat of paint to a room or space.
2. Reorganizing your closets.
3. Updating your kitchen and bathroom cabinetry with new hardware.
4. Replacing the old trim on your windows and entry doors.
5. Installing a new garage door.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Buy a New Garage Door?

If you want to change the appearance of your garage door, a simple paint job might do the trick. Paint can sometimes make your garage door look close to new. However, it’s vital to consider other critical factors, like the age of your door, its performance and whether there’s any existing damage.

If your door moves slowly, has chipped or cracked panels or shows signs of wear, a replacement might be your best option. A new door pays itself off quickly by saving you money you would have otherwise spent on repairs. A new door can also deliver instant savings in your heating and cooling costs by providing a better seal.

On top of everything else, you can choose a style and color that will instantly transform the look of your entire property.

How to Choose the Best Residential Garage Door

Because garage door replacement is often a once-in-a-lifetime event, many homeowners lack the experience in choosing the perfect model. It’s crucial to explore several areas before committing to a purchase, including:

• Your budget.
• How you intend to use the door.
• Its operating frequency.
• The type of look you want for your property.

Once you’ve answered these questions, you can choose the material that best fits your needs, from aluminum and steel to wood and vinyl. Stylish and durable garage doors by Clopay^® with design options like contemporary, traditional and carriage house can add a personal touch to your selection.  

Home Renovations Made Easy With Continental Door

If you’re still unsure about the ideal garage door style, color or design for your needs, the professionals at Continental Door can help. Our team has decades of experience serving customers in Greater Spokane and North Idaho with reliable repairs and maintenance, new installations and home renovation advice. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate. 

Benefits and Advantages of Wood Garage Doors

Many different garage door materials are available for a brand-new residential garage door. Wood doors offer plenty of advantages to your home, increasing resale value and enhancing its overall curb appeal. Check out the benefits of a wood garage door to determine if it’s the right fit for your property.

Benefits and Advantages of Wood Garage Doors

Wood is a timeless, energy-efficient material that can accommodate any budget. Check out these pros of wood garage doors to learn more about why you should invest in one for your property.

1. Wood Garage Doors Come With Custom Design Options

One of the most appealing features of wooden garage doors is that they come in various styles and colors to complement the outside of your home. Authentic wooden panels have unique graining patterns as special as a human fingerprint. Choose from a wide selection of colors, finishes and panel styles that go with your home’s architectural design.

Wood is also easy to paint or stain if you’d rather have a non-natural color. Consider making your garage door the same color as your entry door to complete your house’s overall aesthetic. 

Besides colors, wood garage doors also come in custom sizes and panel shapes to create whatever you need for your home. If you can imagine it, a garage door professional can design it. Wood complements various architectural designs, from traditional to contemporary to modern. Since wood tends to have a timeless design, it’ll always be in style.

2. Wood Garage Doors Are Affordable for Any Budget

Since wooden garage doors offer many customization options, they’re available at different prices. Lightweight doors tend to be less expensive, while sturdier, more durable doors come at a higher price. Either way, you can find a high-quality, affordable garage door made of wood, no matter what you’re looking to spend.

Even if you choose a higher-end wood garage door, you’ll end up saving money in the long run. Wood garage doors of all varieties are durable, and it’s easy to replace one broken panel instead of changing out the entire garage door.

The material itself is also a natural insulator, so it’ll regulate your home’s temperature and save you money on energy use. A wooden door can also save money because it stays in style and can withstand most damage, so you won’t have to replace it as often as other types.

3. Wood Garage Doors Are Resistant to Dents and Easy to Replace

Wooden garage doors are usually resistant to wear and tear, such as dents, scuffs or dings, because of their resistance to impact damage. As long as you maintain your door throughout the years to protect it against moisture and other types of weather, it can look new for a long time and hold up against the elements of your local area.

Besides their resistance to wear and tear, wooden garage doors are also easier to repair. Some garage door materials require a whole door replacement if there’s any sign of damage. On the other hand, an expert technician can fix part of your wood door without investing in a brand-new one.

4. Wood Garage Doors Are Ecologically Friendly

Wooden garage doors are an eco-friendly choice for garage door material. Wood is renewable, naturally occurring material, so having a wooden garage door has a positive impact on the environment. Since wood garage doors last a long time, you can keep the same garage door instead of using more resources to create a new one.

Garage door manufacturers should follow “green” guidelines to ensure that they make the best use of their resources. Discuss your options for eco-friendly wood with your local garage door distributor. You can have peace of mind that your wooden garage door will reduce the size of your carbon footprint.

5. Wood Garage Doors Feature Natural Insulation

Besides being made from an eco-friendly material, wood garage doors are also energy efficient. Even though wood naturally insulates your property, garage door manufacturers also add layers of polyurethane or polystyrene insulation between two wood panels to enhance the door’s energy efficiency. Along with the energy savings that come from investing in an insulated wooden garage door, this material also puts less strain on your HVAC system. 

If you’re looking for an energy-efficient door, go over your insulation options with your local garage door distributor. Since your garage door will have extra insulation, your garage and ultimately your entire living space will be more comfortable throughout the whole year. You can also have peace of mind storing temperature-sensitive items in your garage with an insulated garage door.

Choosing Continental Door

Continental Door is a commercial and residential garage door distributor in the Spokane, WA, area. We provide the following Clopay® wooden garage door collections for your selection:

• CLASSIC™ WOOD: Clopay’s CLASSIC WOOD garage doors feature beautiful natural wood, including cedar, hemlock or redwood construction. Each door is handcrafted with flush, traditional raised or recessed panels that complement your home’s architecture and design. Choose a door with a color and style that enhances your property’s curb appeal.
• RESERVE® WOOD CUSTOM series: Our RESERVE WOOD CUSTOM garage doors give you the utmost freedom to create the wooden garage door of your dreams. Sketch a design of your door with the color, windows, size and style you desire, and we’ll make it happen. 
• RESERVE® WOOD LIMITED EDITION series: The wooden carriage house garage doors in the LIMITED EDITION series blend the convenience of an automatic overhead door and historical charm. Choose from eight carriage house designs in one of many wood species, colors and window panels to complement your home’s traditional or Craftsman architectural style.
• RESERVE® WOOD MODERN series: Our RESERVE WOOD MODERN garage door series features simple forms and clean lines to accent the wood’s natural beauty. Combine different tones, materials and shapes to design an eye-catching contemporary garage door that complements the wooden decorative elements throughout your home’s exterior.
• RESERVE® WOOD SEMI-CUSTOM series: The wooden garage doors in the RESERVE WOOD SEMI-CUSTOM series feature authentic carriage house styles designed by hand to provide your home with an automatic overhead door with old-world charm. Choose from three wood species, six carriage house designs and several window shapes to complement your home’s exterior.

To try out different styles or to envision how your new garage door will look on your home, use Clopay’s innovative Door Imagination System tool.

Contact Us to Learn More Today

A brand-new wooden garage door adds value to your home because of its warmth, timeless beauty and cost-effectiveness. Continental Door offers many different garage door types for homeowners in the Spokane, WA area. For more information about our inventory or to request an estimate, contact us online or call 509-921-2260.

Home Safety When Going Away on Vacation

Your home security while on vacation is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re preparing for fires, storms, or property crimes, we got you covered. We’ve outlined some of the best practices for you so you can vacation-proof your home for when you’re gone. In this guide, you’ll find the best practices for: 

1. Securing your garage door for vacation.
2. Protecting your home from flooding. 
3. Protecting your home from storms. 
4. Protecting your home from fires. 
5. Other ways to protect your home.

When it comes to protecting your home when you’re on vacation, no risk is worth taking. That’s why we recognize the importance of securing your property while you’re away. Unfortunately, Greater Spokane has one of the highest national property crime rates. An estimated 9% of all break-ins are through the garage door, but theft isn’t the only potential threat. So, how can you protect your home while on vacation? 

Secure Your Garage Door for Vacation

Secure your garage door by setting the opener to vacation mode. Vacation mode locks down the receiver on your device, preventing anyone from accessing your garage door from the outside. While not all garage door systems have this feature, you’re in luck if you have a LiftMaster system. LiftMaster systems have a lock button on the wall-mounted switch that disables the garage door opener while you’re on vacation. 

To activate your Liftmaster’s vacation mode, press and hold the lock button on the wall-mounted receiver for three seconds and the LED light on the operator will blink rapidly. If done correctly, the wall-mounted receiver will continue to work, but all remotes will be blocked. To disable, repeat the process until the LED is solid again. 

If you don’t have access to a vacation mode feature, you can alternatively disable the power to your garage door opener. 

If disabling the power isn’t right for you, consider a wireless garage door opener. Many wireless opener options offer smart capabilities for enhanced security and a richer homeowner experience. The LiftMaster myQ enabled owners are among the best at enhancing homeowner connectivity. LiftMaster MyQ enables homeowners to check the status of their garage door remotely from anywhere, while also enabling security syncing with popular home security systems from Ring, Key by Amazon, Nest, Xfinity and Honeywell Total Connect. 

The last step in securing your garage before going on vacation is to enable your garage door lock. Don’t have one? LiftMaster has you covered with a wide range of automatic garage door locks that offer enhanced security with ease, so you don’t have to sacrifice your peace of mind for extra security. 

Protect Your Home From Flooding

Water damage is every home owner’s worst nightmare, but there’s no need to worry with the right preparation. Here are some things you can add to your pre-vacation checklist to secure your home while you’re gone. 

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

The water supply should be the first thing you should secure before leaving. Locate the supply valve, and close it. Then, run a faucet or shower to test that it’s secured properly. If a situation arises when you might need water — for example, if you have sprinklers — you can turn off the supply value to major appliances such as toilets, refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers. 

2. Inspect Your Sump Pump

Before leaving for vacation, test your sump pump. The testing method will vary depending on the model of your pump, but be sure to manually check that it can drain when necessary. If your sump pump fails while you’re away, be sure to inspect your basement for any water leaks or damages and contact the appropriate restoration professionals to prevent any more damage.

3. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

To prevent any water build-up near your home, be sure to get out that step ladder you borrowed from your father-in-law four years ago and check that your gutters are clear of any obstructions and water flows properly. Be sure to make the same inspections to your downspouts and ensure the water is draining properly, a minimum of ten feet away from the house to prevent any foundational damage. 

4. Seal Cracks

 Lastly, inspect your home for any cracks and be sure to seal them properly. Address any cracks and use the appropriate materials to fill them. Hydraulic cement and waterproofing paint are popular basement preparation options. In addition to cracks, make sure all weather stripping is installed correctly and replace any damaged pieces. 

Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you leave. Make sure your foundation, roof and other key components of your house have been recently inspected and any necessary repairs have been made. If your home has shutter windows make sure to secure them properly. 

To protect the outside of your home, bring in any non-essential yard items and decor. Your garage door can be a serious liability if not storm-rated, so make sure yours is. Lastly, properly secure any hardware necessary to prevent blow-ins and ensure it’s in good working condition. 

Protect Your Home From Fire 

When living in Spokane, WA, the threat of fires comes both internally and externally. To prevent electrical fires and other combustions inside your home, spot-check all outlets and make sure appliances are unplugged. Leave all lights turned off and make sure no exposed outlets or electrical appliances could be exposed to water. 

For the outside of your home, fire preparation begins with cleaning. Get rid of exposed combustible materials, including plant matter. If your home has trees and bushes, keep the branches trimmed and make sure your landscape is designed with the threat of fires in mind. If your lifestyle includes firewood, be sure that firewood piles are a minimum of 30 feet away from the house. 

Other Ways to Protect Your Home While on Vacation 

There are more ways to protect your home and when it comes to the safety of your home, it’s better to be over-prepared. Here are some ways to secure your home while you’re away on vacation. 

Try Smart Lighting 

Smart lighting is an underappreciated tool for deterring threats. Many smart LED lighting solutions will be able to connect to your phone wirelessly for you to control while you’re away. Even better, some smart lighting options have a vacation mode that will automatically turn on your lights when you aren’t home to deter threats. 

Implement Home Alarms

If your neighborhood is experiencing break-ins and thefts, consider beefing up your home security with a residential security camera system paired with a home alarm system. Communicate your vacation plans with your security company to utilize their protection. Many home security systems offer additional sensors that can help you monitor your home so you don’t have to worry about anything. If necessary, establish a backup device for securing your home’s security footage if your phone might encounter issues. 

Don’t Broadcast Your Plans

It’s totally normal to get excited about your vacation plans and want to tell everyone about your trip. Consider waiting until your return to announce your vacation and share photos online. Alerting people that you won’t be home for an extended period could pose potential risks to your home security.

Ask Neighbors to Check-In

It’s also a good practice to let a trusted neighbor know you will be out of town and to ask them to check in on your house periodically. With tools like the LiftMaster myQ, they don’t even need a key — you can let them in with a smart opener, so you can mitigate every possible risk. 

Close Blinds

Natural lighting is always a blessing to any home, but if you plan on leaving for vacation, consider closing all blinds so nobody can see in. In doing so, you prevent potential thieves from snooping on your valuables. 

Remove Spare Keys

Now’s the time to take that spare key out from under your favorite hydrangea. Even if you think nobody will find it, don’t give anyone a chance. If having a neighbor check-in, utilize the LiftMast MyQ for keyless entry, or hand-deliver the key to your neighbor to hold onto. 

Pause Mail Delivery 

After contacting your security provider, contact the post office to temporarily stop your mail. Having mail stacked up in your mailbox or leaving unclaimed packages on your doorstep could put you at risk of falling victim to property crime. 

Contact Continental Door Co. Today

We value your home safety at Continental Door. Invest in your home with garage door services and installation to ensure your garage is strong and safe. Or take the next step to regain the peace of mind you need for your upcoming vacation by upgrading your modern security features. To get started vacation-proofing your home, contact us and get a free estimate. 

What Is a Sectional Garage Door? Differences From Single Panel

Your garage door is an integral part of your home. It acts as the main entry and exit point into your house and gives you a safe place to park your car. If you have an attached garage, your garage door even serves as a line of defense against intruders and inclement weather. Garage doors can also increase the value of your home by boosting curb appeal.

Two of the most popular garage door options include sectional and single panel garage doors. Both options have pros and cons, so you should determine which is right for you based on your needs and desires. Learn more about these two types of garage doors so you can make a confident decision. 

Table of Contents

• What is a Sectional Garage Door
• What is a Single Panel Garage Door
• Differences Between Sectional and Single Panel Doors
• Are Sectional Doors More Expensive
• Pros and Cons of Sectional Doors
• Pros and Cons of Single Panel Doors
• Should You Install a Sectional or One-Piece Garage Door

What Is a Sectional Garage Door?

Sectional garage doors consist of horizontal panels connected by hinges. This construction allows a garage’s sectional door to bend as it opens and closes by traveling along the roller tracks on both sides of the garage door. These tracks guide the door to rest parallel to the garage’s ceiling when in the open position. Thanks to the hinged panels, a sectional garage door can make it past the curve in the tracks that allow it to open and close. 

Sectional garage doors use torsion springs and cables during the opening and closing process. These components make the garage door easier to open and close by hand or with an automatic opener. Sectional garage doors are heavy, and these springs and cables reduce the force needed to operate them. 

Many of today’s homeowners choose sectional garage doors for their houses. This popularity makes sectional garage doors a bit more common than single panel garage doors. You can tell a sectional garage door apart from other styles by the slight gaps between the panels. As the door moves past the curve in the tracks, you can see the sections separate by use of the hinges. 

What Is a Single Panel Garage Door?

As the name implies, a single panel garage door uses one panel made of metal or wood instead of several hinged sections. People also refer to this style of garage doors as “tilt-up garage doors” due to the way they move when opening them. These garage doors were common in older, midcentury homes, but they are making a comeback in today’s homes thanks to their vintage appeal. Single panel garage doors are also a popular option for old home renovations. 

Single panel garage doors have a lower weight which allows them to use simplified opening and closing mechanisms. These mechanisms include a strong hinge system that holds the door by the top of the frame. When in the open position, single panel garage doors slide in an angled, upward motion toward your garage’s ceiling in the space above your vehicle. 

Single Panel vs. Sectional Garage Doors: How Do They Differ?

Single panel and sectional garage doors vary in their construction in that sectional garage doors use several panels while single panel garage doors use one. This difference may seem small, but the differences between the two garage door styles only increase from there. The following list reveals many of the other ways these two garage door styles differ:

• Operation: Single panel garage doors remain straight and slide toward the roof of the garage at an upward angle. Sectional garage doors use hinged panels to bend along a track that leads the garage door to rest parallel to the garage’s roof. Thanks to the extension springs of single panel doors and the torsion springs of sectional doors, both styles are easy to open and close by hand. You can also connect both garage door types to an automatic garage door opener for even easier operation. 
• Appearance: To the untrained eye, one garage door looks the same as the next. But when it comes to single panel versus sectional garage doors, the visual differences are evident. Single panel garage doors have a unified look capable of showing off elaborate designs, patterns and textures. Sectional garage doors contain small gaps between the panels, and each section has its own design that often matches the other panels. 
• Materials: Both styles of garage doors use various types of wood or metal in their construction. These can differ depending on your personal style and your desire to complement the surrounding materials of your home. Generally, sectional doors have thicker and heavier materials, while some tilt-up styles may use lighter options, like aluminum or exterior-grade plywood.
• Security: Security is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a garage door for your home. Your garage door protects your valuable possessions as well as your loved ones. Sectional garage doors are often the winners when it comes to security, but high-quality single panel garage doors can also offer security benefits.
• Insulation: Most sectional garage doors are well-insulated, while single panel garage doors lack good insulation abilities. A well-insulated sectional garage door can help protect the valuable possessions in your garage while keeping your energy bills lower. If you converted your garage into a climate-controlled living space, you may need a garage door with the best insulating qualities possible. A garage door with lower insulating qualities may suffice for a minimally used detached garage. It all depends on your needs. 
• Safety: Consider some safety issues when installing single panel and sectional garage doors. We always recommend hiring a professional to install either type of garage door since high-tension cables and springs require experience to handle safely. Once installed, both garage door types are safe to use and operate, although single panel garage doors use less durable construction.
• Durability: Your garage door should last for years, giving you several benefits to enjoy the whole time. From an increased home value to new conveniences, the durability of your garage door is key. Sectional garage doors use thick, heavy panels, making them the more durable option. Some modern single panel garage doors can also be quite durable, but sectional garage doors are the common winner when it comes to durability. 

Are Sectional Garage Doors More Expensive?

You may suspect that sectional garage doors are more expensive than single panel ones. You might think that thicker materials, better insulating qualities, better security and increased durability would all point to a higher price tag. And for the most part, you would be right. Common industry price tags have sectional garage doors at a higher price point than single panel garage doors. Yet the variations in prices differ quite a bit. 

Sectional garage doors, while being more expensive, have a wide price range. Prices for sectional garage doors can fall anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. On the other hand, the price of a single panel garage may only run you from a couple hundred to several hundreds of dollars. Your budget may have a lot to do with your decision, so be sure to see how much you can afford before you start your search for a new sectional or single panel garage door. 

Pros and Cons of Sectional Garage Doors

Every garage door style has its own list of pros and cons. Here are the pros of sectional garage doors:

• Security: One of the best characteristics of sectional garage doors is their high level of security. The equal distribution of panels makes finding a weak spot difficult for criminals. When a sectional garage door is in the closed position, the panels create a tight seal that is difficult to breach. 
• Durability: Another appealing aspect of sectional garage doors is their superior durability. Sectional garage doors consist of thick wood or metal and high-quality hinges to create a durable final product. A sectional garage door can withstand a few accidental bumps with your car. 
• Compact operation: The hinged panels of sectional garage doors result in a compact design when opening and closing. The garage door tucks neatly against the ceiling, leaving plenty of room in your garage for your car or stored items. This convenience is especially useful in urban areas or situations with limited space. 

With those benefits of sectional garage doors, you should consider the following before making your decision:

• Frequent maintenance: Sectional garage doors contain many moving parts that require frequent maintenance to stay operational. These parts include torsion springs, hinges, rollers, tracks, bolts and other components. Proper lubrication of moving parts is essential, and consistent inspections and preventative maintenance are key to enjoying your sectional garage door for years to come. 
• High cost: The high price point of some sectional garage doors is something you should consider. To enjoy the benefits of these garage doors, you’ll have to make sure you have room in your budget. Note that a higher upfront cost could lead to durability and longevity over time.
• Complicated installation and mechanics: DIY homeowners may choose another type of garage door, as sectional garage doors take a professional to install and repair. If you’re considering a sectional garage door for your home, your best bet is to hire a professional for a successful installation. 

Pros and Cons of Single Panel Garage Doors

You could enjoy the following benefits of a single panel garage door for your home:

• Variety: Since single panel garage doors consist of one piece of material, you can choose from a wide array of options to complement any house and style. 
• Cost: When it comes down to the cost of a garage door, a single panel door wins almost every time. For a more cost-effective option upfront, you may want to look at single panel garage door options for your home. 
• Simplicity: Single panel garage doors are simple in their design, construction and operation. You can focus more time on enjoying your new garage door and less on installation, maintenance and repairs. 

Here are some factors about single panel garage doors you should consider before making your decision:

• Safety: Single panel garage doors are often thinner and less durable than sectional garage doors. This fact makes them less resistant to brute force and damage from vehicles, the weather and criminals. 
• Extensive repairs: Single panel garage doors may be simple to install and operate, but if the door breaks, it can require a complete replacement. You can replace a single damaged panel of a sectional garage door, but if you damage your tilt-up garage door, you may have to replace the whole thing. 
• Space limitations: Since single panel garage doors rise toward your garage ceiling at an angle, you could face space limitations. You may need to park your car further from the garage door to make room for this angle. Or you may have to choose a different garage door option if you have a smaller garage. 

Should You Install a Sectional or One Piece Garage Door?

You want to make sure you’re making the right decision for your home when choosing a garage door. Consider the following factors to help you analyze your situation and know which option is the best for your needs:

• Space: The amount of space you have in your garage can dictate which style of garage door you choose. If you’re lacking space, you may need to install a sectional garage door. If you have room to spare, you have more options. 
• Maintenance: Garage doors get a lot of wear and tear, and they need proper maintenance to keep them working for years to come. Sectional garage doors can be more complex to maintain than single panel garage doors. Factor in your ability to self-maintain your garage door when making your decision. Remember that a professional garage door technician is always available to help you with preventative maintenance. 
• Ease of installation: If you like to do your home improvements yourself, you may decide you want a single panel garage door for easier installation. We recommend a professional install any garage door you choose. Keep in mind that your professional installer will need to put in a bit more time for a sectional garage door project. 
• Budget: Your budget will be another strong determining factor for which type of garage door you choose. Large budgets can make room for a more expensive sectional garage door. If you need to keep the price of your garage door project to a minimum, you may want to choose a single panel garage door. Keep in mind your long-term budget, as well, when it comes to replacements, repairs and maintenance.

Explore Residential Garage Doors From Continental Door, Co.

Whether you choose a sectional or single panel garage door for your home, you can trust the experts at Continental Door to get the job done. From a new garage door to professional repair services, our offerings make us the company for you in the greater Spokane area. We even offer 24/7 emergency services so your garage door can work when you need it most. 

What Is LiftMaster MyQ®? Why Sign Up?

The LiftMaster MyQ® connects your garage door opener and accessories to your smartphone or other electronic devices. By adding a smart garage to your property, you can easily access your garage door opener from almost anywhere. Whether you have a residential or commercial garage door, you can find the product that best suits your property’s needs. 

Explore the features of MyQ® to find out how it can add value to your home or business.

Table of Contents

• What is LiftMaster MyQ
• Benefits of MyQ Technology for Homes
• Benefits of MyQ Technology for Businesses
• Compatible Garage Door Openers
• MyQ Accessories

What Is LiftMaster MyQ® Technology?

LiftMaster MyQ® technology connects your garage door opener to your smartphone app or computer. With the MyQ® app, you can manage your property’s temperature, security and lighting from anywhere in the world. You can also customize your MyQ® products and accessories to interact with other automated programs, smart devices and security systems from top-rated brands such as:

• Key by Amazon
• Ring
• Honeywell Total Connect
• Vivint
• Alarm.com®
• Xfinity®
• Google Assistant
• Apple® HomeKit™
• Nest
• Clare Controls
• Alpine Connect
• IFTTT
• Tesla EVEConnect
• Resideo
• STEER Tech

You can set up the MyQ® Garage for your garage door opener if you have a sectional garage door. If you have a one-piece door, you can only use it in the “Monitor Only” mode. Before installing the MyQ® Garage, make sure your garage door’s photo eyes are working correctly.

LiftMaster MyQ® for Residential Garage Doors

Having a smartphone garage door opener comes with many benefits for your home. Explore how MyQ® automation makes your life easier.

• Control your garage from anywhere: You can control your garage door from anywhere you have a WiFi connection. The MyQ® app gives you peace of mind if you can’t remember whether you closed the garage door when you left home. It also makes it more convenient to let in your friends, family members or neighbors who may be watching or visiting your house when you’re on vacation. 
• Monitor garage safety: The MyQ® app makes supervision and surveillance more convenient whether you’re home or away. You’ll receive a notification every time someone uses your garage door. You can also customize who can operate your garage door at certain times of the day.
• Get real-time alerts and access to live video: The LiftMaster MyQ® app will alert you when the garage door opens. This safety feature is helpful when your kids are coming home from school or the pet sitter is coming to let the dog out. You can also get access to MyQ® live video feed to check on your property from your smartphone or tablet when you’re away.
• Schedule your garage door to close at a particular time: You can set a time for your garage door to close or for the lights to turn off. It automatically closes so your home can be secure if you forget to shut it. MyQ® technology makes it more convenient for you to operate your garage door at night, which means you have peace of mind before going to bed.
• Transform your home into a smart home: MyQ® technology is compatible with the smart devices and accessories in your home. You can use the MyQ® app to change your home’s temperature to help control your energy bills. The MyQ® app also integrates with your home’s lighting system, so you can turn them on when you’re away for security or easily turn them off when you’re in bed.

MyQ® Features for Businesses

Commercial facilities can also benefit from MyQ® technology. As a business owner, you want to ensure your facility is as safe and secure as possible. Explore some of the ways the MyQ® Facility can help make it easier to run your daily tasks and keep your employees and inventory safe.

1. Authorization

With the LiftMaster MyQ® app, you can have complete control over all the entrances at your commercial property. Use the MyQ® app on your phone or WiFi-enabled device to access real-time notifications or operate your garage door from anywhere in the world. This technology allows you to open the door for vendors and keep out unwanted visitors.

You can also assign permission-based access to trustworthy members on your team to delegate responsibility. Maintain control of every entry point by giving your team permission to enter your facility based on the location, person, time or group.

2. Scheduling

You can schedule your garage door to open and close at specific times to reduce energy costs and eliminate liability. By scheduling when your garage door operates, you can prolong its life span by decreasing wear and tear on it.

If you’re expecting a vendor or business to come at a particular time, you can give them access inside by scheduling the door to open when they’re coming. You can also set up your garage door to close at the end of each business day so your employees don’t have to worry about locking up after their shift.

3. Utilization Reports

As a business owner, you can get reports of the activity around your commercial door, gate and dock, with information related to how your facility operates. You can use these reports to find out which entry points are costing you money due to inefficiency. With real-time alerts of what happens at each door, you can make safety a priority at your facility. The MyQ® app is also helpful in keeping track of how often you use your equipment so you can know when to maintain or replace it.

Which LiftMaster Products Have MyQ® Technology?

The following garage door openers and accessories are compatible with MyQ® technology.

MyQ®-Compatible Garage Door Openers

At Continental Door, we supply the following LiftMaster MyQ® garage door openers that can connect to your home automation devices:

• LiftMaster Elite Series 8550 DC
• LiftMaster Premium Series 8355
• LiftMaster Elite Series 8500
• LiftMaster Premium Series 8365
• LiftMaster Elite Series 8587
• LiftMaster Premium Series 8360

MyQ® Accessories

Your MyQ® garage door opener is also compatible with the following accessories:

• LiftMaster Smart Garage Camera
• Yale LiftMaster Smart Keypad Lever in Satin Nickel
• Yale LiftMaster Smart Keypad Lever in Oil Rubbed Bronze
• Yale LiftMaster Smart Touchscreen Deadbolt in Satin Nickel
• Yale LiftMaster Smart Touchscreen Deadbolt in Oil Rubbed Bronze
• MyQ® Control Panel
• Lighting Control
• MyQ® Retrofit Package
• MyQ® Remote LED light
• MyQ® Home Bridge
• Internet Gateway
• Remote Light Switch
• MyQ® Control Panel
• Remote Light Control
• 2-Button Universal Remote Control
• Garage Door Opener LED Bulb
• Additional Door Sensor for Smart Garage Control™, MyQ® Smart Garage™ Hub and MyQ®
• Smart Garage™ Control

Contact Continental Door for MyQ®-Connected Garage Door Products

If you’re in the greater Spokane area, contact Continental Door for a brand-new garage door opener for your home or business. We’ll help you find the best product for your garage door to help make your property feel safer and more technology-friendly. We also offer garage door installation, maintenance and repair services to prolong your technology’s life span. Browse through our inventory and reach out to us for more information.

How to Prevent Garage Door Hacking

In today’s society, keeping your valuable possessions and cherished loved ones safe comes down to one word: security. People rely on security features every day. Smartphones use PINs and facial recognition to unlock the device. People apply passwords to their computers and laptops to protect their sensitive information. Many people invest in upgraded security features to keep thieves out of their cars.

As a homeowner, you need to use the same level of caution with your garage door as you do with your other devices. After all, many people use their garage door as the main exit and entry point to their house. Garage door hackers keep getting smarter, so you need to know how to prevent garage door hacking.

Can Garage Door Openers Be Hacked?

The short answer is “yes,” but it’s a bit more complex than that. Garage door hacking centers around the relationship between your opener and the remote you use to activate it. When you click your garage door remote, it sends a signal using low-frequency waves to communicate with the opener. Some garage door openers are easier to hack than others, but it all depends on the interaction between opener and remote.

As technology advances, garage door hackers get better at their craft. When inventors created the first garage door openers, criminals began looking for ways to exploit them to enter people’s houses. This was an easy task at first since the technology was brand new. For criminals, it was as simple as buying a remote from the local hardware store and using it to open any garage door they desired. This was unacceptable, so companies began developing new security features.

Even though criminals continue finding ways to hack garage door openers, the latest advances in technology make it a more difficult task. As a homeowner, you need to make sure you’re doing everything you can to prevent unwanted access into your garage. It’s important to protect detached garages to keep your valuable possessions safe. But it’s even more crucial to protect your attached garage if it grants access to your house. The safety of your family depends on it.

What Are Fixed Code Garage Door Openers?

Fixed code garage door openers were the manufacturers’ first attempt to increase garage door security. Garage door openers use radio waves to function and operate at a frequency of 300-400 megahertz (MHz). Unlike the radio waves used to send songs and spoken word to our car radios and home stereo systems, people don’t need a license to use garage door radio waves. This is what allowed thieves to open people’s garage doors with ease early on. Fixed code garage doors helped make it a little trickier.

Fixed code garage door openers, or a dip switch garage door openers, use eight to 12 little switches inside the opener and the remote to set a code. Users set the code by sliding these dip switches into the up or down position. Think of this code as a gate on the path of the radio signal separating the remote from the garage door opener. Once a homeowner applies the same code to both sets of dip switches, the two devices can communicate with each other.

Even though most companies phased out fixed code garage door openers in the early 1990s, some are still around today. Pop off the pack of your garage door opener remote and see if you can find any dip switches. If not, then you have a more modern form of garage door security. If you see dip switches, you may want to think about upgrading your opener system to one that’s more secure.

Fixed code garage doors were a step in the right direction, but they weren’t enough to keep out intruders. Having eight to 12 dip switches with two settings per switch allows for many unique codes, but there is a limit to the possibilities. It would take a thief a long time to figure out an opener’s code through trial and error, but this wasn’t the real shortcoming of fixed codes. Their biggest fault lies in their reliance on a single, unchanging code to operate.

How Early Garage Doors Were Breached

The first automatic garage door openers were a bit of a security disaster. People accidentally opening their neighbor’s garage doors with their remotes was one thing. Criminals buying new garage door remotes from the hardware store and using them to open any garage door they wanted was quite another. Homeowners would have been better off keeping their manual garage doors instead of leaving their homes vulnerable to robbery from the lack of security features in those first garage door openers.

Then came the fixed code garage door openers with their trusty — or not so trusty — dip switches. These did provide an extra level of security, but using the same code every day left homeowners vulnerable to hacking. Tech-savvy thieves learned how to use devices called “code grabbers” to discover people’s unique garage door opener codes.

These crooks would set the device near someone’s garage door and wait for the homeowner to come home and press their garage door remote. The code grabber would intercept the signal and store the code. The homeowner would have to push their remote a second time to open their garage door.

And with that, the act was complete. Thieves would retrieve their code grabber with the stored code and use it to open the garage door at their convenience. Homeowners grew desperate for garage door openers with better security features.

What Are Rolling Code Garage Door Openers?

Rolling code garage door openers were the next step in increasing garage door security for homeowners. Manufacturers like LiftMaster realized that fixed code garage door openers were too easy for criminals to hack. So in the mid-’90s, they took a new direction and developed a system that used the opposite technology — one where the code changed. The result was rolling code, or hopping code, garage door openers. These make it much harder for criminals to steal someone’s garage door opener code.

Rolling code garage door openers create a new security code each time a homeowner uses their garage door opener. Technology within the opener uses a special algorithm that “rolls” or “hops” the opener’s security code to one of several billion other possible combinations. The opener discards the previous code so repeat codes are impossible, increasing security. Your opener will use the new code the next time you need access to your garage.

Check your garage door opener remote to see if your garage door uses rolling code technology. Look for words or phrases like “Security 2.0,” “Security +” or “Rolling Code” on the outside of your remote. Or, you can pop open the back for signs of new technology. If you see dip switches, your opener does not use rolling code technology. If you see a circuit board and a battery without any dip switches, then your opener may use rolling codes. You can always call your opener manufacturer for clarification.

Can Rolling Code Openers Still Be Hacked?

Thieves have found ways past even rolling code openers. Technology can increase security in our daily lives, but thieves can use their own technology to find ways around security features. Criminals can exploit rolling security features by using a code jamming device known as a rolljam.

All they have to do is hide the rolljam near someone’s garage door and wait for the right moment, like the code grabbers of the past. When a homeowner presses their remote, the rolljam intercepts the code and stores it. The homeowner then presses their remote a second time, generating a second code to open the garage door. The criminal can return to your house later and use the first stored code to access your garage.

Modern Solutions to Prevent Garage Door Hacking

As long as there are garage doors, garage door opener hacking will likely remain a problem for homeowners. Criminals seem to find ways around the latest security measures at every turn. No technology can guarantee complete resistance to thieves, but keeping up with the latest tech help homeowners resist break-ins. The harder you make it for criminals, the better your chances will be of keeping a secure home.

Whether you installed a new garage door opener within the last few years or you’re in the market for a new one, you should look for the following safety features:

• Two-factor authentication: Smart garage door openers are connected to the internet. In today’s world, everyone stores their usernames and passwords in online storage accounts like Google or Apple servers. Enable two-step authentication to keep people from hacking into your accounts and gaining access to your smart garage door opener.
• Security + and Security 2.0: These are the base features you should look for in any of the new garage door openers you’re considering. These make things a bit harder for criminals by offering rolling codes and different radio frequencies for the opener to operate. Choosing openers without these features would be like installing a front door without a lock.
• The myQ smartphone app: LiftMaster created myQ technology as the latest security feature for smart garage door openers. With the myQ app, you can control your garage door from anywhere. You’ll receive a notification when someone uses your garage door. You can even customize who has access to your garage door at specific times of the day. It’s the perfect fit for you if you already enjoy the benefits of smart technology in your home.

Using a Smart Garage Door? Why You Need to Keep Your WiFi Secure

It’s crucial that you keep your WiFi secure if you have a smart garage door opener. WiFi and cellular data make using your smart opener a breeze, but leaving your WiFi unprotected can make breaking in a breeze for hackers, too. Here are a few actions you can take to bolster the security of your WiFi:

• Use a complex password: Make sure to put a unique password on your WiFi to keep unwanted users from accessing it. Write it down and keep it in a safe place in your home, but make sure to keep it hidden.
• Change the WiFi’s name: If you keep your WiFi’s public name the same, potential hackers may start to realize which signal in the area belongs to your house. Change the name to throw hackers off your trail.
• Disable your WiFi during zero-activity hours: Some routers and apps allow you to turn off the WiFi during certain hours of the day. If there are times when your whole family will be out of the house, set your WiFi to turn off as an added security feature. Then have it turn back on when the family comes back home for the day.

Other Tips for Securing Your Garage Door Against Intruders

Here are some more tips for keeping intruders from entering your garage:

1. Invest in a deadlock: A deadlock is a classic way of keeping doors shut. Slide the deadlock in place, and criminals won’t easily open your garage door.
2. Install a security camera: Security cameras are excellent crime deterrents. When criminals see a security camera above your garage door, they might decide to take their chances elsewhere. LiftMaster sells a smart garage camera that works with myQ technology to let you see who is at your garage door from anywhere with an internet connection.
3. Invest in a motion detector: Install exterior lighting with motion detectors to send criminals running. When a potential thief gets close enough to your garage, a bright light will fill the area, revealing their actions in the dead of night. Combine motion detectors with security cameras for even more protection.
4. Don’t give out the four-digit keypad code: Many modern garage doors have an exterior keypad to give homeowners another way to enter their garage. Keep the four-digit code a secret, and be careful who you decide to give it to. If the code falls into a criminal’s hands, they’ll have an easy time walking right into your garage with the touch of four buttons.
5. Disengage the opener: If you’re going to be out of town for a while, disengage your opener. You can do this by pulling the red cord hanging from your garage door opener system. This will make it impossible for people to access your opener through hacking. Secure the door with a deadlock before leaving to keep anyone from manually opening your garage door.
6. Install a sturdy garage door: Having a strong garage door is a practical step in keeping your garage safe from intruders. Criminals may try to break into flimsy garage doors with brute strength. Having a sturdy garage door made of heavy-gauge steel is the best for fending off physical entry attempts.

Shop for Residential Garage Door Openers and More From Continental Door

Continental Door is the solution to your garage door needs. We’ve been helping homeowners in the greater Spokane, Washington, area achieve better garage door security for more than 15 years. We sell a variety of modern garage door openers from reputable companies like Liftmaster and Linear, including models compatible with myQ technology. We understand the risks of having outdated, insecure garage door openers. Together, we can help you experience the peace of mind that comes with installing a brand new garage door opener.

We offer free estimates, so contact us online today. No job is too big or too small for us at Continental Door. We look forward to meeting you.