Garage Door Alarms 101: Everything You Need to Know

George has a garage with a $150K Aston Martin Vantage and some expensive tools.

One evening, while he’s away from home, a burglar walks towards his garage, hoping to break in, steal the car and make away with some other valuables.

The burglar tries to open the garage door but doesn’t realize that George installed a garage door alarm. As soon as he opens the door, a deafening siren goes off, alerting the neighborhood to a potential break-in.

Startled by the alarm and the attention it has attracted, the burglar flees the scene without taking anything. Meanwhile, George gets a notification on his smartphone from the garage door alarm, telling him that his garage has been breached. 

As his alarm is connected to his home security system, he also gets live footage of the incident, showing the criminal as he approaches the garage.

So, George calls the cops and reports the incident, describing the burglar based on the video recording and alerting them of a potential threat to his neighborhood.

This is how garage door alarms can deter burglars and prevent potential break-ins. These alarms add an extra layer of security to your garage, protecting your valuables.

Today, we’ll show you what you need to know about garage door alarms:

• Their types
• How they work
• Their benefits
• Best garage door alarms
• How to choose one

Types of Garage Door Alarms

Two main types of door alarms are used in garages: 

• Wired alarms: They use wires to connect the different components of the alarm system.  
• Wireless alarms: They do not require a physical connection as they use wireless technology to connect the different parts of the system. 

Whether wired or wireless, modern garage door alarm systems use sensors. These super-effective sensors are usually placed on the garage door or frame. 

Some of the common types of sensors used are:

Tilt sensors: These are placed on the garage door in a vertical position. Whenever the garage door is opened, the sensors detect the change in position and set off an alarm. 

Door contact sensors: Unlike a tilt sensor, a door contact sensor has two parts: a sensor and a magnet. 

The magnet is attached to the door while the sensor is mounted on the frame. When the garage door is opened, the magnet moves away from the sensor and triggers an alarm. 

Glass break sensors: These sensors are perfect for garage doors with window inserts. They set off an alarm once they detect the sound of breaking glass. 

You can use a glass break sensor with a tilt sensor or door contact sensor. 

Vibration sensors: A vibration sensor detects unusual vibrations on door surfaces when someone tries to break in forcefully and sets off an alarm. 

Smart Alarms for Garage Doors 

Unlike standalone alarms, a smart garage door alarm system includes other security devices like security cameras and motion sensors linked to a control panel. You can arm or disarm the system remotely using your smartphone. 

Smart alarms can alert you even before a crime occurs. You can set up tripwires with outdoor cameras and get real-time notifications once the system detects suspicious activity.

You can verify or dismiss the threat alert when you get these notifications. Verifying the threat alert triggers the alarm and scares off the intruder before they cause damage. 

Smart alarms also offer amazing access management. You can grant friends and family access to your garage with temporary or recurring security codes while you’re away. Also, you can track who accessed your garage and when. 

If your smart alarm system supports garage door control, you can use it to open and close your garage door. Some systems offer an automation feature that automatically closes your garage door after some time if you accidentally leave it open. 

Integrating Garage Door Alarms With Home Security Systems

Integrating your garage door alarm with a comprehensive home security system ensures your entire property is protected and monitored around the clock, giving you peace of mind and a sense of security.

Connected alarms: Many modern garage door alarms allow you to integrate them with existing home security systems like SimpliSafe, ADT, and Ring. 

You can connect these alarms to the same control panel and monitoring system as the rest of your home security devices, allowing them to work seamlessly together. 

If the garage door alarm is triggered, it will set off the entire home security system, alerting you, your neighbors, and even relevant authorities of a potential threat.

Smart home integration: If you have a smart home, you can integrate your garage door alarms with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. 

This way, you can control and monitor your garage door and home security system using voice commands or your smartphone app. 

For example, you can check the status of your garage door, arm or disarm the security system, and receive alerts when someone opens the garage door.

Motion detection: Many home security systems include motion detection sensors that you can install in your garage. These sensors can detect motion and trigger the security system if someone enters the garage without authorization. 

With this integration, you can receive alerts if someone tries to enter the garage.

Video coverage: Home security systems with security cameras offer live video coverage that lets you see what happens in and around your garage. This way, you can identify potential intruders before they become threats.

Benefits of Garage Door Alarms 

• Increased security: A garage door alarm makes your garage a tough target for criminals because it can detect and alert you when someone tries to breach your garage door. 
• Remote monitoring: If you integrate your garage door alarms with an extensive home security system, you can monitor your garage from your smartphone, even when you’re away from home. 
• Lower insurance premiums: Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners with security systems like garage door alarms. 
• Increased home value: Installing an alarm system in your garage can increase the value of your home because it’s an extra security feature that homebuyers love. 
• Peace of mind: This is perhaps the ultimate benefit of having a garage door alarm system. Your mind will be at ease knowing your possessions are adequately protected. 

Best Garage Door Alarms 

It can be daunting to pick out a reliable garage door alarm system from the various options, so we’ve made your job easier. Check out our recommendations for garage door alarms.

KERUI Garage Door Alarm 

KERUI garage door alarm is an affordable standalone alarm system for detecting intrusions in your garage. It’s super easy to install; just follow the instructions in the manual. 

The kit comes with :

• Two door/window sensors
• An alarm horn
• One infrared motion sensor
• Two remote controls to arm and disarm the system

When triggered, the horn gives off a 110 dB sound that alerts you of an unwanted presence. You can make the siren louder by adding more alarm horns. 

Pros: 

• Affordable 
• Expandable 
• Comes fully programmed
• Weatherproof 

Skylink HA-434RTL Garage Alarm

Skylink HA-434RTL garage alarm is another affordable yet effective option in the standalone garage door alarm category. 

It’s highly customizable and has a receiver that gives off a 95 dB siren when triggered. The receiver supports up to 16 wireless sensors—four sensors in each of these four categories:

• Motion sensors: to detect movement up to 40 meters away.
• Door/window sensor: These are contact sensors you can mount on your doors or windows. 
• Water sensors: They detect water leakage, so you’ll install them in places vulnerable to water leaks.
• Garage door monitors: These sensors monitor the status of your garage door and alert you if it’s open. 

The system works flawlessly, but you can’t receive notifications on your smartphone. 

Pros: 

• Comes with four different types of sensors 
• Easy to set up 
• Expandable 
• Automatic battery monitoring 

SimpliSafe Entry Sensor 

SimpliSafe Entry Sensor consists of a magnet and a sensor. The sensor detects whenever the magnet moves more than two inches away and sounds the alarm if it’s in an armed state. 

The sensor is super easy to install: Peel off the double-sided sticker and stick the magnet and sensor on the door and frame, respectively. You can also use the screws and backplates provided to fix the sensor more firmly if you’d like. 

You can easily integrate the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor into the SimpliSafe Gen 3 home security system. There’s also an option for professional 24/7 monitoring if you need it. 

Pros: 

• Easy to install 
• Sensor is very effective 
• Can be easily integrated into a home security system 
• Compact design 
• Long-lasting battery 

Brinks Home Wireless Garage Door Tilt Sensor 

The Brinks Home Wireless Garage Door Tilt Sensor works with a tilt sensor that is triggered once the garage door rotates past 45 degrees. You can use this sensor on any lifting or tilting door. 

The sensor is compatible with many home automation and security systems, including the Brinks home security system. 

Pros: 

• 5-year battery life 
• Easy to set up 
• Compatible with many home security systems 
• Tamper-resistant cover 

How to Choose a Garage Door Alarm

Before purchasing a garage door alarm, consider these factors: 

Price: The prices of garage door alarms can vary greatly. Some standalone units cost less than $50, while some smart alarms and extensive home security systems cost above $500. Choose an alarm that won’t burn a hole in your pocket but will still meet your security needs.

Type of alarm: As mentioned earlier, there are wired and wireless alarm systems with different types of sensors. The alarm you choose will depend on the garage door you have and what kind of system you prefer. Choose an alarm that’s compatible with your door.

Compatibility with an existing security system: Ensure that the garage door alarm you want to buy is compatible with any existing home security system you have. Choosing a garage door alarm designed by the same manufacturer as your home security system is best, as they’re more likely to be compatible. 

Range: If the distance between your house and garage is much, you’ll need a long-range alarm system to ensure the receiver and sensors communicate properly.

Monitoring: Some alarm systems are self-monitored and offer an optional professional monitoring subscription. The professional monitoring service is ideal if you have a busy schedule or regularly travel out of town. You can also opt for it if you don’t want to monitor the alarm system yourself. 

Installation: Can you install the system by following a simple DIY guide, or will you need the services of a professional? 

Durability: Your garage door alarm should be durable, especially if any of its components are to be mounted outside, where they’ll be exposed to the elements. A weather-resistant alarm system is always a safe bet. 
Tamper resistance: Look for a garage door alarm with a tamper-resistant design that’ll make it difficult for criminals to disable it. 

Act Now to Secure Your Garage

The pain of waking up to or coming back to a burgled house is indescribable—if you’ve experienced it. And let’s face it: even with insurance, some things are not replaceable. 

Don’t wait until you become a victim before taking proactive steps to secure your garage. 

If you’re still unsure about the type of garage alarm system to install in your home, call us today. We’ll gladly assess your home and recommend the best system for you.