The sight of partially opened garage doors is common in most homes during summer or hot months. And although it may seem like an excellent idea to leave your garage door half open to increase ventilation, the truth is that leaving your garage door partially open is less safe than it seems.You can easily lose your valuable belongings or jeopardize your family’s safety from potential burglars. So, is it OK to leave garage door partially open? The answer is a resounding no.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential dangers of leaving your garage door partially open and why it’s crucial to keep it fully closed.
Why Do Homeowners Leave Their Garage Doors Partially Open?
Some homeowners leave their garage doors partially open for various reasons. For instance, homeowners with pets like cats and dogs might leave their garage doors half-opened to facilitate their pets coming and going as they please.
This is particularly useful for pet owners with busy schedules who cannot let their pets out regularly. Leaving your garage door partially open for ventilation is another common reason homeowners might engage in this practice.
A cracked open garage door can help improve air circulation and reduce heat buildup, particularly during the hot summer. This can make the garage more comfortable to work in and reduce the likelihood of stored items being damaged due to heat exposure.
Nevertheless, while leaving your garage door partially open may be effective for various reasons, it’s essential to remember that it can also be a security risk. An open garage door can easily invite burglars to break into your home and steal your belongings.
Leaving your garage door open can also increase the risk of accidental injury, especially if you have young children who may be tempted to play in the garage. This is because a partially open garage door can expose your family to dangerous gases and substances stored in the area. Plus, it also leaves them vulnerable to intruders who may be looking for easy entry.
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What Are The Potential Risks When The Garage Doors Are Left Half Open?
Leaving your garage door half open can lead to risks you should never ignore. Below are the most common ones:
Destructive Pests and Insects Infestations
Infestation of destructive pests and insects like spiders, rodents, rats and cockroaches is the last thing any homeowner should wish for. When presented with the slightest opportunity (like a partially open garage door), these pests and insects will quickly invade your garage, causing damage to structures and posing potential health hazards.
For example, rodents like rats and mice can chew through electrical wires, insulation, and other materials, resulting in costly damages and fire hazards. On the other hand, termites can significantly cause structural damage, weakening the foundation of your garage.
Cockroaches and spiders can also create unsanitary conditions, which trigger allergies and spread disease-causing bacteria.
Therefore, ensuring your garage door is fully closed, and all entry points are properly sealed to prevent pests and insect infestation is crucial.
Susceptible to Burglars
Leaving your garage door partially open also makes your home susceptible to burglars, who can take advantage of easy access.
According to the FBI, an estimated 1,117,696 burglaries were reported in the United States in 2019, resulting in losses totaling $3.0 billion. Additionally, a survey by the home security company, ADT, found that 9% of home burglars entered the home through the garage.
Another potential risk of leaving your garage door partially open is the possibility of hijacking the automatic opener. Burglars use this technique to access garages by intercepting the signal between the remote and the garage door opener.
To prevent this, it’s essential to keep your garage door closed and use a rolling code system for your automatic opener, which changes the access code each time you use it.
Home Invasion
Although uncommon, like burglary, leaving your garage door partially open can easily make your home vulnerable to a home invasion. An intruder can easily slip into your garage unnoticed, access your home, and perpetrate a home invasion, posing a safety risk to you and your family.
May Damage The Garage Door
Most modern garage doors are designed to be sturdy with tough and durable parts. However, continuous use can cause wear and tear on the mechanism.
Leaving your garage door partially open can cause additional strain on the door’s springs, cables, and other parts, leading to potential damage and costly repairs.
Increase Energy Bill
When the garage door is left open, it allows hot or cold air to escape, causing your heating or cooling system to work harder than necessary to maintain the desired temperature in your home.
This increases your energy consumption and ultimately leads to higher energy bills.
How to Leave Garage Door Cracked Open and Stay Safe?
If you must leave your garage door partially open, there are some safety measures you can take to minimize the risks.
1. Install security a Camera
Installing a security camera system that monitors your garage and property remotely is one of the top options you can apply when leaving your garage door partially open. This way, you can keep an eye on your garage even when you are not around and be alerted in case of any suspicious activity.
2. Opt for a Smart Garage Door Opener
Another option is to upgrade to a smart garage door opener. This technology allows you to open or close your garage door remotely using your smartphone without having to be physically present at your home.
With a smart opener, you can also receive alerts and notifications on your smartphone, which can help you keep track of who is accessing your garage and when.
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3. Install an Alarm System
An alarm system will alert you of unauthorized entry or attempted break-ins via the garage door. You can set up the alarm system to notify you of any entry through a smartphone app or a text message.
Additionally, you can also link your alarm system to a security company that can dispatch help in the event of an emergency.
Garage Insider Tip: It’s essential to note that these safety measures do not eliminate the risks of leaving your garage door partially open. For the safety of your property and family, keeping your garage door fully closed and secure whenever possible is the best option.
Final Thoughts
Leaving the garage door partially open may seem like a simple ventilation or pet access solution. Still, it can pose several potential risks, such as infestation, burglary, damage to the garage door, and increased energy bills.
Therefore, you must prioritize safety over convenience and ensure their garage doors are always properly closed.
