
Security is one of the primary concerns when selecting the right garage door for your home. Your garage isn’t just where you keep your car — it’s your home’s entry point, a storage area for valuable tools or other belongings, and a crucial part of your property’s overall security. Value: We know that homeowners like to be knowledgeable when it comes to their home, so today we are getting into one of the most frequently asked questions:
Are manual or automatic garage doors safer?
Security Features of Manual Garage Doors
Less Is More: Simple Design, Fewer Compromises: That wasn’t the case with manual garage doors, which lack electronic parts, Wi-Fi access, remote-control features—or any equivalent for hackers to electronically override. They work only with physical locks and latches, so they are sometimes less vulnerable to tech-powered break-ins.
Heavy, Durable Locks: Strong mechanical locks, such as slide bolts or padlocks, are built into most manual garage doors. Safely secured in place, these are hard to tamper with — so long as homeowners remember to keep them locked in the first place.
Less Maintenance-Related Risk: With a manual garage door, keypad malfunctions, lost remotes or power outages do not shut off access (and security). Fewer mechanical and electrical components equate to fewer potential weak points, but security depends upon a homeowner’s vigilance.
Potential Downsides
Forgetting to lock: Because the garage door doesn’t lock automatically, it’s easy to forget to lock it when you close it for the night.
Physical force vulnerability: If connected to old or weak manual doors, these can be pried open by a determined intruder, especially if the locks aren’t strong.
Security Features of Automatic Garage Doors
Automatic Locking Mechanisms: Most contemporary automatic garage doors also have an automatic locking system that activates when the door shuts. This eliminates the potential for human error and ensures that your garage is locked every time you close it.
Rolling Code Technology: Some other remote openers use a system with a rolling code, which changes each time you use the remote control. This makes it nearly impossible for someone to clone your remote signal.
Smart Technology & Monitoring: By using smart garage door openers, homeowners can see, operate, and receive alerts about their garage doors from their smartphones. They can see whether the door is closed, remotely close it, or even receive notifications that it was left open—all of which add peace of mind.
Potential Downsides
Hacking risk: While it remains rare, older or outmoded automatic systems may be hackable or open to code grabbing.
Power outages: Your automatic door opener will be useless in a blackout unless you have a battery backup.
Mechanical malfunctions: If any components fail (sensors, motor, etc.), security could be compromised temporarily.
Which One Is More Secure?
It’s all a matter of your lifestyle and values.
For tech-forward homeowners, a current automatic garage door with rolling codes, smart capabilities, and automatic locks is the ultimate security and convenience — provided that it is maintained and updated.
For those who like things simple, a manual garage door with heavy-duty locks, such as the Defender, can work very well, particularly in low-crime areas or for people not worried about hacking.
Final Thoughts
Automatic vs. manual garage doors: Which is the most secure? The best one for you will depend on your home, habits, and how comfortable you are with technology. Whatever you settle on, a properly installed door made with quality materials that are well maintained will make your home more secure—and Promaster Garage Doors can help with that.
Are you looking for expert guidance or a security upgrade?
Call Promaster Garage Door Services now for free estimates.