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If you also have a standard door leading to your garage, install a robust deadbolt lock and reinforce the frame with security plates. Then, secure any windows with shatterproof glass or film to deter break-ins. Consider a smart garage door opener for your car entrance, enabling remote monitoring and control through your smartphone. Motion-activated lighting around the garage to deter intruders is a great way to amplify these security efforts. Lastly, educate your family on security practices, such as keeping the garage entrances closed and locked.

Garage door sensors should be installed on each side of the door, typically six inches off of the ground. The sensors communicate through an infrared beam, so they need to face each other directly for the system to work properly. Make sure they’re level and aligned, and keep the area around them clear. If they’re too high or out of alignment, your garage door won’t function properly.

A prefab, or prefabricated garage, requires far less construction work than one with a foundation and frame, but it’s not nearly as desirable and may not be a worthwhile option. A prefabricated garage won’t be as durable or long-lasting, and it doesn’t provide the same protection for your belongings and vehicles. Plus, you can use a standard garage for more uses—like living space—whereas a prefab garage only serves as a space for storage. Lastly, building a traditional garage will add to your home value, while a prefab garage usually won’t.

The most common garage door material is aluminum, but the best material for you depends on your budget and location. Wood is the most expensive to repair but tends to add the most curb appeal, while fiberglass or composite doors cost less to fix.

Aluminum won’t rust, so it’s a great option if you live somewhere humid or rainy. Steel doors are durable but are prone to rust. If you live somewhere with extreme temperatures, hot or cold, you might opt for fiberglass, which won’t split if the temperatures skyrocket or drop below freezing.