Can Garage Door Openers Be Hacked?
Even modern garage door openers can be hacked. Burglars and thieves looking for valuables often look to the garage door for a way in. Hidden vulnerabilities in your garage door opener mean physical force isn’t necessary. While older systems are easier to break into, a rolling code can be hacked as well. Another garage door hack is to access a home Wi-Fi network. Why Are Older Garage Door Openers Easy to Hack? A fixed code opener uses a wireless remote transmitter that operates at a single frequency of between 300 and 400 megahertz. This is a common frequency range used by radio stations. A fixed code garage door opener is easy to hack into just by using a computer or transmitter that cycles through the code combinations. The electric garage door opener was invented in 1926. As wireless technology was developed, so were ways to exploit it. While a remote with multiple switches could have thousands of combinations, a computer could cycle through these in less than a second, allowing a thief to open the door by transmitting every combination at once. Burglars could also use a device known as a code grabber, leaving it hidden nearby. When an unsuspecting homeowner used their garage door, the device would record the code; the thief would pick it up later and open the door with a press of the button. Can Rolling Code Garage Door Openers Protect Your Home? A rolling code garage door opener uses what is called a hopping code, which changes every time someone uses the remote control. Rolling code technology makes it more difficult to break into your garage, but not impossible. A hacker can use a radio to transmit jamming signals and prevent the code from changing, making it easier to steal. Manufacturers have developed solutions to try to outsmart hackers. Some smart garage door openers include remotes with codes that expire in less time, or choose from billions of combinations of codes. Some systems will only respond to the same code once. But no matter what type of system or technology you use, the best way to protect your home is to follow some basic garage security tips. How to Protect Your Garage Door and Home The sobering truth is any garage door opener technology can be hacked. Nonetheless, there are ways to protect your home and reduce the risk of break-ins, such as: Never leave the garage door remote in your vehicle; this is a common reason thieves break into cars, especially if the remote is visible from outside (thieves also know common places people leave remotes). Keep your garage door closed at all times and never leave it open unattended, even if it’s to do chores outside. Install a heavy gauge inner garage door with an anti-kick device and deadbolt. If you have an attached garage, the door between the garage and the rest of your home should always be locked. Install motion sensor lights in front of your home, near the garage, so any activity triggers the light, providing more illumination and adding security. Consider other security accessories such as deadlocks, video recording cameras, or a radio. If music or other sounds are playing inside, a potential thief may think someone is home. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas Choosing the best garage door opener can be tough, but our professional installers can help find the safest, most suitable one for your home. Our Las Vegas garage door service company provides everything from garage door repair to garage door opener installation, to comprehensive maintenance. We are providing no contact service with social distancing and sanitizing to protect our customers and technicians during the coronavirus pandemic. Schedule service or a consultation by calling 702-637-2700 today.
What Is a Screw Drive Garage Door Opener?
A screw drive garage door opener is one of the options available if you are replacing your old system. It is not the most common type used in homes. Nonetheless, it is quite powerful and suited for larger, heavier garage doors. Other garage door openers use chains or belts. This type features a threaded stall rod, which is shaped like a screw that is rotated by a motor. The mechanism moves the trolley that opens and closes your garage door. A screw drive opener differs from chain- or belt-driven models in that there is no pulley. It’s therefore much quieter during operation, so you avoid disturbing occupants of your home who may be sleeping. If the system gets noisy, the screw mechanism can be lubricated with machine oil. While chains and belts eventually need to be replaced, screw drive systems experience less wear over time. They can last longer, meaning you can put off spending on major repairs and replacements. The latest safety features are included as well, such as photo-electric sensors and security encryption that creates a new access code every time the garage door is used. Are Screw Drives More Reliable than other Garage Door Openers? Fewer moving parts means it’s less likely for something to break. You’ll spend less on maintaining and repairing pulleys, gears, belts, or chains, and the system runs much more smoothly on the tracks. It is less likely to jerk and stop along the track, and there’s little risk of damage to the door when the opener is running. The mechanism moves in response to the turning of the metal rod, which is where all the energy used is focused, rather than for powering various other moving components. Screw drive garage door openers therefore use less energy while generating more power. Another advantage is speed. Screw type openers can run at seven to ten inches per second, while most other garage door openers move at as little as five inches per second. What Kinds of Features Come with Screw Drive Garage Door Openers? The latest features available with other systems can be found in screw drive openers. You can therefore install one with a Wi-Fi connection, which allows control over your garage door with a smartphone app. Monitor your garage door and control it from anywhere, grant access to other users, or shut it if you forgot to on your way out. Some systems come with LED garage lighting, keyless entry systems, battery-backup, and extra-powerful motors for more demanding applications. Are There Any Disadvantages of Screw Drive Openers? The only main disadvantage is the expense. Screw drive garage door openers are a little more expensive because they’re less popular and other types are cheaper to make. But if you have the budget and the need for power and speed, this is a worthwhile investment. Screw drive openers are made by some of the top brands, including Genie and LiftMaster. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Green Valley, and Boulder City, we supply, install, and repair screw drive and other types of garage door openers from leading brands. Our live operators are available 24/7 to answer your questions. We can provide all the assistance you need in selecting a garage door opener and can install your new system within two hours. Same-day service is available from trained, professional technicians. If you’re ready to replace your old garage door opener, request a free quote or call Precision Door Service of Las Vegas directly at 702-637-2700.
How to Choose Outdoor Garage Lights
Outdoor garage lights have many benefits. They can improve the look of your home, thereby adding curb appeal, and provide visibility, security, and safety. If you are looking to install exterior lighting, there are many decisions to consider, from the kind of light fixture to energy efficiency, to the range of features that are available. Below are some factors and tips to consider when choosing outdoor lighting to accompany your garage door. Consider Garage Door Size The requirements for a single-car garage door differ than, for example, a double door. For a smaller door, a single lantern-style light may do. You can place one between the house and garage or above the garage door, or install two smaller lights on either side of it (Side-mounted fixtures should measure one-quarter to one-third the height of the garage door opening). The general rule of thumb is to add one light per garage door. A medium flood light may do or, if your garage has eaves, you can install downlighting. If you have a two-car or larger garage, installing lights on both sides and above it can maximize illumination and aesthetics. The most practical solution depends on your driveway as well. The setup should be arranged based on its length and width. Examine the driveway at all angles to determine how to illuminate the most space, and ensure that the lighting doesn’t affect your next-door neighbor. Choose the Right Light Fixture The type of fixture matters because you can match it with the design of your home or a particular architectural style. Certain fixtures are more suited for a modern home, while others blend in better with a contemporary or traditional style residence. Fixtures should also work aesthetically with the outdoor lighting already installed. Additional considerations include: The type of light bulb: The bulb should meet the wattage requirements for your home; outdoor fixtures are typically rated for 60 or 100 watts, and LED light bulbs can save energy and money. Avoid using spiral compact fluorescent bulbs as they’re not designed for outdoor use. Solar-powered lighting: Solar lights charge in the sun during the day and require no electrical connection to operate all night long. You don’t need an electrical outlet or to run any wires; some solar lights turn on automatically when it gets dark outside. Features: An even more functional garage door light can have motion detectors, which turn it on when you approach or if an uninvited guest is nearby, or timers. A timer provides automation to ensure your driveway is lit up when you want. Heat-sensing systems are also available. These extra features can save energy and add safety. Get the Right Light Bulbs As mentioned earlier, the light bulb you choose is very important. There are many types of outdoor light bulbs; to ensure you get the most of your garage lighting, follow the guidelines and recommendations from the manufacturer. Bulbs are different than fixture style in that they must meet functional specifications. In general, LED bulbs are more durable and long-lasting (they can last up to 100,000 hours). Consider not only lifespan but also wattage, efficiency, and weather resistance; an outdoor light bulb should tolerate moisture and temperature extremes. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas If finding the right garage door is your goal, Precision Door Service of Las Vegas can help. We provide professional installation, specializing in many different brands and manufacturers, and can help choose a garage door based on the most suitable material and design. Dependable garage door repair services are also provided. Our certified technicians are available during the coronavirus pandemic and are following social distancing and other guidelines. Call 702-637-2700 to speak to a live operator 24/7 and schedule Las Vegas garage door service.
Top 5 Garage Organization Ideas
For most of us, our garage space can be better utilized. A home garage can be a versatile room, but lawn care equipment, tools, bikes, sports gear, cleaning supplies, automotive accessories, and other items can create clutter. The more disorganized your garage, the less useful it is. Garage organization ideas such as shelves, overhead storage racks, pegboards, cabinets, and workbenches can help neaten things up. Continue reading for a closer look at these 5 garage storage ideas. Garage Shelving You can free up a great deal of floor space with garage shelving. The good thing is shelves can be arranged in many ways, from freestanding units that can be relocated as needed to shelf systems that anchor to walls or ceilings. Shelving systems are quite versatile. They can be made of steel, wood, or plastic and be secured with strong anchors and brackets. You can also stack/line-up plastic bins and baskets to further organize items stored on each shelf. For tight spaces, consider corner shelving as convenient vertical storage. Garage Overhead Storage Racks A common ceiling storage solution, overhead racks are more often used to store luggage, holiday decorations, camping gear, sports equipment, and other seasonal items. The ceiling is an often-underutilized space that can be put to good use. Placing items higher up protects them from flooding and other damage. Ceiling storage systems should be installed at safe heights, but be reachable; special ladders, pulleys, and lifts can ease access. Some racks are specially designed to hold bikes, skis, bats, and other sports equipment. Pegboards and Track Systems Pegboards are extremely versatile. They have pre-drilled holes, where wall hooks and tool holders can be added to allow just about any tool or item to be hung. Once the pegboard is attached to the wall, you are ready to go with all items in plain sight. A track system is a similar idea that provides vertical storage for folding chairs, ladders, shovels, and other larger items that wouldn’t fit on a pegboard. Metal wall tracks can hold a lot of weight and are usually easily mounted on drywall or bare studs. Garage Cabinets Not everything needs to or should be left out in the open. Lockable cabinets can keep dangerous chemicals, tools, and materials as well as flammable liquids hidden and out of reach, especially for children. A cabinet can reduce clutter and its shelves/drawers can be adjusted as needed. Installation is generally simple, though you need adequate floor space and room to open the doors. Tipping over a cabinet is a safety risk, but anchoring it to the garage wall provides additional safety. Garage Workbenches and Tool Chests If you do a lot of DIY projects, a workbench can provide the surface area and storage that you need. Workbenches are convenient when installed near a pegboard, so tools are within reach. Tool chests are also great for storage and organization. Multiple drawers provide room for tools, car supplies, and other frequently used items. Some tool chests have smaller containers for screws, drill bits, and other accessories, while larger ones may have shelving and usable work surfaces. Wheeled units add the benefit of portability. Contact Precision Door Service of Las Vegas Our Las Vegas garage door service company is open to help with garage door repair, installation, and maintenance. We fix and replace all garage door parts and specialize in leading-brand garage door openers. Open during the coronavirus pandemic, we’re providing no contact service with social distancing and sanitization to keep you protected. Our technicians will even help choose the right system for your needs. To speak to a live operator, schedule service, or request 24/7 emergency help, call 702-637-2700 today. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]