How quickly can you respond to emergency garage door repairs?

We offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair services throughout Sierra Madre and the entire San Gabriel Valley. Our average response time is 30 minutes for emergency calls within our primary service area. Our technicians are strategically located and our service trucks are fully stocked with the most common parts, allowing us to complete most repairs on the first visit. Whether your garage door is stuck open, won't close properly, or you're locked out, we're here to help any time of day or night—including weekends and holidays.

What types of garage doors do you install and repair?

We service all types of residential and commercial garage doors. This includes sectional doors (the most common type), roll-up doors, carriage house doors, tilt-up canopy doors, and specialty doors. We work with all materials including steel, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and composite doors. Whether you have a single-car garage or a multi-bay commercial property, we have the expertise to help. We also service all major brands and can repair or install smart/connected door systems with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Do you offer warranties on your garage door services?

Yes, we stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties. All parts come with manufacturer warranties, which typically range from 1-5 years depending on the component. Our labor is guaranteed for a full year on all repairs. For new garage door installations, we offer extended warranty packages that can provide coverage for up to 10 years. Most importantly, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee—if you're not completely happy with our work, we'll make it right at no additional cost.

Garage Door Security Tips: How to Protect Your Home from Break-Ins

December 20, 2025 7 min read

For many burglars, the garage door is the preferred entry point. It's often less visible than front doors, may have older or weaker locks, and provides direct access to your home through an interior door. The good news is that with the right precautions, you can significantly improve your garage's security. Here are expert tips to protect your home.

Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener

If your garage door opener is more than 20 years old, it likely uses a fixed code that can be easily intercepted and duplicated by thieves with inexpensive devices. Modern openers use rolling code technology, which generates a new code each time you use the remote, making code theft virtually impossible.

Features to Look For

Rolling code technology: Essential for preventing code grabbing
Vacation mode: Disables all remotes while you're away
Auto-lock: Automatically engages an additional lock mechanism when the door closes
Timer-to-close: Automatically closes the door after a set period if left open
Smart connectivity: Allows monitoring and control from anywhere

Secure the Emergency Release

Most garage doors have an emergency release that allows the door to be opened manually during power outages. Unfortunately, thieves know this too. With a coat hanger inserted through the top of a closed door, they can pull this release and gain entry in seconds.

Solutions

Install a shield that blocks access to the emergency release from outside
Use a zip tie to secure the release (you can still break it in a true emergency)
Consider an opener with a manual lock that must be disengaged from inside

Reinforce the Door to House

Many homeowners focus on the garage door itself while neglecting the door that leads from the garage into the house. This interior door should be treated as an exterior door:

Install a solid-core or metal door, not a hollow interior door
Use a deadbolt lock in addition to the doorknob lock
Ensure the door frame is reinforced with metal strike plates
Consider adding a smart lock for keyless entry and monitoring

Cover Your Windows

Garage door windows let in natural light but also allow potential burglars to see inside. They can check if cars are present (indicating if you're home) and spot valuable items.

Options

Apply frosted or reflective film to the windows
Install curtains or blinds designed for garage windows
Choose new doors with decorative windows that limit visibility

Don't Leave Your Remote in the Car

If your car is parked outside your home or in an unsecured lot, a garage door remote on the visor is an invitation to thieves. If they break into your car, they have easy access to your home.

Better Alternatives

Use a keychain remote that stays with you
Use a smartphone app to control your garage door
Install a keypad entry system on the outside of your garage

Add Lighting and Cameras

Burglars prefer to work in the dark. Motion-activated lighting around your garage is a powerful deterrent. Security cameras add another layer of protection and can provide evidence if a break-in does occur.

Install motion-sensor lights above and beside the garage door
Use smart bulbs that can be programmed or controlled remotely
Add a visible security camera near the garage entrance
Consider a video doorbell that covers the driveway and garage area

Keep Your Opener Updated

Like any connected device, smart garage door openers receive security updates from manufacturers. Ensure your opener's firmware is always up to date to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Lock Your Door When Away

If you're going on vacation or will be away for an extended period:

Unplug the garage door opener or use vacation mode
Use a padlock through the track to physically prevent the door from opening
Consider a secondary locking mechanism like a slide bolt lock

Schedule a Security Assessment

At Garage Door Sierra Madre, we offer security assessments to identify vulnerabilities in your garage door system. We can recommend and install upgrades that will significantly improve your home's security. Call us at (626) 761-0653 to schedule your assessment today.

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