When homeowners think about improving security, their attention usually turns to the front entrance, sliding patio doors or easily accessible windows. These are the areas most people naturally associate with break-ins, so they’re often the first places to receive security upgrades. However, one important entry point is regularly forgotten, despite being connected directly to the heart of the home. That overlooked doorway is the internal garage door.
For many households, the garage is used every day. It stores vehicles, expensive tools and countless other valuables, while also serving as the main entrance for family members returning home. Because it feels like part of the house, it’s easy to assume that once the garage door is closed, everything inside is secure. Unfortunately, if someone manages to gain access to the garage itself, the internal door separating the garage from the living area is often far less secure than the home’s main entrances.
Many internal garage doors were never designed to provide a high level of protection against forced entry. They’re commonly lightweight timber doors fitted with standard locks that offer little resistance if someone has the privacy and time to work on them. Strengthening this often-forgotten doorway can add another valuable layer of security while improving everyday functionality at the same time.
Why the Garage Creates an Opportunity for Intruders
Unlike the front entrance, garages are generally hidden from public view. Once an intruder gets inside, they are sheltered from neighbours and passing traffic, giving them more time to attempt entry into the home without attracting attention. This makes the internal garage door an appealing target if it hasn’t been properly secured.
External garage doors are certainly an important line of defence, but no system is completely immune to damage, mechanical failure or determined attempts at forced entry. If that first barrier is breached, the internal doorway becomes the next obstacle. In many homes, however that obstacle offers very little resistance.
Adding a quality security screen door creates another physical barrier that makes unauthorised access considerably more difficult. And the Secureview product line is a popular choice for internal garage doors as it’s built with strong aluminium frames and high-tensile stainless steel mesh designed to withstand impact, cutting attempts and forced entry.
Overcoming Installation Challenges with the Right Solution
One reason many homeowners assume a security screen cannot be fitted to an internal garage entrance is because these doorways are often built differently from external entry doors. Internal garage frames are commonly narrower, leaving limited space between the existing timber door and where a security screen would normally be installed.
Another issue is the door handle itself. Standard handles frequently protrude beyond the available clearance, making a straightforward installation impossible without modifications. While this might appear to be a limitation, it is usually a challenge that can be solved with careful planning and the right installation method.
A custom jamb adapter provides an effective solution by extending the existing door frame just enough to accommodate the additional security door without interfering with the operation of the original door. Rather than replacing the entire frame or carrying out major structural work, the adapter creates the required mounting surface while preserving the appearance and functionality of the entrance. This same approach also works well for homeowners who prefer the look of our Xceed Security Screens, a stylish perforated aluminium option or our Diamond Grille Screens for a more classic finish.
Because every home is slightly different, accurate measuring and professional fitting are essential. A properly installed security door should fit precisely, operate smoothly and maintain its strength across the entire frame. Small installation errors can affect both performance and long-term durability, making expert installation well worth considering.
A Practical Upgrade That Delivers Everyday Benefits
Improving security is the most obvious reason to protect an internal garage entrance, but it’s certainly not the only advantage. There’s also the reassurance that comes from knowing every major entry point has been considered rather than focusing solely on the front and rear doors/windows. Home security works best when each potential access point contributes to an overall protection strategy, rather than relying on one or two heavily secured entrances while leaving another comparatively vulnerable.
If you’re reviewing the security of your home, it’s worth taking a closer look at the door between your garage and living area. It may not be the first entrance that comes to mind, but it can play an important role in protecting your family and belongings. If you’re considering upgrading this often-overlooked area, the team at Factory Fit Screens can recommend a solution that suits your existing doorway while providing improved security, ventilation and long-term peace of mind. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation measure and quote.