Garage Door Safety Features You Didn’t Know You Needed

Most of us use our garage doors more than our front doors, if we’re being honest. Despite that, we barely think about them until something goes haywire. And when it does, it’s usually a mix of frustration, panic, and “how much is this going to cost?” 

But here’s the deal: a lot of those headaches (and actual safety hazards) can be avoided with the right Garage Door Safety Features–many of which you probably didn’t even know existed.

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we’ve seen it all from doors that won’t budge to ones that come crashing down like a scene out of a movie. That’s exactly why we’re big believers in being proactive when it comes to garage door safety. 

Rolling Code Technology

If your garage opener is more than a few years old, this is something you’ll want. Every time you hit that remote button, the access code changes. That means hackers and tech-savvy crooks can’t just grab your signal and then sneak in later. 

Lockable Manual Release Handle

This one’s sneaky important. You want to be able to open your garage if the power goes out, but you also don’t want just anyone being able to pull that handle from the outside. Newer models let you lock that feature down (literally).

Smart Alerts on Your Phone

Garage left open? Kids messing with the remote? With smart garage door systems, you get real-time alerts and control right from your phone. It’s automatic peace of mind, wherever you are.

Motion-Activated Lighting

Ever walk into your garage with an armful of groceries and no free hand for the light switch? Motion-activated lights fix that and will also give you a heads-up if someone’s moving around in there who shouldn’t be.

Pinch-Resistant Panels

Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like. These panels are designed so fingers (especially little ones) don’t get caught when the door closes. It’s one of those small details that make a big difference.

Upgrade Your Garage Door Safety Features

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we don’t just install doors. We want to help homeowners feel safer and more in control. If your garage door is stuck in the past, now’s the time to check out some of these modern garage door safety features before you have a problem.

Smart Garage Doors: What You Need to Know About the Latest Technology in 2025

The typical garage door has come quite a long way from being just a big and heavy panel that you lift up manually while trying not to throw your back out. 

In 2025, smart garage doors are officially a thing, and they’re not just “nice to have”. They’re actually changing the game when it comes to convenience and peace of mind.

So what exactly makes a garage door “smart”? We’re glad you asked. 

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we’ve been installing the latest garage door updates for years, and trust us when we say that this new tech is worth getting excited about!

Control It From Anywhere

One of the biggest perks of smart garage doors is remote access. You’re at work and can’t remember if you shut the garage? Open an app, check the status, and tap to close it. Boom! Just like that, your problem is solved. Hosting a house sitter while you’re on vacation? There’s no need to hand over a spare remote when they can get in with a tap of a button (or you can open it for them).

Real-Time Alerts

These doors don’t just open and close. They talk to you. You’ll get notified if the door is left open too long, if it’s opened at a strange hour, or if there’s an error in the system. It’s like having a little garage security guard living on your phone!

Integration with Smart Home Systems

Your garage door upgrades now play nice with Alexa, Google Home, and smart home hubs. So yes, you can say, “Hey Google, close the garage,” and watch it happen while you sip your coffee.

Enhanced Security

Smart doesn’t just mean convenient. It also means secure. With features like rolling codes, biometric authentication, and automatic locking, smart garage doors leave you with much better protection than traditional garage doors.

Maintenance Reminders & Diagnostics

Some systems even monitor performance and let you know when your door needs a tune-up. There’s no guessing required. 

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we’re proud to offer the latest in garage door upgrades that bring homes into the future. If you’re curious about upgrading your setup, feel free to visit us at gielgaragedoors.com.

The garage might be the biggest door in your house, but now, it’s also the smartest!

Why Pennsylvania Homeowners Are Choosing Custom Garage Doors Over Standard Models

Take a moment to observe your home’s exterior from the street. What immediately catches your eye? Often, it’s the garage door–a significant feature that influences your property’s overall curb appeal. Many Pennsylvania homeowners are now looking beyond basic, standard models and choosing custom garage doors to enhance their homes. 

The team at Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors understands the impact and shares three benefits of garage door upgrades below.

Aesthetic Appeal

Custom garage doors offer homeowners a distinct advantage that standard options cannot match. These personalized solutions provide opportunities for stylistic expression, allowing you to complement your home’s unique architecture. You can select from a variety of materials like wood, steel, or versatile composite, specifying the finishes and colors you envision. Additionally, you have control over the design elements. Consider installing windows to allow natural light into the garage or decorative hardware that adds charm.

Higher Quality Construction

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, custom garage doors frequently boast superior quality. The materials often have greater durability than those found in standard models. Customization also allows for enhanced insulation options, which can lead to savings on energy bills. This makes garage door upgrades a smart and practical choice. These thoughtful enhancements not only improve daily comfort but also contribute real, tangible value to your property.

Increased Climate Protection

Pennsylvania’s climate presents challenging weather conditions throughout the year. This means a garage door must withstand harsh winter cold and humid summer heat. Investing in a quality, custom-designed door built to handle these extremes proves highly beneficial. Garage door upgrades can result in fewer maintenance issues and repairs and provide greater peace of mind for homeowners. Choosing custom is an investment in your home’s long-term resilience and appearance.

The Custom Garage Door Experts

Navigating the process of selecting and installing the ideal custom garage door requires expertise. Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is dedicated to assisting Pennsylvania homeowners through every step, offering an extensive selection of high-quality options. Our experienced team provides expert guidance and ensures the installation is performed flawlessly. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today, and discover how a custom garage door can beautifully enhance your home!