Gable/vent fan security issue?

[67carl]

I am in the middle of a garage remodel and thought it would be a good idea to mount a gable fan above my garage door with a fan timer switch to move air through the garage. Small garage gets very hot, especially when I pull the car in.

In the attached pic you can see the spot for it - centered right above the door. So the fan would be mounted on the inside and on the outside there would be a louver. It didn't occur to me until a few minutes ago that this could be a security issue: someone lifting up the louvers and being able to see the door release, then snagging it with a wire to release, or some other such thievery. Now I'm starting to second guess this and wonder what you guys think, any suggestions, etc...

 

[gearhead9056]

just tie the release in place if its possible, I would imagine anytime you need to open it with the release it shouldn't be a big deal to untie it

 

[larry_g]

Bolt the louver on with carriage bolts using nyloc nuts on the inside.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[rdsk8ter]

use a fixed louver with screening. My dad once told me you can only keep an honest thief honest. if the want in a quick swing of a hammer and a hook they are in anyways.

 

[notso]

Move

 

[rockchucker]

Zip Tie the Release in place. Cut it when you need to release it.

Install Expanded Metal as a screen on the inside of the vent with small Lag Bolts to hold it in place. Mount your fan behind the Expanded Steel.


https://www.google.com/search?q=exp...ATCxoLAAw&sqi=2&ved=0CFkQsAQ&biw=1536&bih=761

Just my 2¢

 

[67carl]

I like the idea of the expanded metal screen and tying down the release handle. I'll incorporate both in the installation. Thanks for the input guys.

As far as the helpful "move" comment from the noob: I live in a good neighborhood but that doesn't mean crime doesn't happen. Knock on wood I've never been robbed or burgled. Some of that is due to luck but a lot of it is due to prudence, caution and taking reasonable precautions to mitigate the risks. Opportunistic bottom feeders are everywhere and I'm not going to make it easy for them.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Move

Wow, post less!

Seems a screen over the louver would help, especially if it were a heavy mesh!

 

[pop pop]

Use plaster lathe metal for the screen. If someone tries it, they'll be butchered. Man that stuff can lacerate you.

 

[finn]

Look into something like a dryer vent or two if you are really that concerned, along with a duct booster.

I think a brick through a window is more likely than fishing for the door release. Don't need a ladder, either.

 

[rlitman]

Install Expanded Metal as a screen on the inside of the vent with small Lag Bolts to hold it in place.

If you can accidentally lean something against the fan blades, this is a good idea to have a screen anyway.

 

[Zeke]

Put a micro switch on the louvers so that if they are lifted the fan goes on.

 

[rlitman]

Put a micro switch on the louvers so that if they are lifted the fan goes on.

I thought about that one. But when the fan starts, it opens the louvers, then the switch closes, and the fan never turns off.

 

[jayfl77]

From your post, it looks like you are mounting it above the door. Wouldn't someone have to stand on a ladder to look in? If they are going through that much trouble, you probably can't stop them from getting in anyways.