Can I Place My Gun Safe in the Garage?
Yes, you can put a gun safe in the garage. However, there are some important factors to consider:
Temperature and Humidity: Garages can experience significant temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which can damage firearms and ammunition.
Solutions: Consider a climate-controlled garage or invest in a dehumidifier and/or a temperature control system specifically for the gun safe.
Fire Risk: Garages often contain flammable materials like paint, gasoline, and lawn equipment.
Solutions: Choose a fire-resistant safe and ensure it's placed away from potential ignition sources.
Security: Garages are generally less secure than the inside of a home.
Solutions: Secure the safe to the concrete floor with heavy-duty bolts to deter theft. Install a strong garage door opener with good security features.
Accessibility: If you need quick access to firearms for self-defense, storing them in the garage may not be the most convenient option. We recommend a smaller, fast access safe for home defense in addition to the larger safe.
Why Install a Gun Safe in the Garage?
Here are some reasons why someone might choose to install a gun safe in their garage:
Space Constraints:
Homes may lack suitable space for a large gun safe.
Garages often provide more room for the safe's size and weight.
Temperature and Humidity Control (Potential):
While garages can be challenging, some offer better temperature and humidity control than basements or certain rooms in the house.
Accessibility for Hunting/Sporting Activities:
If the primary use of the firearms is for hunting or recreational shooting, the garage may be a more convenient access point.
Security Concerns (Potentially):
Some individuals may believe their garage offers a more secure location than inside their home, though this can vary greatly depending on garage security measures.
Important Considerations:
Garage Conditions: Garages can experience extreme temperature swings, high humidity, and fire hazards. These must be addressed to ensure the safe and proper storage of firearms.
- Security: Garages are generally less secure than the interior of a home. Robust security measures are essential, including strong locks, security systems, and proper safe anchoring.
Accessibility for Home Defense: If the primary purpose of the firearms is for home defense, storing them in the garage may not be the most convenient or ideal location.
How do I Properly Install My Gun Safe in My Garage?
Here's a guide on how to safely install a gun safe in your garage:
1. Choose the Right Safe:
Fire and Water Resistance: Prioritize a safe with high fire and water resistance ratings.
Size and Weight: Select a safe that fits your needs and is heavy enough to deter theft.
Anchoring Options: Ensure the safe has pre-drilled holes for secure anchoring.
2. Prepare the Garage:
Clean and Level the Area: Remove any debris and ensure the floor is level to prevent the safe from shifting.
Address Moisture: If humidity is a concern, install a dehumidifier or use desiccant packs to control moisture levels. A moisture barrier to prevent wicking moisture from the concrete is also a great idea.
3. Secure the Safe:
Bolt to the Floor: Anchor the safe to the concrete floor using heavy-duty hardware.
Additional Anchoring (Optional): If possible, bolt the safe to the walls for extra security.
4. Environmental Protection:
Climate Control: If feasible, regulate garage temperature and humidity with a climate control system.
Fire Protection: Place the safe away from potential heat sources and consider adding a fire-resistant barrier around it.
5. Concealment:
Out-of-Sight Placement: Position the safe in a discreet location within the garage.
Camouflage: If possible, cover the safe with a tarp or other camouflage to make it less noticeable.
6. Security Measures:
First and foremost…BOLT your Safe down!
Strong Lock: Choose a high-quality lock with a complex combination or key code.
Alarm System: Consider integrating the safe with your home security system.
Surveillance Cameras: Install security cameras to monitor the garage area.
Additional Tips:
Regular Maintenance: Inspect the safe periodically for any damage or wear.
Fire Drill: Practice opening the safe quickly in case of an emergency.
Secure Ammunition Separately: Store ammunition in a separate, lockable container within the safe.
DEHUMIDIFIER ROD
A dehumidifier rod is a small, electrically powered device used to reduce humidity levels within enclosed spaces like gun safes, closets, or small storage areas.
How it works:
Heats up: The rod gently heats up.
Circulates air: This slight warming creates a gentle convection current, circulating the air within the enclosure.
Reduces moisture: The warmer air helps to evaporate any moisture present, reducing humidity levels.
Benefits:
Prevents rust and corrosion: By minimizing humidity, dehumidifier rods help protect valuable items like firearms, electronics, and collectibles from rust, corrosion, and mold.
Easy to install: They are typically small and easy to install or place within the enclosure.
Low power consumption: They use minimal energy to operate.
Important Notes:
Temperature: The rod itself will become warm to the touch, so handle with care.
Placement: Proper placement is crucial for effective air circulation.
Maintenance: While generally low-maintenance, regular checks for proper functioning are recommended.
DESICCANT CAN
A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that is used to induce or sustain a state of dryness (desiccation) in its vicinity.
In simpler terms:
They absorb moisture: Desiccants are like little sponges that attract and soak up water vapor from the air.
Keep things dry: By removing moisture, they help prevent things like:
Rust and corrosion: On metals
Mold and mildew: On various surfaces
Spoilage: In food and other perishable items
Common types of desiccants:
Silica gel: Often found in small packets in shoeboxes or electronics packaging.
Clay: Used in many commercial and industrial applications.
Calcium chloride: A common desiccant used in construction and industrial drying processes. 1
Unbolting and Moving Your Safe
When our professionals install your safe, we think ahead for you! The safes are installed in such a way that when you need to move them it is simple! For concrete installations, simply open your safe, carefully remove the nuts in each of the bottom corners, then gently tap those bolts down flush with the concrete. Always be careful of your safe tipping. For standard wood subfloor installations, simply remove the lag bolts. Again, safes are heavy and dangerous. We recommend using our deeply discounted moving services!