For most Americans, owning a home is part of the American Dream. You work hard for it, so the last thing you need is a stranger coming onto your property and trying to harm you, your family, or your possessions. 

House alarms are great, but at that point, the intruder is already near or in your home. What if you had the option of stopping them sooner? What if you knew that they were there long before they reached your door or windows? 

Thankfully, early detection is one of the most significant benefits of driveway alarms. 

As home invasion and robbery rates increase all over the globe, so do the sales of driveway alarm systems. 

How Driveway Alarm Systems Work

Driveway alarm systems work similarly to other types of systems. Each unit has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter (which runs on battery power) is hidden from sight yet strategically placed so that it can notify you once someone pulls into or walks up to your driveway. The receiver is placed in your home, where you can hear it once it is activated. 

The receiver can notify you of a possible threat by either light or sound. These options make it simple for you to keep an eye on your home both day and night. 

Types of Driveway Alarm Options

There are two types of driveway alarm system options that every homeowner must choose from: 

Wireless/Hardwired: With this choice, there is no real pro or con as it all boils down to personal preference. 

Detection Type: For this option, you will want to know what it is that you are trying to detect. From people, animals, cars to everything in between? You will need to know what you feel your most significant threat is, and from there, you can decide what protection detection type works best for your home. 

Types of Sensors

Once you know what you are trying to protect your home from, then you can choose what kind of sensor works best for you. Here is a listing of the many models you will have to choose from. 

Magnetic Probe Driveway Sensor: These sensors are excellent at detecting vehicles that are pulling up into your driveway. Since they are magnetic and only attracted to metal, there is no room for false alarms created by the rouge raccoon or bird. 

Rubber Hose Driveway Sensor: This particular type of sensor is wrapped in a rubber hose to help conceal it from passersby. Activated once it is driven over or stepped on, it is perfect for those who want to protect their home from the random stranger or salesman that comes knocking. 

Infrared Driveway Sensors: Using heat to detect those that approach your property, these infrared driveway sensors are some of the most popular options. Once a person, car, or animal moves through the infrared beam, it sends a signal letting you know that there is a possible intruder. 

Photo Beam Sensors: With this type of sensor false alarms are impossible as it utilizes two or more sensors at the same time. The only time it sends a notification when all beams are broken at the same time. If it's only people that you want to look out for, then this is your best bet. 

Benefits of Driveway Alarms

There are many benefits of a driveway alarm system. The most important, of course, is the protection it provides you and your family. Knowing ahead of time that someone is approaching your home gives you ample time to turn on outside lights, check to make sure all of the doors are locked, and to secure any part of your home that may still be open. 

Ease of Installation

The installation process is super simple and easy to accomplish, especially if you choose the wireless options. For wired systems, there are many DIY installation features. However, if you want to connect a driveway alarm system to an internal network, you should have it professionally installed. 

Longevity of Use

With both wired and wireless options, you have a choice of how you want to protect your home. With wired options, then you are secure in knowing that as long as there is a power source that is working and connected to your alarm transmitter, then you are safe. Wireless options give you the security of knowing that even if the power goes out, your home will still be protected. 

Another benefit of driveway alarm systems is that you can use them for more than just the driveway. Many customers purchase additional equipment and place them around their pool area to keep their children safe from accidents. 

Protect All Entry Points

Others purchase multiple units and place them at all entry points of their property. By having every corner of their property protected, there is no risk of an intruder obtaining access through another entrance. 

Some alarm models can connect to internal alarms, so everything is streamlined and in one place. The range and reach of driveway alarm systems are profound — these systems, whether they are wireless or hard-wired. 

From detecting small or large animals to identifying people or unwanted vehicles, your driveway alarm systems give you the added protection you've been looking for. 

Cost

Like other alarm systems, there are many different price points that you can choose from. From the most basic to the super elaborate, driveway alarm systems can help give you front line protection for your home. 

Staying Safe

There is nothing that you wouldn't do to keep your family safe. With the many benefits of driveway alarms, purchasing one is a no brainer. It acts as your first line of defense when it comes to your family and your property. 

For more details on the type of driveway alarm systems or information on how to protect your home, visit our website, or contact us for more information.