Garage Doors & Openers

Garage Doors Openers

Garage door openers are motorised systems that help garage owners open and close garage doors effortlessly. Most are operated by a switch that is located near the garage or by a remote controller. There are a many types of garage door openers available in the market. This can make it difficult to choose one that is a perfect fit for a garage. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a garage door opener.

Garage opener systems have different driving mechanisms with the main ones being: belt drive, screw drive, chain drive, jackshaft and direct drive. Chain drive openers use a larger version of a bicycle chain on a sprocket to open and close doors. Though durable, they tend to be noisy. Belt driven openers are similar to chain driven openers with the exception that they use rubber belts instead of chains and are a lot quieter. Screw driven openers employ a threaded steel rod to move and lift doors. Due to the few moving parts involved, they are easier to maintain. Direct driven openers have trolleys with motors and gears that steer the trolley along a fixed path. Lastly, jackshaft openers mount on the garage wall at either extremes of a torsion bar and also provide a quiet alternative.

The driving mechanism is responsible for how quickly a garage door opens and closes. If improperly installed, they can cause injuries to those who use or operate them. A good garage door should meet all UL 325 Safety Standards. Rather than installing a garage door yourself, it is crucial to seek the help of a registered technician who will ensure that all safety measures are met. Modern garage doors produce electric beams that are sent across the garage door. They trigger a safety mechanism in case objects, pets or people get in the way.

It is important to ensure that the garage door opener you choose is easily repairable in case it breaks down for whatever reason. Availability of garage door parts and accessories allow you to not only repair but also customise your door opener in a variety of ways. Current customisations include; smartphone compatibility, vehicle compatibility, auto-close functionality and motion sensing security lights.