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The automatic garage door opener was invented in 1926, but the convenience of remotely operated residential garage doors was largely unrecognized until the post-World War II era. These early automatic garage doors were controlled either from a switch in the garage or by a remote key pad mounted on a post near the street entrance to the […]
The automatic garage door opener was invented in 1926, but the convenience of remotely operated residential garage doors was largely unrecognized until the post-World War II era. These early automatic garage doors were controlled either from a switch in the garage or by a remote key pad mounted on a post near the street entrance to the driveway.
The Evolution of the Remote Door Opener Control
Based on the same wartime technology used to remotely detonate bombs, the earliest wireless remote door opener units transmitted a radio signal to a receiver in the garage, which would open or close the door. Unfortunately, the signals were frequently picked up by neighboring receivers, opening those garage doors as well.
The modern remote door opener usually features a “rolling code” technology. This system creates a new code each time the remote is used, eliminating the interference problems of the earlier units, and enhancing the overall security of automatic garage doors.
What Type of Automatic Door Opener is Best?
The door opener drive is what engages the counterbalance springs to open and close your door, and it comes in four different variations: belt drive, screw drive, chain drive, and friction drive.
• Belt drive door openers are the more expensive option, but they offer the quietest operating mechanism, and a very reliable design.
• For the long run, the screw drive opener might be the best choice in terms of overall reliability and affordability. When paired with the appropriate-sized motor, screw drive openers can handle even the sturdiest double doors.
• The chain drive variation also works well with heavier doors, but the chain will eventually stretch out and need to be regularly adjusted. In addition, chain drive units tend to be noisier and less sturdily built than screw drive models, and the gears may wear out faster.
• Friction drive door openers are the least expensive choice, and are best suited for lighter single doors. Friction drive models were once a fairly popular choice until they were dropped by many manufacturers in favor of better engineered products; their reappearance suggests a desire to offer a lower quality, lower priced alternative to the more reliable belt, screw, and chain drive door openers.
What Size is Your Present Door?
In order to select the correct door opener, you need to know the exact measurements of your existing garage door. All measurements should be made to the nearest decimal. Be sure to allow enough room around your garage door opening for hardware installation:
• Allow an additional 10.16 cm on either side of the door jamb.
• Add 40.64 cm for headroom – this is measured from the top of your garage door jamb to the ceiling or joist.
• If you have a double door garage, the center post should be at least 25.4 cm wide.
• Add 45.72 cm to your door height measurement to allow for backroom depth. This is the distance from the door opening back to the furthest point that your door opener hardware will extend.
How Much Power is Required to Operate Your Garage Door?
The size and weight of your garage door are equally important factors in determining the appropriate motor to efficiently operate your door. Most door openers are available with different motor packages, ranging from 186.5 watts to 746 watts. The price difference between motors is usually not great, so you might as well pick the motor that delivers more power than needed for your particular door opener installation.
What Length of Warranty is Available?
Manufacturer’s warranties for garage door openers fall into two categories: a warranty on the motor, which can range from lifetime to four years, and a separate warranty on parts, ranging from lifetime to one year.
In general, the more expensive, better engineered models have a better warranty than the cheaper units of average quality. You should think about the real cost of a lower price when you consider the likelihood of more frequent breakdowns, especially if they occur out-of-warranty. As with many products, buying the best garage door opener that you can afford may make the most sense in the long term.
What Type of Service and Support After the Sale is Available?
Assistance and service after the purchase of a garage door opener should be readily available from both the manufacturer and the installation company.
The manufacturer should be able to quickly provide any needed technical information about your door opener, and have a convenient system in place for handling any repair or replacement claims that are covered by the warranty.
The local installation company should have a well-established and publicized reputation for customer service. Any questions or problems that might arise about the opener’s operation and maintenance should be a high priority concern of your installer. Make sure your choice of installer offers a comprehensive maintenance program to help you keep your door opener in a reliable and safe working condition.
Damian Regnault owns and operates Perth Garage Door Company – supplying, installing and repairing garage doors across Perth, Western Australia. Damian is also on google+.
