Garage Door Opener Basics

In times past, having a garage meant that each time the homeowner returned home and wanted to put the car in the garage, someone had to get out and raise the door and then lower it after the vehicle was parked. Of course, electronic garage doors ultimately, became more popular and the doors could be opened easily, by merely pressing a button. However, these electronic doors did not include the safety features and advancements available today such as pressure and obstacle sensors, a selection of motor speeds or the ability to change directions with the touch of a button. Today, there are many styles and features to consider when selecting garage doors and openers. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your choice.
Drives
Perhaps the most common style of door opener is the chain drive opener. These work much like a bicycle chain and can be quite noisy. They are available in ½ to ¾ hp models and cost anywhere from $150 to $200.
For a quieter drive, you may opt for a screw-drive door opener. These have very few moving parts so they make less noise. In addition, they are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Average price for the screw-drive is $150 to $225.
If you are willing to spend a bit more ($200-$300), then you may want to choose the belt-drive opener which uses a long rubber belt to raise and lower the door. These doors are virtually maintenance free.
One of the most recent types of residential door openers is the jackshaft opener which is mounted on the same wall as the overhead door, so there is no need for an overhead track or drive system. These heavy residential doors make almost no sound whatsoever; however, you will need the services of a professional for installation.
Motors
Originally, all garage doors worked on AC powered motors, but now garage doors primarily use DC as it allows for better speed control and assortment of features. Of course, these DC motors require a conversion from AC power and they use less power than an AC motor. However, manufactures install a battery backup, in the event of a power outage. It should also be noted that while the door springs are responsible for lifting the door, you will want to have a door opener with a higher horsepower rating as they have the ability to start and stop the garage door should there ever be a problem with the garage door's spring system.
Security
When it comes to protecting your family, there is no such thing as "doing too much." One way you can protect your family is with a garage door opener that requires a code to raise or lower the door. The latest in this technology is called a rolling code. This rolling code means that each time the transmitter is operated it sends the code to the receiver but also creates a new code for the next operation.
Learn more about garage doors and visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com
Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views or opinions of Premium Garage Door Service.

Garage Doors - Installing a New Door Can Be Paid For With Tax Credits and Rebates by the Government

Most home owners either do not have the space or funds to build a separate outbuilding which can serve as a workshop. Because of these limitations most garages either double as or are adapted to be a work area. Whether the garage is used for wood working or an automotive mechanic work, after the first winter season it becomes clear that it can be very chilly and painful on the hands.
Should the winter be especially harsh, as has been experienced in the past few years, any garage time is usually delayed until warmer weather. Before December 31, 2010 is the perfect time to replace the garage door with an insulated door for several reasons. The benefits will do more than just provide a warm interior.
An insulated garage door goes a long way for regulating a comfortable temperature not just during the winter, but the summer months as well. There are large tax incentives for those qualifying energy efficient doors; up to $1500, in fact. Newer construction is superior to the aging doors of 15 years ago. Not every door is created equal, however.
There are commonly three basic styles of construction: steel, composite or genuine wood doors. Vinyl garage doors are available, too, but all of these types of doors have their own advantages ranging from strength to being permanently stained or fading and does not always include insulation automatically. It is true that any door will provide a miniscule amount of protection from extreme hot or cold temperatures, but even the most basic door without insulation will only shield a home owner temporarily; usually for just an hour or two.
An average price for a base steel garage door model and the most inexpensive type can range from about $850 - $1100 installed depending on the region. Base models do not include any insulation. An insulated steel door will usually start at a couple of hundred dollars more, but keep in mind that the increased expense of several hundred dollars in upgrading can easily be made back with tax credits under the government stimulus package that went into effect during 2009. Essentially the home owner will get the extra strength of an insulated garage door increased comfort for free. The garage door company should have all of the information regarding any tax credit available, as it is a good benefit for up selling.
Budget is usually the deciding factor for most home owners. As additional features or styling is added, such as windows commonly referred to as glazing, the cost, of course will increase. Composite garage doors offer the best of steel and wood overall with regards to styling and price. Genuine wood custom garage doors can easily cost more than $5,000, but the greatest variety of styles and the beauty of real wood is unmatched by any other material. It is rare, but on occasion the garage door company may have a cancelled or returned special order which may be available at a reduced price. There may be substantial saving available if this is the case.
For additional information on the topic of garage doors and garage door openers visit http://www.premiumgaragedoors.com.
Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service.

Garage Doors - Danger Lurking Unseen, But Testing and Adjusting the Door Opener Can Maintain Safety

Despite garage door openers being designed with improved technology and safety features, there are still several serious injuries reported every year. Many of these injuries are sustained by children. The price for the convenience of having an automatic garage door opener should not include any injury to a family member or neighbor. There is no reason injuries attributed to overhead doors should continue to take place every year with the current safety precautions mandated by law.
Until relatively recently almost every manufacturer of garage door openers recommended placing a block of wood where the overhead door meets the ground in order to test the automatic reverse settings. It is quite simple to get the door to reverse on this hard of a material. The major problem with this test is that a block of wood is much denser and harder than any part of the human body. Even with testing the automatic reverse feature using a block of wood can still mean that a child may easily be crushed to death or severely injured if he or she is pinned underneath as the door descends. Seeing eye sensors have assisted in diminishing the number of injuries annually, but does not eliminate every one and should not be a substitute for paying attention.
Most door installers and manufacturers of door openers now recommend that a softer item be used to test the reversing feature. A large full roll of paper towels or an empty box about the size of a cinder block are excellent items for testing to see if the settings are sufficient to minimize or prevent an injury by activating the automatic reverse. There is one catch to this test.
If the overhead door is newly installed then the installer should have adjusted the torsion springs. Even if the garage door was installed in recent years, the torsion spring or springs should be adjusted so that the overhead door is counterbalanced properly before the force settings are determined on the garage door opener. Garage doors which have been installed in years past need regular adjusting. Over time the steel of the torsion spring will relax. If the torsion spring is adjusted to the proper tension after the opener settings are finalized, the emergency reverse and closing functions will not work properly.
Occasionally a torsion spring can break. Should the garage door be of the variety with two torsion springs, both springs need to be replaced. Pairing up an old torsion spring with a new one is just asking for an accident. When a spring does break, it will probably be when the door is closing or already in the closed position. The tension is highest when the door is closing or in the closed position. If the door is in the process of closing, it will come crashing down. DO NOT attempt to "catch" or stop the door. Garage doors weigh several hundred pounds and serious injury will result if an individual is underneath the door.
Garage door safety is paramount and the door should be treated as if it is a piece of heavy industrial equipment. Children should never play with or around any garage door. Unless specifically trained to service overhead doors, a home owner should rely on a professional installer for all repairs having to do with any cables or springs. Serious injury may result if proper safety precautions are not taken.
For more information on garage doors and garage door openers please visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com.

Article independtly authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service.

Garage Doors - Danger Lurking Unseen, But Testing and Adjusting the Door Opener Can Maintain Safety

Despite garage door openers being designed with improved technology and safety features, there are still several serious injuries reported every year. Many of these injuries are sustained by children. The price for the convenience of having an automatic garage door opener should not include any injury to a family member or neighbor. There is no reason injuries attributed to overhead doors should continue to take place every year with the current safety precautions mandated by law.
Until relatively recently almost every manufacturer of garage door openers recommended placing a block of wood where the overhead door meets the ground in order to test the automatic reverse settings. It is quite simple to get the door to reverse on this hard of a material. The major problem with this test is that a block of wood is much denser and harder than any part of the human body. Even with testing the automatic reverse feature using a block of wood can still mean that a child may easily be crushed to death or severely injured if he or she is pinned underneath as the door descends. Seeing eye sensors have assisted in diminishing the number of injuries annually, but does not eliminate every one and should not be a substitute for paying attention.
Most door installers and manufacturers of door openers now recommend that a softer item be used to test the reversing feature. A large full roll of paper towels or an empty box about the size of a cinder block are excellent items for testing to see if the settings are sufficient to minimize or prevent an injury by activating the automatic reverse. There is one catch to this test.
If the overhead door is newly installed then the installer should have adjusted the torsion springs. Even if the garage door was installed in recent years, the torsion spring or springs should be adjusted so that the overhead door is counterbalanced properly before the force settings are determined on the garage door opener. Garage doors which have been installed in years past need regular adjusting. Over time the steel of the torsion spring will relax. If the torsion spring is adjusted to the proper tension after the opener settings are finalized, the emergency reverse and closing functions will not work properly.
Occasionally a torsion spring can break. Should the garage door be of the variety with two torsion springs, both springs need to be replaced. Pairing up an old torsion spring with a new one is just asking for an accident. When a spring does break, it will probably be when the door is closing or already in the closed position. The tension is highest when the door is closing or in the closed position. If the door is in the process of closing, it will come crashing down. DO NOT attempt to "catch" or stop the door. Garage doors weigh several hundred pounds and serious injury will result if an individual is underneath the door.
Garage door safety is paramount and the door should be treated as if it is a piece of heavy industrial equipment. Children should never play with or around any garage door. Unless specifically trained to service overhead doors, a home owner should rely on a professional installer for all repairs having to do with any cables or springs. Serious injury may result if proper safety precautions are not taken.

For more information on garage doors and garage door openers please visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com.


Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service.