There Are Many to Choose, But Only One Type of Opener Meets the Gold Standard
The standard residential garage door opener with which "cookie cutter" builders will install in a new home have typically been the most basic of chain driven models. Although a proven and reliable type of opener, these builder installed chain drive openers are usually the lowest rated units with regards to horsepower and quietness of operation. While they may still function for a time, the stress of operation will shorten the lifespan of the basic garage door opener and will only get louder with age.
Even before the economic status quo turned to ashes for many families and businesses, one thing has never changed. A large majority of home builders will slide by with installing the cheapest and most featureless equipment in a home. With the most basic of appliances and especially garage doors and garage door openers, much of the convenience and quality is lost.
With new construction the option to upgrade the garage door opener, unlike ranges, sinks, and bathrooms, is usually forgotten by the home buyer and the builder. Most families are not dealing with new construction, however. If given the option, the gold standard of upgrading to a premium residential garage door opener would be a belt drive unit.
Much like what is used on the most popular American motorcycle sold in the U.S., belt drive openers offer an incredibly smooth and reliable method for opening any garage door. The rubber belt is reinforced with steel, much like most automobile tires are today. The most widely appreciated benefit of a belt drive opener is its virtually silent operation with the only noise being detected from the door rollers on the tracks and the hum of the motor.
Belt driven openers tend to be slightly more expensive than either their screw driven or belt driven counterparts. Ultimately what determines the cost of the opener is the feature set with which it is packaged. No matter which type of drive is selected, all should be available with a bevy of options. The most expensive units will come with all the bells and whistles such as, external wireless keypad, programmable receiver and transmitters, and the all important lifetime warranty.
Despite the torsion spring being used to offset much of the weight of the door, the construction and size of the garage door will determine what horsepower rating will be required of the door opener. A company specializing in garage doors and openers will be adequately able to recommend units to meet the needs of the home owner to ensure a smooth and worry free investment.
For more information and guidance about this topic, including preventive maintenance and repairs, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. The website includes resources, information, and links to manufacturers.
Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting
The garage door opener is the most critical part of a homeowner's garage system, and can cause big headaches if it is not functioning properly. Often a little know how and some simple tips can fix the problem and avoid a costly call to a service technician. For problems that are not immediately clear or for larger problems you still may want to refer to your owner's manual or a professional. This article highlights a few common and easily fixable issues that the average homeowner may face.
1. Transmitters will not operate the door.
This problem could be connected to malfunctioning sensors or infrared 'eyes'. Every garage door system is required by law to have a safety system that will not allow the door to close if an invisible path is blocked or interrupted. These sensors can be found on either side of the door close to the floor. If these are in any way blocked, the 'eyes' that supply the beam are dirty, or the wires connected to this part of the system are loose, the door will not close. Sometimes the sensors can be bumped and their alignment offset, which will also cause the system not to operate properly. Obviously these are all easy fixes and are the most common problems, however unplugging the garage door opener may also be a solution as a loss of power usually acts as a reset switch.
2. The door closes completely and then opens again.
Your garage opener system is configured with an open limit and a close limit. Both of these functions must be properly set as they control the distance the door is allowed to open or close before stopping. For example, if the doors' close limit is set at a distance larger than it takes for the door to close completely the system reads a safety hazard and automatically reverses the direction. The limit controls vary between several different styles of garage opener so in order to correctly make this adjustment you will have to research your specific model online or refer to your owner's manual for the specific location of these adjustments.
3. The opener makes grinding, scraping, or whirring sounds during operation.
These noises can indicate a variety of issues related to a range of components within the system. Problems with gears, motors, or the wheel tracks can all cause these noises so if you are not exactly sure what the problem is get a professional opinion rather than tinkering with the entire system. However, sometimes the track may need lubrication on some of the hinges or rollers. As part of your maintenance, you should be applying a low viscosity, permeating oil to these parts to prevent this. Sometimes springs can also squeak and groan due to use. While there is no way to test springs for their remaining life, be assured that the door will not fall when open due to a malfunctioning spring as there is no tension on them when the door is raised. The easiest way to check if your opener springs are ok is to disconnect the opener and raise the door manually. If you can do this without much trouble the springs are fine.
While there are countless other issues that undoubtedly arise with the varying garage door openers, those listed above are some of the most common and can be easily fixable. Obviously the best way to prevent issues is to perform proper scheduled maintenance and read your owners manual to ensure correct operation of your garage door and door opener. If you are having major problems with your system be sure to seek professional advice to avoid any accidents, and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions!
For more information and guidance about garage door openers and systems, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Door Services specializes in garage door openers and helping you troubleshoot your problems.
Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Matthew Eddington. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service.
1. Transmitters will not operate the door.
This problem could be connected to malfunctioning sensors or infrared 'eyes'. Every garage door system is required by law to have a safety system that will not allow the door to close if an invisible path is blocked or interrupted. These sensors can be found on either side of the door close to the floor. If these are in any way blocked, the 'eyes' that supply the beam are dirty, or the wires connected to this part of the system are loose, the door will not close. Sometimes the sensors can be bumped and their alignment offset, which will also cause the system not to operate properly. Obviously these are all easy fixes and are the most common problems, however unplugging the garage door opener may also be a solution as a loss of power usually acts as a reset switch.
2. The door closes completely and then opens again.
Your garage opener system is configured with an open limit and a close limit. Both of these functions must be properly set as they control the distance the door is allowed to open or close before stopping. For example, if the doors' close limit is set at a distance larger than it takes for the door to close completely the system reads a safety hazard and automatically reverses the direction. The limit controls vary between several different styles of garage opener so in order to correctly make this adjustment you will have to research your specific model online or refer to your owner's manual for the specific location of these adjustments.
3. The opener makes grinding, scraping, or whirring sounds during operation.
These noises can indicate a variety of issues related to a range of components within the system. Problems with gears, motors, or the wheel tracks can all cause these noises so if you are not exactly sure what the problem is get a professional opinion rather than tinkering with the entire system. However, sometimes the track may need lubrication on some of the hinges or rollers. As part of your maintenance, you should be applying a low viscosity, permeating oil to these parts to prevent this. Sometimes springs can also squeak and groan due to use. While there is no way to test springs for their remaining life, be assured that the door will not fall when open due to a malfunctioning spring as there is no tension on them when the door is raised. The easiest way to check if your opener springs are ok is to disconnect the opener and raise the door manually. If you can do this without much trouble the springs are fine.
While there are countless other issues that undoubtedly arise with the varying garage door openers, those listed above are some of the most common and can be easily fixable. Obviously the best way to prevent issues is to perform proper scheduled maintenance and read your owners manual to ensure correct operation of your garage door and door opener. If you are having major problems with your system be sure to seek professional advice to avoid any accidents, and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions!
For more information and guidance about garage door openers and systems, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Door Services specializes in garage door openers and helping you troubleshoot your problems.
Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Matthew Eddington. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Premium Garage Door Service.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Easy Garage Door Maintenance and Troubleshooting
While automatic garage door openers can be extremely useful and convenient they can also become a burden when not working properly. Here are a few tips and pointers to help keep your door opener in tip top shape, or help you determine the solution to fixing a malfunctioning one. However, since all garages are different and operate in many ways, be sure to consult your owners manual or professional repairman for more help if needed.
Maintenance
The first step to a properly functioning door is to properly maintain its many moving parts. Here are four simple and effective ways to ensure years of use:
Troubleshooting and Repair
Several problems can arise in your garage door or opener because of their many parts and exposure to weather. The most common problems can usually be fixed fairly easily, but since garage doors differ, be sure to check your owners manual to ensure proper repair.
One of the most common problems can be that the door becomes difficult to open and close. This problem could potentially be with the electric opener, in which case you should address your owners manual. The simple way to check this is to pull the release cord that often dangles below the opener to raise the door manually. If it works fine when you do this, then the problem is most likely with the electric opener. If the door seems exceptionally heavy, the problem could be spring tension. Do not try to adjust the spring tension yourself as they are under extreme amounts of pressure and can be dangerous to adjust, call a properly certified repairman instead.
If your house is fitted with a swing-up, one piece door that is sagging in the middle when it is raised, you or a repairman can install metal reinforcing rods across the center of the interior door.
If your door does not open completely but only opens 4 or 5 feet, the limit adjustment screw should be adjusted according with the owner's manual. If the door does not close entirely, the adjustment screw needs to be manipulated as well. Refer to your owners manual for the placement of these screws on your model of opener.
Most problems with doors and openers can be solved relatively simply with a few adjustments every few months, and can be prevented with simple maintenance. If the proper steps are taken, garage doors should last more than 20 years, and garage door openers should last at least 10, but small steps like those described above can make a big difference.
For more information and guidance about safety and operations of garage doors, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Door Service provides installation, repairs, and inspections, and has a series of slide show picture depicting many styles of doors.
Maintenance
The first step to a properly functioning door is to properly maintain its many moving parts. Here are four simple and effective ways to ensure years of use:
- Yearly Inspections: The best and most effective way to solve a problem is to prevent it. Be sure to inspect your door and electric motor for anything that seems out of the ordinary. Loose and worn hinges, tired springs, and wobbly nuts and bolts are some common issues that may arise. Be sure to address any potential problems before they worsen and create additional, more complex problems.
- Paint and Stain: Be sure to keep your garage door properly painted and stained. What most homeowners do not realize is that this step includes both the inside and outside of your door. Only painting the exterior door can weaken the paint through moisture, causing your door to warp.
- Lubrication: The many moving parts must be kept lubricated, especially the rollers and hinges that allow the door to bend and move smoothly. Apply a low viscosity, permeating oil such as WD-40, PlusGas, Liquid Wrench, PB Blaster, Mouse Milk, Unilease, GT85, Kroil, or CRC 5-56 at least once a year.
- Watch the Door Tracks: The tracks that guide the door must be kept in proper alignment to effectively guide the rollers. If the track needs adjusting, loosen the support bolts and use a hammer and small wood block to return it to its correct position.
Troubleshooting and Repair
Several problems can arise in your garage door or opener because of their many parts and exposure to weather. The most common problems can usually be fixed fairly easily, but since garage doors differ, be sure to check your owners manual to ensure proper repair.
One of the most common problems can be that the door becomes difficult to open and close. This problem could potentially be with the electric opener, in which case you should address your owners manual. The simple way to check this is to pull the release cord that often dangles below the opener to raise the door manually. If it works fine when you do this, then the problem is most likely with the electric opener. If the door seems exceptionally heavy, the problem could be spring tension. Do not try to adjust the spring tension yourself as they are under extreme amounts of pressure and can be dangerous to adjust, call a properly certified repairman instead.
If your house is fitted with a swing-up, one piece door that is sagging in the middle when it is raised, you or a repairman can install metal reinforcing rods across the center of the interior door.
If your door does not open completely but only opens 4 or 5 feet, the limit adjustment screw should be adjusted according with the owner's manual. If the door does not close entirely, the adjustment screw needs to be manipulated as well. Refer to your owners manual for the placement of these screws on your model of opener.
Most problems with doors and openers can be solved relatively simply with a few adjustments every few months, and can be prevented with simple maintenance. If the proper steps are taken, garage doors should last more than 20 years, and garage door openers should last at least 10, but small steps like those described above can make a big difference.
For more information and guidance about safety and operations of garage doors, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Door Service provides installation, repairs, and inspections, and has a series of slide show picture depicting many styles of doors.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
New Garage Doors - What to Buy
While most garage doors last for years and years there still inevitably comes a time in some homeowner's life when replacement is necessary. If events should occur in your own life that would warrant the replacement of a new garage door, be sure to do your research as they tend to last for many years and chances are you won't be replacing it again. For this reason a few extra dollars here and there may be quite worth it.
Today the two most popular styles of garage doors are tilt ups and sectional roll downs, which are usually in the median price range. Tilt up doors, also known as overhead or roll up doors, are attached by metal hinges and simply tilt or swing outward to allow access to the inside space. They are usually somewhere between 25-30% cheaper than the alternative, making them more attractive to some buyers. Sectional roll downs on the other hand are broken into four or more sections attached by joints and use a roller system to move the door parallel to the garage ceiling. The major advantages of this kind of door are its space efficiency and ease of use.
A second important decision when purchasing a new door for your garage is the kind of construction material that is used in doors manufacturing. Listed below are the most common materials used:
Steel: Extremely durable, steel is one of the most popular choices due to its appealing properties. It is a low-maintenance material that will not warp or bend when put under mother natures strains, and can be fabricated in a variety of different textures. Energy efficiency can also be increased with a steel door due to their double pane construction, as most steel garage doors are made of two plates with insulation in between.
Aluminum: Aluminum garage doors are also a common choice among consumers. They also offer a low maintenance option that costs approximately half as much as a steel door, and in manual garage door situations allows for ease of use due to its light weight. However, aluminum doors are more likely to incur more dents and nicks than steel doors.
Wood: Wood can be greatly appealing due to its natural look and can be quite beautiful in the correct applications. However, while easy to paint wood does require the most maintenance, including staining or painting, refinishing, and general care that must be taken towards any form of wood that is exposed to the elements.
With the green, energy conscious minds of many consumers and potential buyers the insulation used is also an important factor. The kind and amount of insulation used in a garage door can be just as valuable as the insulation used elsewhere in your home, and because of this insulated garage doors are becoming ever less popular. Polyurethane and Polystyrene are the most conventional forms of insulation used in door construction, but with such long names who can tell the difference? To most homeowners, insulation is either thick or thin. But don't be fooled. Polystyrene can be much thicker than its competition but does not always offer the best efficiency. Polyurethane, although appearing thinner in its post-production state actually offers greater energy efficiency because of its ability to expand to completely fill the space between two surfaces, and adhere to them both. This also helps decrease noise during operation and the strength of the door due to its chemical properties.
Garage door shopping can be a daunting task to any homeowner, but as always, the key to making the best purchase is to do your homework before hand. Talk to a local repairman or ask questions of many different manufacturers, as everyone has important and different advice to add. A well thought out purchase will be a better one in the future.
For more information and guidance about the variety of materials, styles, and specifications, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Door Service specializes in installations and maintenance, and they have a great slide show on their site's banner that illustrates a variety of styles to help you visualize the look you want.
Today the two most popular styles of garage doors are tilt ups and sectional roll downs, which are usually in the median price range. Tilt up doors, also known as overhead or roll up doors, are attached by metal hinges and simply tilt or swing outward to allow access to the inside space. They are usually somewhere between 25-30% cheaper than the alternative, making them more attractive to some buyers. Sectional roll downs on the other hand are broken into four or more sections attached by joints and use a roller system to move the door parallel to the garage ceiling. The major advantages of this kind of door are its space efficiency and ease of use.
A second important decision when purchasing a new door for your garage is the kind of construction material that is used in doors manufacturing. Listed below are the most common materials used:
Steel: Extremely durable, steel is one of the most popular choices due to its appealing properties. It is a low-maintenance material that will not warp or bend when put under mother natures strains, and can be fabricated in a variety of different textures. Energy efficiency can also be increased with a steel door due to their double pane construction, as most steel garage doors are made of two plates with insulation in between.
Aluminum: Aluminum garage doors are also a common choice among consumers. They also offer a low maintenance option that costs approximately half as much as a steel door, and in manual garage door situations allows for ease of use due to its light weight. However, aluminum doors are more likely to incur more dents and nicks than steel doors.
Wood: Wood can be greatly appealing due to its natural look and can be quite beautiful in the correct applications. However, while easy to paint wood does require the most maintenance, including staining or painting, refinishing, and general care that must be taken towards any form of wood that is exposed to the elements.
With the green, energy conscious minds of many consumers and potential buyers the insulation used is also an important factor. The kind and amount of insulation used in a garage door can be just as valuable as the insulation used elsewhere in your home, and because of this insulated garage doors are becoming ever less popular. Polyurethane and Polystyrene are the most conventional forms of insulation used in door construction, but with such long names who can tell the difference? To most homeowners, insulation is either thick or thin. But don't be fooled. Polystyrene can be much thicker than its competition but does not always offer the best efficiency. Polyurethane, although appearing thinner in its post-production state actually offers greater energy efficiency because of its ability to expand to completely fill the space between two surfaces, and adhere to them both. This also helps decrease noise during operation and the strength of the door due to its chemical properties.
Garage door shopping can be a daunting task to any homeowner, but as always, the key to making the best purchase is to do your homework before hand. Talk to a local repairman or ask questions of many different manufacturers, as everyone has important and different advice to add. A well thought out purchase will be a better one in the future.
For more information and guidance about the variety of materials, styles, and specifications, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Door Service specializes in installations and maintenance, and they have a great slide show on their site's banner that illustrates a variety of styles to help you visualize the look you want.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Versatility of Garages
Garages can act as many different things to families. Garages can be used as a storage area, a home gym, a workshop or even as a playroom. The versatility of a garage seems almost endless, and one family's choice is not always the choice of their neighbor. Regardless of the use of the garage, there are benefits to every option.
A garage as a storage area is perhaps the most common and the most useful all around. Not only can a garage store a vehicle or two, but the garage can also become home to the family's overflow. Organization is key in a storage area, and marking boxes clearly and storing them appropriately is a must. No family wants to keep fancy heirloom china in a garage only to have it accidentally broken because of poor storage. Home gyms inside a garage are becoming increasingly popular. The garage is perfect for keeping bulky free weights and oversized exercise equipment out of the home and the spaciousness of the garage allows the family room to exercise together.
Workshops in the garage are another great option. Noisy and dusty power tools will be kept away from the family, and the worker can have room to complete many projects. Storage space for wood and metal to work with is another benefit of the workshop garage. Some families even opt to use the garage as a playroom. Padded flooring is installed, and children and families can access bicycles and toys easily.
Regardless of the use of the garage, the door is a major consideration. The garage door needs to be sturdy and stylish as well as fit the needs of the garage. A garage used for a workout room or workshop should have thick sturdy panels to help keep noise to a minimum. Families using a garage for a playroom may want to choose a garage door with window panels to allow for extra lighting.
Garage doors also need to reflect the style of the home to maintain continuity. Hiring a professional to work with the family to determine the best garage door choice is a must do. Garage doors should last for years, and no family wants to make a uniformed decision. By finding a qualified garage door professional, the family can rest easy knowing the work will be exactly what their family deserves.
For more information and guidance about garage storage options, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Door Service specializes in garage door replacement, repair and installation services.
A garage as a storage area is perhaps the most common and the most useful all around. Not only can a garage store a vehicle or two, but the garage can also become home to the family's overflow. Organization is key in a storage area, and marking boxes clearly and storing them appropriately is a must. No family wants to keep fancy heirloom china in a garage only to have it accidentally broken because of poor storage. Home gyms inside a garage are becoming increasingly popular. The garage is perfect for keeping bulky free weights and oversized exercise equipment out of the home and the spaciousness of the garage allows the family room to exercise together.
Workshops in the garage are another great option. Noisy and dusty power tools will be kept away from the family, and the worker can have room to complete many projects. Storage space for wood and metal to work with is another benefit of the workshop garage. Some families even opt to use the garage as a playroom. Padded flooring is installed, and children and families can access bicycles and toys easily.
Regardless of the use of the garage, the door is a major consideration. The garage door needs to be sturdy and stylish as well as fit the needs of the garage. A garage used for a workout room or workshop should have thick sturdy panels to help keep noise to a minimum. Families using a garage for a playroom may want to choose a garage door with window panels to allow for extra lighting.
Garage doors also need to reflect the style of the home to maintain continuity. Hiring a professional to work with the family to determine the best garage door choice is a must do. Garage doors should last for years, and no family wants to make a uniformed decision. By finding a qualified garage door professional, the family can rest easy knowing the work will be exactly what their family deserves.
For more information and guidance about garage storage options, visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Door Service specializes in garage door replacement, repair and installation services.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Garage Doors - Protect Your Car While Complementing Home Exterior and House Trim
Standard cookie cutter builders almost always install the cheapest and most basic components into a house. Translation: sub-standard builders will try to maximize the profit received by installing the easiest and cheapest items they can find while still charging the most money they can get. While this blanket statement doesn't cover every builder in the housing industry, it does sum up a large population of building contractors.
Garage doors are a good example of a cost cutting item. An average garden variety garage door at retail may cost approximately $750 to $1050 for the door and to have it installed. A door of this type is usually an aluminum or steel garage door with no insulation properties added to the door itself. Many families, though, do not consider a garage door that important of an investment to consider the higher quality grades of doors on the market.
When deciding on investing in a garage door replacement, many factors need to be considered. The most important consideration should be what activities if any will be performed inside the garage or will it strictly be used just for parking vehicles. Most families tend to use the garage as a multipurpose room for gardening, gym, or shop area. If the garage is destined to be used as some sort of activity room, then installing a garage door with insulation is a must, regardless of the region of the country where you live. This will ensure that the area will be able to be maintained at a comfortable temperature all year round.
The second consideration should focus more on the aesthetics of the overall look of the house. There are a myriad of patterns, window designs, and textured door panels available on the market to accentuate all manner of housing styles and construction. Realize that with the addition of windows or more stylized garage door panels, the cost of the investment will rise.
The last and final area of attention should be from what material the garage door being installed is made. Depending upon how the garage is constructed, supporting beams or members may need to be installed if the door being installed is of solid wood. Steel and Vinyl garage doors are also available, but are much lighter and probably will only require minimal reinforcement of the garage opening, if any.
It is definitely clear that there are choices to be made. Knowing that budgetary constraints always play a role in any home improvement project, it is best to examine very closely the quality of the doors available if the homeowner is shopping around. Not every garage door manufacturer creates a product equal to the competition, even though the garage doors may look identical.
For more information and guidance about selecting the right garage door (and to see samples of available doors), visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Doors specializes in custom and high-quality door components to complement any home's exterior decor.
Garage doors are a good example of a cost cutting item. An average garden variety garage door at retail may cost approximately $750 to $1050 for the door and to have it installed. A door of this type is usually an aluminum or steel garage door with no insulation properties added to the door itself. Many families, though, do not consider a garage door that important of an investment to consider the higher quality grades of doors on the market.
When deciding on investing in a garage door replacement, many factors need to be considered. The most important consideration should be what activities if any will be performed inside the garage or will it strictly be used just for parking vehicles. Most families tend to use the garage as a multipurpose room for gardening, gym, or shop area. If the garage is destined to be used as some sort of activity room, then installing a garage door with insulation is a must, regardless of the region of the country where you live. This will ensure that the area will be able to be maintained at a comfortable temperature all year round.
The second consideration should focus more on the aesthetics of the overall look of the house. There are a myriad of patterns, window designs, and textured door panels available on the market to accentuate all manner of housing styles and construction. Realize that with the addition of windows or more stylized garage door panels, the cost of the investment will rise.
The last and final area of attention should be from what material the garage door being installed is made. Depending upon how the garage is constructed, supporting beams or members may need to be installed if the door being installed is of solid wood. Steel and Vinyl garage doors are also available, but are much lighter and probably will only require minimal reinforcement of the garage opening, if any.
It is definitely clear that there are choices to be made. Knowing that budgetary constraints always play a role in any home improvement project, it is best to examine very closely the quality of the doors available if the homeowner is shopping around. Not every garage door manufacturer creates a product equal to the competition, even though the garage doors may look identical.
For more information and guidance about selecting the right garage door (and to see samples of available doors), visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Doors specializes in custom and high-quality door components to complement any home's exterior decor.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Garage Door Openers are Now a Necessity...
BUT Every Opener Can't Open Every Garage Door
Garage doors, even if they are made of the thinnest grade of steel, still can be excessively cumbersome and heavy to open for the average individual. Add insulation to the door and it becomes heavier. Compound that weight with an arm full of children or groceries and a very inconvenient experience is about to unfold.
Garage doors come in all widths and heights. The weight can vary significantly also, depending upon the type of material and construction of a garage door. Heavier garage doors will need a more powerful garage door opener than the basic uninsulated aluminum garage door. Which type of motor will be strong enough to lift a particular garage door is a question that any professional installer or manufacturer will be able to answer.
Every garage door opener is not created equally. There are predominantly three different types of drives available for garage door openers, chain drive, screw drive, and belt drive. Each of these openers has benefits that the others lack. A fourth type of drive called a torsion drive is also available, but can be finicky if not installed precisely, so is best left to a professional installer.
The most basic type of electric garage door opener is the tried and true chain drive. Much like a bicycle chain, this particular drive requires periodic lubricating oil and will need adjustment as the gears and chain ages. Chain driven garage door openers produce the most noise out of all types on the market and are available with different sized motors for heavier or larger doors.
Screw drive door openers are considered to be the most durable or maintenance free type of opener due to the design of the drive. While the installation process is almost identical to chain drive systems, the carriage of a screw drive opener "rides" along a spiraled screw type rod. This system has the fewest moving parts of any of the main three garage door openers and does not produce as much noise as the chain driven units. The cost of screw drive openers are approximately $30 to $50 more expensive than that of their chain drive counterparts. Perhaps the most appreciated benefit of screw drive systems is that many open at twice the speed of other drives cutting down on the wait time to enter the garage.
The quietest model of garage door opener is a belt driven opener. These units use a steel reinforced rubber belt to lift the door. As a result, there is no metal on metal contact between the lifting mechanisim and drive gear. While there will be some noise from the door rollers inside the tracks, belt drive openers are missing the bulk of the noise associated with standard door openers due to drive style and motor. Belt drive openers are the most expensive of the three types, but produce almost no noticeable noise. If a garage is located next to a bedroom, it is doubtful that the occupant would hear the garage door opening at all. In fact, the average homeowner will be acutely aware, initially, of the belt drive motor because of the absence of excess noise.
While the average handyman may have the skill to install a garage door opener, it can be an exceptionally frustrating procedure due to the reinforcement that may be required to the header of the garage opening, the ceiling of the garage itself, and any adjustments which may be necessary to the torsion springs.
Torsion springs should NOT be adjusted by the average homeowner or handyman. Proper specialized tools are required to adjust torsion springs safely. An experienced and knowledgeable professional should be hired to adjust the torsion springs safely and properly. Serious injury or worse can occur if the torsion springs are worn or not adjusted properly.
For more information and guidance about selecting the right garage door (and to see samples of available doors), visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Doors specializes in custom and high-quality door components to complement any home's exterior decor.
Garage doors, even if they are made of the thinnest grade of steel, still can be excessively cumbersome and heavy to open for the average individual. Add insulation to the door and it becomes heavier. Compound that weight with an arm full of children or groceries and a very inconvenient experience is about to unfold.
Garage doors come in all widths and heights. The weight can vary significantly also, depending upon the type of material and construction of a garage door. Heavier garage doors will need a more powerful garage door opener than the basic uninsulated aluminum garage door. Which type of motor will be strong enough to lift a particular garage door is a question that any professional installer or manufacturer will be able to answer.
Every garage door opener is not created equally. There are predominantly three different types of drives available for garage door openers, chain drive, screw drive, and belt drive. Each of these openers has benefits that the others lack. A fourth type of drive called a torsion drive is also available, but can be finicky if not installed precisely, so is best left to a professional installer.
The most basic type of electric garage door opener is the tried and true chain drive. Much like a bicycle chain, this particular drive requires periodic lubricating oil and will need adjustment as the gears and chain ages. Chain driven garage door openers produce the most noise out of all types on the market and are available with different sized motors for heavier or larger doors.
Screw drive door openers are considered to be the most durable or maintenance free type of opener due to the design of the drive. While the installation process is almost identical to chain drive systems, the carriage of a screw drive opener "rides" along a spiraled screw type rod. This system has the fewest moving parts of any of the main three garage door openers and does not produce as much noise as the chain driven units. The cost of screw drive openers are approximately $30 to $50 more expensive than that of their chain drive counterparts. Perhaps the most appreciated benefit of screw drive systems is that many open at twice the speed of other drives cutting down on the wait time to enter the garage.
The quietest model of garage door opener is a belt driven opener. These units use a steel reinforced rubber belt to lift the door. As a result, there is no metal on metal contact between the lifting mechanisim and drive gear. While there will be some noise from the door rollers inside the tracks, belt drive openers are missing the bulk of the noise associated with standard door openers due to drive style and motor. Belt drive openers are the most expensive of the three types, but produce almost no noticeable noise. If a garage is located next to a bedroom, it is doubtful that the occupant would hear the garage door opening at all. In fact, the average homeowner will be acutely aware, initially, of the belt drive motor because of the absence of excess noise.
While the average handyman may have the skill to install a garage door opener, it can be an exceptionally frustrating procedure due to the reinforcement that may be required to the header of the garage opening, the ceiling of the garage itself, and any adjustments which may be necessary to the torsion springs.
Torsion springs should NOT be adjusted by the average homeowner or handyman. Proper specialized tools are required to adjust torsion springs safely. An experienced and knowledgeable professional should be hired to adjust the torsion springs safely and properly. Serious injury or worse can occur if the torsion springs are worn or not adjusted properly.
For more information and guidance about selecting the right garage door (and to see samples of available doors), visit http://www.premiumgaragedoorservice.com. Premium Garage Doors specializes in custom and high-quality door components to complement any home's exterior decor.
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