Garage Door Openers
What You Should Know

The new generation of garage door openers are reasonably priced, safe and easy to install. They are affordable and no longer a convenience for only a select few. You should considerreplacing your garage door opener if it is outdated.

• The chain drive system uses a chain to move thedoor along a rail. Chain drive is the most common andcheapest system but is also rather noisy.
• Screw drive systems move a trolley along the length of a threaded steel rod and has the fewest moving parts.
• Belt drive systems use a reinforced belt to move the trolley along the rail, making it quieter than either chain or screw drive units.
• A wall mount drive mechanism doesn’t take up ceiling space, but mounts above the door. This may be the quietest operator on the market.

Other factors to consider when selecting a new garage door opener are speed and the type of power used.

A faster door can reduce the waiting time on your driveway. Even though it opens quickly, the door usually closes slowly for safety reasons.

The motor has to have enough power to raise the door. A larger motor is likely to last longer. Quietness of the motor may be increased by using a vibration dampener, sometimes called an isolation system.

Radio controlled remotes today use rolling code technology. These codes change with each use of your remote so that "code grabbers" are useless to burglars. Remotes come in 1, 2 and 3 button models that can control multiple doors or appliances.

Wall mounted controls vary from a doorbell like unit to programmable versions with motion detectors, time delays, and vacation settings.

Keyless entry systems mounted on the outside of your garage can be programmed to operate your door by entering a PIN number. The latest innovation in keyless entry systems recognizes your fingerprint, no PIN number required.

Safety is a major consideration for the protection of your family including children and pets. New generation garage door openers reverse when encountering an obstruction or if the safety-sensor beams are interrupted.

Do your research to determine not only what is available but also which garage door opener is the best choice for you.

Don Stuart reviews various brands and models of garage door openers here.

You may use this article on your site, blog, or in your newsletter if you make no changes and keep a live link.

To Top of Page--->Garage Door Openers-What You Should Know

Back to Garage Door Articles

Home Page--->Garage Door Opener Guide