Choosing Varieties of Garage Doors
There is a wide range of doors to select from. While most doors look very similar, they do not all function in the same way. Because there is a multitude of types, you will need to research your options depending on your budget and needs.
Raised-panel garage doors
The raised-panel garage door is made of 5 or 6 horizontal wood slats. Each slat overlaps the next, which adds to stability and strength. The slats are attached vertically to a threshold at the bottom of the door unit. A track system (or roller mechanism) runs along this threshold, allowing for smooth vertical movement when operating the door.
Carriage garage doors
Carriage garage doors are similar to the raised-panel style, but they are designed with a more classic look in mind. They are made of 5 horizontal wood slats that overlap, and they use the same vertical track system as the raised panel door for opening/closing.
Slab garage doors
Slab garage doors are made of one single piece of material. They do not open as you might think; they slide up vertically to open instead. Because their design is straightforward, they are the most affordable option on the market.
Wood garage doors
While wood garage doors were once popular, they are now relatively rare. They look very similar to the raised panel door and use a track system for opening.
Steel garage doors
Steel garage doors are strong, durable, and affordable. They come in many different colors and finishes to match your home’s exterior design. There is no requirement for painting or staining because they won’t rot like wooden garage doors! Their smooth surface prevents dirt, mud, ice, and snow from collecting on the door itself.
Glass garage doors
Glass garage doors are not as popular as steel or wooden garage doors. Still, they offer some exciting options. Glass garage doors can be controlled electronically at the push of a button, allowing access to your home’s interior without having to move your car(s). They come in several colors and finishes too!
Garage Door Openers and Remotes
Garage door openers are the most common way of opening and closing a garage door. Some openers can be operated manually, but they require you to use a wall-mounted switch or a handheld remote that you carry with you (just like your car’s keyless entry system).
Electric openers
Electric opener systems run on an electric motor, making them very easy to install. They are more expensive than other options, but they are also the most convenient. Some openers can be programmed with a wall-mounted switch or remote control so that you never have to get out of your car again!
Chain drive garage door opener
The chain drive opener uses a metal chain to pull a heavy-duty steel bar. This method is reliable and straightforward, but they are not nearly as quiet or smooth as other options.
Belt drive garage door opener
The belt drive opener uses rubber belts that are very strong and durable. It is also much quieter than other types of openers because there are no metal parts.
Screw drive garage door opener
This door opener is the best choice if you are looking for strength and durability. It uses heavy-duty metal screws to open the door, which is powerful enough to lift heavy doors. They are more expensive than other types of openers, but they are also the most reliable!
Types of garage door remote controls
First, you must know that not all remotes are created equal. Some home improvement stores will try to sell you a universal model so they can save money by passing on the savings to you.
These stores don’t tell you that universal models are often difficult to program, and they only work with a few garage door opener models.
Programmed keychain remote controls
A programmed keychain remote control is effortless to use, but it has to be carried with you (just like your car keys) when you operate the door. This model won’t work if you lose it!
Programmable wall-mounted remote controls
Programmable wall-mounted remote controls require you to wire the receiver into the opener. They are effortless to install and operate. However, they cannot be mounted in a metal or concrete garage door because neither of these materials allows the signal to pass through.
Wireless keypad entry systems
This type is very convenient, but it will also cost more. Wireless keypad entry systems can be programmed to work with multiple doors, and they usually come with a wall-mounted console that you can mount inside your home. Some variations will allow you to operate the garage door from your car!
How do automatic garage doors work?
Automatic garage door systems work the same way as the passenger deck in an elevator. They use a motor that pulls on cables to open or close the door. An automatic garage door opener’s motor compresses a special spring when activated, gradually pulling on the cord until it becomes heavy enough to pull that side of the door up or down.
The mechanism then reverses gears, turning into “back-tensioning,” which means it only has enough power to keep the cable taut against tensile force. Generally, chain drives are more potent than belt drives because they have more torque and control over them due to their cranking-type gear function.
With screw drives being more robust still, they require less maintenance and are generally the most popular choice.
While garage door openers may have higher operating costs, they can prove to be more convenient for several reasons. According to studies carried out by Consumer Reports, garage door opener models with safety sensors reduce the risk of accidents.
They also tend to prevent property damage; when closing, if their beams detect an object, they automatically stop and reverse. Automatic openers are also good if you have children, as manual lifting is generally dangerous for young ones.
They can also save time since you do not need to manually operate the door, especially when carrying heavy objects like groceries or luggage.
How does a garage door spring work?
The spring applies balanced pressure, or tension, on both sides of the door. When the spring is oriented horizontally, it provides no power to open or close the door. But when you lift one end of it by pulling down on a cable connected to its stationary side, the other end rises—until it’s raised high enough that gravity takes over and pulls it back down.
What are the causes of garage door malfunctions?
Mechanical problems can cause a garage door to stop working. These may include a broken roller, disconnection of the opener from the drum, or even jammed cables.
A damaged spring can cause problems opening or closing the door. The problem can originate from any of the springs, not just the one that is broken. One broken spring can often cause other springs on the same door to fail shortly after, so you must get all your springs replaced at once.
If your garage door opener produces noise during operation, there may be a problem with the garage door springs. The noise can come from an unbalanced garage door or improper installation of your spring system.
What are the more common garage door problems?
The most common garage door problems are springs that break or become weak. These springs are made to give the door weight, so the opener doesn’t have to work as hard.
The door can also malfunction if the rollers stop spinning correctly, which means it won’t stay up. Lastly, the remote control can be unresponsive if it is not programmed correctly or fails to pick up radio waves anymore.
To prevent garage door problems, make sure to lubricate the rollers at least twice a year. Also, maintain them frequently to see if they are damaged or have become worn out.
If you notice any damage, contact a garage door repair service right away because it could be dangerous for your family to use the door! To ensure that your remote control works properly, replace the batteries every six months or so.
Finally, you must unplug your garage door opener immediately if a storm is coming because lightning can cause severe damage to this device.
Do not attempt to repair the garage doors by yourself!
It is dangerous to repair the garage door yourself because it could injure you or someone else. If you can not afford a professional maintenance specialist, call a family member or friend for help.
If there are no options available, find someone who knows what they are doing by asking your neighbors or friends for recommendations. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the well-being of you and your family!
Do I really need a garage door repair or a whole garage door replacement?
Most people who need their garage doors repaired do not want to replace them. This is because repairs are much cheaper than replacements. However, if the damage is extensive, you may have no choice but to get a new door.
If you need to replace your door, consider hiring a professional garage door company to do the work, so you don’t risk injury and get the best value for your money.
Also, the garage door manual of your model will help you determine whether you need a repair or a replacement. If it’s not included with your opener, then visit [www.liftmaster.com] and enter your model number to download the manual for free!
What should you seek in a garage door repair service?
You want to find someone who is licensed and insured. The garage door repair company should be knowledgeable, friendly, and good at what they do. If they are not, you could get stuck with an expensive bill, or worse yet, your garage door might not function properly!
How much will it cost for me to repair a garage door?
It depends on the problem with the door. If you need new springs, rollers, or weather seals, then you can expect your bill to range between $300 and $700. However, if you need to purchase an entirely new door because of extensive damage, expect that bill to run up to $2,500.
What does it cost to upgrade a garage door?
It depends on the type of door you want and what kind of installation service they offer. You can expect your bill to be between $800 and $2500 for a door installation, depending on the make and model of the replacement.
Working With the Experts in Garage Door Maintenance and Installation
Safety is paramount when choosing a new garage door, and that’s why newly designed doors meet or exceed all existing state safety standards in the United States.
Homeowners can feel confident that their family will be safe when working with Ben’s Garage Door repair company. Knowing that you can trust our service technicians and us is another crucial step in making the right decision for a new garage door.
Why we are the best garage door repair company
We offer a 30-day performance warranty. We want you to be delighted with our work, and we will provide an extra service call at no cost if something isn’t working right!
We also offer extended warranties and commercial services, so call us today for more information on these programs and all the others we offer. Our technicians will provide you with a complete walk-through and diagnostic of your new installation or repair.
We pride ourselves in providing service which is second to none, giving 100% every time! We know your home is essential to you, so we make it OUR priority to get the job done the first time efficiently and with the least disruption to you and your family.
We provide a comprehensive selection of services for all makes and models, including:
- Garage door repair, installation & replacement
- Broken spring replacement/repair
- Openers installed/repaired
- Weather-stripping replacements
- Safety hardware adjustments
- Garage door remotes
When it relates to your garage door, you want someone who is licensed and insured. You also want a company that knows what they are doing because the last thing you need is an expensive bill or, worse, your garage door not functioning properly!
We pride ourselves in providing service which is second to none, giving 100% every time! Our technicians will provide you with a complete walk-through and diagnostic of your new installation or repair. Call & meet us today!
