Consumer Guide To Garage Door Openers

Garage Door Openers Are no longer considered a luxury item for the privileged. They are provided with several options and in various designs to suit the requirements of the user.

There are three main types of garage door openers: Screw-drive System Uses a lifting mechanism that moves along a threaded steel rod. These units are powerful and, because they have few moving parts, they require the least maintenance. The body of the opener rests in the center of the garage ceiling. This is generally the slowest-moving of your three types of openers; however, the latest screw drive models feature a plastic-lined track which increases opening speed while reducing the noise level associated with metal-to-metal contact.

Chain-drive System Uses a metal chain to lift the door up and down along its tracks. Chain-drive systems are the most common and usually the least expensive, but they are the nosiest of the three types of openers because it uses a metal chain along a metal trolley in order to move your garage door. Like screw drives, chain drives sit in the center of the garage ceiling. Belt-drive System Uses rubber belts to open the door. These units are the quietest, as their flexible rubber belts dampen vibrations and completely eliminate the noise associated with the less expensive drives on the market.

Here are some other things to consider: Power Choose a motor with power adequate to lift your door. If you have a double door, look for at least � hp. Even on a single door, a larger motor is likely to last longer.Look for a unit with 'soft' starting and stopping, which operates more quietly and with less wear and tear on the door.

Speed Higher-end openers operate more quickly, reducing the time you have to wait in the driveway. For safety reasons, the faster-opening models still close at a standard, slower speed.

Safety Mandated by federal law, all garage door openers include features that stop the doors from crushing objects in their paths and cause the doors to reverse direction if they strike something. In most cases, this is controlled by an electronic beam that, when broken by a person or object, triggers the safety mechanism. The computer-controlled system measures the normal operating speed and time of the door and can sense and compensate for changing conditions � such as a door closing too quickly or making contact with an obstruction.

Security All garage door openers produced today use 'rolling codes' for the greatest security. Each time the door is opened (using the remote transmitter), a new, random code is generated. This prevents code theft and ensures that a neighbor's remote control will not open your garage.All models also include a manual release that will allow you to open the door if the power is out. Higher end models come with a battery back up so that your garage door will operate even during a power outage. Battery back ups can be added to as an additional feature on some models. Remote Control Some models use a one-button remote control transmitter, and others include a remote (transmitter, clicker..) with two or more buttons that can control multiple garage openers. Multiple buttons are useful if you have more than one garage bay, each with a separate door. Some brands offer mini-remotes that are small enough to fit on a keychain. One, two and three button remotes, keychain remotes, and a fixed keypad remote all allow secure access into your garage.

Fixed Control Doorbell-like buttons or keypads can be mounted to the wall � interior or exterior � near the door to allow it to be opened without a remote. Some keypads allow you to lock the door electronically for a specific amount of time, such as when you are going to be away on vacation. Another popular function is delayed closing � a pause between the time the button is pushed and the door is closed. You have plenty of time to exit through the door on foot without having to run through, dodging the lowering door and the electronic beams.

Lighting Most openers include a security light that comes on as you activate the system and stays on long enough for you to get out of the car and go into the house. Many remotes include buttons that turn on the light without activating the door.Most garage door packages come with a remote; some may include two remotes. Ask about wireless outdoor keypads; which come in handy in case you loose your remote or your battery dies.

Safety First Inspect and Test As with garage doors the safe operation of your garage door opener is essential in preventing injuries, entrapment; including death. Take a few minutes to inspect and test your complete garage door system.

Sensors In 1993 the Consumer Product Safety Commission passed a law that required all garage doors to be equipped with photoelectric sensors and pressure sensitive sensors. Photoelectric sensors were mounted 6 inches from the ground, while pressure sensitive sensors were mounted on the bottom of the door. If any of these sensors detected an object under the garage door while it was closing, they would automatically reverse themselves and fully open. Unfortunately, although these sensors were installed many of them did not work as well as they should. Make sure your garage door opener has a reversing feature. If a reversing feature is not present, the opener should be replaced.

Advanced Features Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993, are required by federal law to have advanced safety features that comply with the latest UL (Underwriters Laboratories) 325 standards. Need Assistance? For professional assistance in the purchase, installation, and safety of your garage door and garage door opener, visit www.precisiondoor.net to locate a franchise near you. Precision Door Service consistently offers professional qualified service from each of our franchised locations. Our technicians are offered the most intense and rigorous training in the industry.

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