Basement & Garage > Garage Door Openers 101 For decades, homeowners interested in automating their garage doors had three choices: chain-, belt- or screw-driven openers. That has changed with the introduction of residential jackshaft and direct-drive models. Some of the conventional wisdom about the three standard options has changed, too. Standard Garage Door Openers Chain-driven models include a chain—similar to a bicycle chain—that pushes or pulls a trolley (carriage) that connects to a metal bar, called a J-arm, that is affixed to the garage door. If your garage is situated under a bedroom, the noise generated by metal-to-metal contact and vibration may be a nuisance. If the garage is detached, it probably isn’t. Newer chain-driven units with DC motors and soft start-and-stop technology are significantly quieter than older units. Belt-driven openers are similar in design to chain-driven models, except a reinforced belt is what pushes or pulls the trolley.

The belts may be made of fiberglass, polyurethane, or steel-reinforced rubber. Belt-driven openers are just as reliable as chain-driven openers but quieter. The negative for belt-driven openers is that they cost about $30 to $60 more than chain-driven units. Related: Product Showcase: Garage Doors With screw-driven openers, the trolley rides on a threaded-steel rod as a motor rotates the rod. Because this design has fewer moving parts, manufacturers claim that it requires less maintenance than other systems. Screw-driven openers, however, have run into trouble in regions that have large swings in temperature from summer to winter. In addition, they are noisier than belt-driven openers. That said, manufacturers of screw-driven openers have recently made improvements with regard to temperature sensitivity and noise. In addition, screw-driven openers are among speediest these days as well, opening a door at 10- to 12-in. per second compared to the standard 6- to 8-in. per second.

(For safety, all garage door openers close doors at a slower 7-in. per second.) Jackshaft and Direct-Drive Garage Door Openers Jackshaft openers, unlike the other systems, mount on the wall beside the garage door. A 24-v DC motor drives pulleys and cables that turn the torsion bar and raise the garage door. When the motor is reversed, cable tension is loosened and the door lowers. This system is reliable and quiet. In addition, it keeps the ceiling free for overhead storage and is well-suited to garages with high or low ceilings. Jackshaft openers are more expensive than most other types of openers. Direct-drive units are claimed to be the quietest of all garage door units, because there is only one moving part—the motor. Developed and manufactured in Germany, the motor (not a trolley) travels along a stationary chain that is embedded in an overhead rail. A J-arm links the moving motor to the door. Direct-drive units cost about the same as belt-driven units and come with lifetime warranties.

DC-Powered Garage Door Openers DC motors are quieter, faster, smaller, lighter, smoother operating, and more efficient than AC motors. double glazed door jammedMany come with variable speeds, enabling soft-start and soft-stop technology. cedar garage doors ontarioThey can also be equipped with battery backup systems. second hand patio doors suffolkWith newer units, the battery is integrated with the opener motor housing. glass fireplace doors cincinnatiWhen the power fails, your garage door openers will continue to function for up to two days, depending upon how often you open and close the door. where to buy garage door torsion bar

Battery backup will also ensure the continued operation of other functions, including garage lighting, security, and safety alerts. hollow wood door home depotDC motors with brushes do not have the same life expectancy as AC motors, but brushless DC motors do. For more on garages, consider: Picking the Right Garage Door Quick Tip: Garage Storage Solutions Video: Dream Garage and Boat Storage Find the right type of garage door opener to ensure home safety and security Having a good garage door opener can save you from getting drenched during a storm, and protect your home from intruders. With the touch of a button, you can access your garage during the harshest weather. A technologically advanced opening system can make it very difficult for anyone to hack or break into your home.This buying guide highlights the technological platforms of garage door openers, along with the different types, controls and features.

SHOP ALL GARAGE DOOR OPENERS There are three primary types of garage door openers, each with unique benefits. Require larger up-front investment Operation may be somewhat noisy Plastic-lined tracks reduce noise Remote access is the main benefit of garage door openers, and keypads offer additional security. Most remotes offer a one-touch button that triggers opening the garage door with the touch of a finger. Installing a wireless keypad is another feature to consider in case the remote battery runs out of power or you are outside the car and need to gain access, or are ever locked out of the house. Multiple-button remotes are great for garages with more than one door. Some remotes feature LED lights that alert you to malfunctions for easier maintenance. Garage door openers can be vulnerable to key fob hacks and door release handle destruction. Purchase a garage door opener that features rolling-code technology whereby the codes expire after only a few seconds so the codes cannot be used by thieves looking to hack your key fob.

Also, only press the key fob once, to eliminate transmitting multiple codes. The garage door release handle can be compromised with a coat hanger in as little as 30 seconds. To alleviate this potential entry point by thieves, tie a zip-tie around the door release handle as it is strong enough to prohibit the door release from being pulled down, and thus, the door opening. Choose a garage door with sensors that can detect when an object is in the path of the door and stop the door when attempting to close. Manual emergency releases are essential during power outages as you can manually open the garage door by pulling the cord that detaches from the opener. Lights are important for safety at night, so look for openers that feature lights that turn on whenever the opener is activated. Motors that feature DC current rather than AC current tend to operate more quietly.Force guard control enhances safety by allowing you to select the minimum amount of force needed to fully open or close the door.