Garage doors can open in a number of ways. If you have an existing garage door that is not automated, chances are you can fit a new automatic garage door opener to the existing door. When shopping around for the ideal opener for your garage door, you need to know what type of door you currently have installed.
Electric garage door opener devices are all the rage these days and most types of doors can be automated however before fitting an opener it’s important that your existing door is in good condition and well balanced. If the door opens in a smooth and easy motion then it is suitable for fitting a garage door opener.
Like many consumer products there are numerous manufacturers of garage door openers operating in the marketplace, each making different type of doors. The types of doors that are available essentially fall under five categories and these are:
- Up and over retractable doors
- Up and over canopy doors
- Sectional over head doors
- Sectional side opening doors
- Hinged doors
If you are not sure on the type of door you have then what follows is a simple guide to identify each of the above types:
Up and Over Retractable Doors
This type of door is quite often fitted, comprising a one piece door panel that retracts completely into the garage space on overhead rails. Strong springs will be attached to the door at the side frame position that assist in the opening and closing of the door panel.
Up and Over Canopy Doors
Again a very popular choice and also comprises a one piece door that opens overhead. However, instead of retracting completely into the garage, a portion of the door, about one third, will stick out beyond the garage front forming a ‘canopy’ overhead, hence the name. The door opening and closing action is assisted by a large spring mounted above the door and the door panel will run on vertical rails mounted on the door frame.
Sectional Over Head Doors
These doors are constructed with individual horizontal panels that are hinged to each other. On the edges of the panels are rollers that run in rails fixed to the door frame and also continue into the garage. The entire door retracts completely into the garage and eventually rests over head.
Sectional Side Opening Doors
This door operates in a similar way to the sectional over head type, except in this instance the door is divided into vertical sections, again hinged to each other. When opening, the line of doors slide to the side and park within the garage space. Sometimes referred to as the “round the corner doors” meaning that they will slide sideways turning at the corner of the garage and slide along a free side wall.
Hinged Doors
These garage doors operate in a similar way to traditional swinging doors. They were the actual original garage door before any automation came about.
Now that you know what type of door you have you can search for a supplier for the most appropriate opener for your situation. The best way, like most consumer products these days, is to search online. There are many manufacturers out there supplying these products, with websites indicating the various options available to meet with your needs. Many of them have contact details if you wish to discuss any of the technical aspects with a sales assistant.
The openers usually come with three garage door opener remote control units that can be shared around the family. These garage door opener remotes send a signal that is identified by the opener device to either open or close the garage door. The remote device can be kept in the car, making the door operation very convenient.
The new garage door opener installation is relatively straight forward however if you are unsure especially dealing with electrics it is best to hire the services of a local tradesman or electrician.
There is one point to consider with up and over type doors. These doors when opening and closing swing outwards beyond the garage front wall in an ark movement. If you usually park the car up close to the garage door, the door panel will knock against the car when the opener is activated. So to protect both car and door, remember to stop the car back a bit from the door.