If you’re a homeowner and want to add value to your home, you may be interested in installing a new garage door opener. Before you decide on a new opener, you may be wondering which is best for your garage.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners – what is the best garage door opener for your garage?
What is the Best Garage Door Opener For Your Garage?
Garage door openers are one of the best advances in-home technology in recent years. With these, you never have to get out of your car to open your garage door. Just push a button, and the door will open up for you. As the tech has become more popular, there are all kinds of garage door openers you can choose from. What is the best garage door opener? Here’s how to find the right garage door opener for your home.
Talk to Friends And Family
The first thing you should do is talk to those around you. You may just know someone who had a garage door opener installed recently. What did they think of it? Ask them what kind of opener they got, and how it works with their door. The more info you get, the better. This is always a good idea as your family and friends will be honest with you about their experiences, giving you the best idea of what to get.
If you don’t know anyone who’s had a new garage door opener installed recently, take a look at reviews online. There, you will be able to see what others think of the products they used. With that info, you can start deciding on what you’ll use in your garage.
Consider The Different Types Of Opener
When you start shopping around for a new garage door opener, you’ll soon see there are three main types available to you. Here’s what they are, and how they work:
Chain Drive: A chain drive garage door opener works by using a chain to open and close the door. The chain is attached to the door and moves when you press the button to open or close the door. Once you do that, it will move in the track.
These are a popular method, as they are very much affordable and they work with a lot of different doors. If you’re not sure which one to go for, a chain drive will usually suit your door. It is always best to talk to a professional before you decide for certain, though.
Belt Drive: A belt drive is actually very similar to the chain drive opener, in terms of operation. However, the difference is that a belt drive is made of rubber instead. This makes it much quieter as it operates. The downside is that these belts are more expensive to have installed.
A belt drive also works well with a good variety of garage doors. For example, you can use them with multi-panel or one-piece garage doors, as well as a good array of garage door materials.
Jack Shaft: This is the least common garage door opener out there. These are essentially computerized deadbolts, that sit at either the left or right side of the garage door. They attach to the torsion bar and use this to lift it up. There are some benefits to this, as you’ll have extra storage space as well as several modern improvements such as Wi-Fi capability.
Again though, these openers tend to be more expensive than others. If the benefits they offer you are worth the added cost though, then this is something you should consider.
Garage Door Factors to Consider
Now you know which types of garage doors are out there, you’ll need to pick one that suits your garage door best. In doing this, there are a few things you need to consider:
Garage Door Material: The material of your garage door is one of the most important factors here. There are several different materials your garage door could be made of, and these will all affect its weight and design. These, in turn, will affect the garage door opener you choose. If you have a wooden garage door, for example, it may be heavier than other types. In this instance, you’ll look to get a garage door opener that can cope with the weight.
Noise Level: This is something else you need to think carefully about. If your garage is close to other living areas or close to other people’s homes, then you’ll need to choose a garage door opener that’s quieter. A belt drive or jackshaft is the best here. These are more costly options, so you’ll need to consider whether the extra cost is worth having a quieter opener on your garage door.
Door Size And Weight: The size and weight of your garage door will affect the type of garage door opener you get. Larger garage doors may need an extension kit, so look into this if you think you may need one. Heavier doors will need a stronger opener, so chain drives are usually best for them.
Safety Features: When it comes to garage door openers, the best ones will make your home more secure. Look for features in a garage door opener that lend extra security to your home. This could be anything from rolling codes to infrared beams, and automatic reversal modes. These are all designed to keep you safe and keep unwanted people out of your home.
Opener Speed: When looking into garage door openers, look for models that offer high opening speeds. Remember, you will be sat in your car waiting for the door to open when you need to get to work, or when you get home at the end of a long day. Pick a garage door opener that will open the door quickly, so you can get moving without delay.
Horsepower: Finally, check the horsepower of any garage door opener you’re thinking of buying. For residential buildings, an opener with ½ – 1 ½ horsepower will be more than enough. To put that into perspective, a ½ horsepower engine will be able to open a sectional double car garage door.
With these tips, you’ll be able to get the right garage door opener for your garage. Keep your garage door, your home’s security, and your noise needs in mind as you choose the right opener for your garage.
Conclusion
So, what is the best garage door opener for your garage? It depends on your garage door and whether you’re installing an opener for a residential garage door or commercial garage door.
Consider these tips and feel free to contact Your Garage Door Guys for help if needed.