There is a variety of garage doors available today, which incorporate different sizes, materials, and weights. These elements will impact the garage door opener you need.
Today, we’re taking a closer look so you know what size garage door opener you need.
What Size Garage Door Opener Do I Need?
There’s no denying that a garage door opener is one of the best things you can install in your home.
You can get home, open the garage door, and drive in without ever having to get out of your car. Before you buy one though, you need to know that not all garage door openers are made alike. The size, shape, and weight of your garage door will all affect the garage door opener you buy. How do you pick the right one for you?
Why Does The Right Garage Door Opener Matter?
There are lots of different garage door openers because there are so many different styles of garage doors.
The model you matters, as if you don’t it will affect how the garage door opener functions. For example, if you buy a model that’s too small or weaker than needed, then it’ll struggle to open the door and cause additional wear and tear that could be avoided.
If you buy one that’s more powerful than you need, then you’re just wasting power and energy on it. Buying the right opener is essential, so read this guide to help you pick the right one.
Check The Size Of Your Garage Door
The first thing to do when looking at garage door openers is to actually measure your garage door. Grab a measuring tape and go measure your door. The size of it will affect the opener’s function, so you want to know what size door you have before you go shopping. As an example, a 2 car garage door will need more power to lift than a smaller door.
Single car doors are usually seen as being 10 feet by 8 feet, and usually, only require a smaller garage door opener. A door that’s larger than this will need a larger opener.
Consider The Garage Door Material
The material that your garage door was made of will also affect the way a garage door opener functions. The heavier a garage door is, the more power it will take to lift it. The garage door springs will provide most of the power in opening it, but you will still need more power to ensure the garage door opener can do its job properly. For example, a wooden door is going to be heavier than a steel door, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Remember that insulation adds weight as well. If your door is insulated, then it will be heavier and may need a more powerful garage door opener.
Garage Door Openers And Horsepower
When it comes to garage door openers, you’ll find that the power they have to open the door is measured in horsepower. Most garage door openers come in a range of 1/3 horsepower to 1 horsepower.
The average garage door is around 8’x10′ in size. These doors don’t need too much power to open, so you can buy a garage door opener that’s around 1/3 horsepower, as this will be more than enough to lift it. If you have a bigger or heavier door, then you’re going to need more power behind the opener. A heavier single door or a double steel door may need a 1/2 horsepower opener, and a wooden double door may need the full 1 horsepower to open.
If you’re unsure of which opener to get, it’s a good idea to talk to the staff in the hardware store you’re buying from, or to a garage door repair service. They’re knowledgeable in garage door openers and types, so they can advise you on which one you’ll need for your garage door.
Picking A Drive Type
It’s not just the horsepower you need to consider if you’re looking to buy a garage door opener. You’ll also need to take a look at the drive type too, as this will have an effect on you and your home.
There is a variety of drive types, including chain, screw, or belt driven types. For a smaller, lighter a door, a belt drive should be fine to get the job done. Belt drives are also a good choice if you’re looking for a quieter opener, as they tend to be less noisy than chain openers. If you have a larger or heavier door, then a chain drive will probably be the best choice for you. Again, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure which one to buy.
Opener Types
As well as the drive type, you need to pick an opener type that works best with your lifestyle, and the people who need to use your garage door.
Keypad
These types have a keypad by the door, that you put a code into and the door opens. This is perfect if you or people in your home don’t like taking keys out with you, or if you have a habit of losing them. It’s also good as you can give the code to anyone who needs to enter your home, and then change the code to keep your garage and home secure.
Related: How to Reset Garage Door Keypad without Code
Remote
These garage door openers work when you press a button on a remote. If you’re in range and press the button, then the garage door will open for you. This is great as it’s convenient for you to use, and you won’t have to get out of the car in order to get in. These are super secure too, as rolling codes ensure that only you will be able to get into your garage.
Apps
A new breed of garage door openers use apps to allow you to open and close a garage door. This is great for lots of people, as they will always have their cell phone on them, and so will always be able to open the garage door.
There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking at buying a garage door opener. Do your homework, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure. Getting the right opener will mean it’ll keep working for years to come.
Photo by William Warby