When it comes time to decide on a garage door opener, it can be tricky. Given there is more than one choice can make the decision even harder. You will need to know the differences to determine which garage door opener is right for your home!
Comparison of the Types of Garage Door Openers; Chain Belt & Screw Drive
The chain drive garage door opener is the most common one. These are the oldest style and continue to be very popular. The name tells you how it operates. It uses a chain to pull or push a trolley that moves your door up and down. Chain drives are very affordable and extremely reliable. The main drawback is that they tend to be noisy, so these are best used in homes with a detached garage. These are also not recommended if they will be installed below a bedroom or adjacent to a room where quiet is appreciated. The belt drive garage door opener uses a rubber belt instead of a chain to move the door. The belt drive is quieter than the chain drive, making them good for attached garages. They are a bit more expensive than the chain drive. The screw drive garage door opener rotates a threaded steel rod to move the trolley that opens or closes the door. These openers have less components than the chain or belt drive, but they can be noisier than a belt drive.
Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door Opener
Even though garage door openers tend to last a long time, there are a few good reasons to consider replacing them. Since 1993 garage door openers have been required to have a safety reversing mechanism. This feature uses two sensors about six inches above the floor on both sides of the door. When these sensors detect any object crossing the beam, the door will not close and will reverse to the open position. Noise control is another good reason for replacement as newer models are designed to be quieter. Newer models are also more secure and will not allow people to sit outside your home with a special device to figure out your code to open the door. Older garage door openers didn’t offer key pads that could be mounted outside the garage. This eliminates needing a key to gain access into your garage and home. All you need is a code, or your fingerprint in newer models. When the power goes out you will not be able to operate your garage door opener. New openers are now available with battery backup systems that will kick in automatically when you don’t have any power.
Full Service Garage Door Opener Installation & Replacement in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North LV & Henderson Nevada
The manual release and battery backup should be tested regularly as these will help you operate your door if the power should go out or the motor stops working properly. Picking the right garage door opener is only half the battle. You will need to make sure it is properly installed for function and safety. Call VF&I Garage Doors today to have a new garage door opener installed.
