Garage door openers are devices that can be installed on the outside of your garage to transport heavy doors up and down. These devices come in different varieties, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
When it comes time for you to select a new opener for your garage, there is no one size fits all option. You will need to evaluate the variety of options available before making a selection.
For the most part, garage door openers are pretty similar – they all need to be installed by a professional and they all use the same kind of batteries. However, there are some key differences in terms of speed, power, range, and more. So which type is best for you?
This article will outline some types of garage door openers so that you can make an educated decision about them. Read on to find out…
Chain Drive Opener
This type of opener features a chain that runs from the motor to the top of the garage door. It is not as quiet as some other models, but it can handle large and heavy doors easily.
This style is considered more secure as well as being durable since chains don’t tend to break as quickly as their counterparts. These openers are typically pretty cheap, so this is a great option if you have especially heavy doors or if you are on a tight budget.
Chain Drive Operator Sizes
The chain drive opener is available in both 1/2-horsepower and 3/4-horsepower models, which are measured by their ability to exert force. You will need to buy a larger model if you have a larger garage door.
Pros: These openers are typically very cheap and can handle large, heavy doors easily. They also tend to be fairly durable.
Cons: This type of opener is not particularly quiet, so people who value silence may want to consider an alternative option.
Screw Drive Openers
This type of opener uses a screw-shaped set of gears to open and close the garage door. This model is typically more expensive than chain drive options; however, it tends to be very quiet.
It also often features smoother operation. You may need to buy an additional product if you have an especially thick door, as screw drive openers are not typically designed for use with those.
Screw Drive Operator Sizes
These make and models can come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1/2-horsepower to 3/4-horsepower. You will need to buy a model that is appropriate for your garage door’s width and height if you have a door that is larger than normal.
Pros: This model of opener is very quiet, so people who value silence may want to consider it. It is also usually more durable than chain drive options.
Cons: These openers are usually more expensive than their counterparts. Many models do not work on doors with thick frames; you may need to invest in an additional product.
Belt Drive Openers
This type of opener involves a belt that runs from the motor to the top of the garage door. It is known for being very quiet and smooth operating, much like screw drive openers. It also tends to be more expensive than its counterparts, but there are some great deals out there.
Like screw drive openers, belt-driven options usually do not work on doors with particularly thick frames.
Belt Drive Operator Sizes
The belt drive opener is also available in both 1/2-horsepower and 3/4-horsepower models, which are measured by their ability to exert force. You will need to buy a model that is appropriate for your garage door’s width and height if you have a door that is larger than normal.
Pros: Cheaper than a chain. No pulleys – less likely to break and jam. Does not require lubrication like a screw drive garage door opener. The belt drive opener is very quiet and usually smooth operating, making it an option that many people will appreciate. It is usually more durable than chain drive options as well.
Cons: This type of opener is often pretty expensive so you may need to invest in some additional products if you have a door that is particularly thick.
Corded Electric Operators
This type of opener is very simple and straightforward since it does not require any external power or batteries to operate. You simply attach the cord to your garage door and plug it into a nearby electrical outlet. In general, these openers are less expensive than their counterparts as well.
Corded Electric Operator Sizes
These openers are available in 1/2-horsepower and 3/4-horsepower models, which are measured by their ability to exert force. You will need to buy a model that is appropriate for your garage door’s width and height if you have a door that is larger than normal.
Pros: This type of opener is typically cheaper than other options. It does not require any external power source, which means that you never have to worry about recharging batteries or finding replacement ones quite as often. Most corded electric openers tend to be pretty durable and easy to install.
Cons: You will need an electrical outlet that is nearby your garage door in order for this opener to work. This pair of power cords can be dangerous if they are located near children, so you may want to keep them away from young ones.
Now you know a little bit more about the different types of garage door openers. You can make a more informed decision on which one is right for you depending on your needs and budget. When it comes to installation, it is recommended that you hire a professional to do this for you. Below are questions you can ask your potential garage door opener company before hiring them to come out.
How long have you been in business?
Knowing that a company has been in business for a long time can be an indication that they are good at what they do. A trusted and reputable company will usually have a good reputation and many positive reviews.
Do you guarantee your work?
This is an important question to ask any potential garage door opener company you are considering hiring. While most companies do offer some sort of guarantee on their service, you want to make sure that it is a long enough warranty for you to confidently put your trust in them.
This is especially important if you are hiring a company that has never installed it before, as they may never come back to fix an issue down the road if they do not offer a guarantee for their work.
What kind of warranties and/or guarantees will I receive?
Not only should you ask about how long your warranty is, but you should also make sure that it covers a wide range of issues. You do not want to be stuck with a warranty that only covers certain problems or certain parts of your opener, as this may leave you vulnerable if something else goes wrong down the road.
Can I see a list of references?
Validating the company’s reputation is vital if you want to reassure yourself of its trustworthiness. It may be useful for you to ask for a list of references along with contact information so that you can get in touch with them directly to find out more about their services.
What are your rates? Would you be able to provide me with an estimate?
Knowing how much a particular company charges can help you to narrow down your options. You also want to make sure that they are able to provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost of the job before they do any work for you.
It is important that they are able to give you a written quote before starting work so that both parties know what the costs will be upfront. If you do not like the prices that they give you, then do not be afraid to ask them for alternatives.
What types of payment methods do you accept?
Hiring a company that accepts different types of payment, such as credit and debit cards, can be extremely convenient for your customers. The more options you have available to pay, the better off you will be.
What types of garage doors do you install? How many garage doors have you installed?
If the company you are thinking about hiring specializes in a certain type of garage door, such as wooden or steel doors, then it is best to hire them for your job.
Be sure to ask how many doors they have installed before and what types of brands they work with so you can be confident that they will do a good job on yours.
What is included in your installation service? Do I need to hire any additional workers?
It is important that you understand exactly what this service entails before signing any contracts or paying any money. You will want to know how long it will take them to install your opener, as well as whether or not you need to hire additional help of your own. Don’t pay too much for installation if all they are doing is connecting a chain or a screw.
How often will I need to pay for maintenance?
In order to avoid any future costs, you will want to ask the company what type of maintenance schedule they follow. The last thing that you want is to be stuck with a garage door opener that does not work because it was not properly maintained.
Are you authorized to work in my state? What licenses and permits do you have?
Hiring someone who is authorized to work where your garage door is located can make things run much more smoothly for both parties. You should never hire someone without finding out if they are legally able to carry out the service that they are providing.
You should always try to find out as much as possible about the company that you are hiring before signing any contracts or handing over any money. A reputable company will have no problem giving you a copy of their licenses along with a list of all services they provide.
What kind of training do your technicians have?
The level of technical expertise that a company has can vary from one to another, so it is important for you to make sure that their technicians are qualified enough to install your specific opener. You should only hire a company if they have the right qualifications and experience to do a good job on your opener.
How long does it take to install a garage door opener?
When it comes to the time it will take to install your door, you should not have to pay until they are finished. The amount of time that the job takes depends on a variety of factors, which include the type of garage door opener being installed and whether or not it needs any additional wiring to fit with your home’s electrical system.
Do I need an appointment or can we do this today?
It is possible that you are in need of a garage door opener service due to an emergency that you need to be addressed immediately. You want to know if the company is able to come out at a moment’s notice or not so you have time to prepare for their arrival.
Do you offer 24-hour emergency services? What’s your response time after hours, during weekends, and holidays – if applicable?
Many people require garage door services during the hours that are least convenient for them, such as on weekends or late at night. You should consider hiring a company that offers emergency services so that you can get the help you need when you need it most.
Do you have liability insurance? What is covered by your insurance policies?
You will want to know whether or not a garage door company or professional has liability insurance. This will protect your property in the event of an accident. Look for signs that they are safe to work on your new opener, such as having current registration and certifications for safety purposes.
Do you have any affiliations with garage door experts?
This is another important question that you should ask any company that you are considering hiring. Are they connected to any sort of an association for garage door professionals? This can be a sign that they are reputable and that you should consider working with them.
Call 713 Locksmith Houston for professional garage door installation today!
These are just a few of the questions that you should ask before hiring a garage door opener company to come out and install your new system for you.
While asking these types of questions may seem invasive or uncomfortable, it is important for you to find out the answers before hiring them so that you have a good understanding of what you can expect from their business.
Garage door openers are an important investment for homeowners who want to make sure that their home is secure. We recommend hiring a company with experience in installing garage doors because it can be difficult and time-consuming if you try to do the installation yourself or hire someone less qualified.
If you’re looking for high-quality service from professionals, call us today! Our team of experts will install your opener quickly and efficiently while ensuring that everything looks great when they leave.
Interested? Reach out to our customer care representatives via email or by giving them a call at (713) 955-1009 right now!
