Best Garage Door Openers For Your Home

With many options available on the market, it is good practice to familiarize oneself with the variety to make the right choice. Here is a list of the types of garage door openers available on the market

Chain Garage Opener

Most affordable of all the options, the chain-driven garage opener is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly and durable product. The garage door opener works via a metal chain mechanism that lifts and shuts the door. A major drawback is that the chain garage opener creates a lot of noise while operating.

Belt Type Garage Door Opener

The belt garage door opener uses a steel-reinforced rubber belt for a smooth operation. Belt garage door openers are a much quieter option compared to others but require regular maintenance. They mostly use DC-powered motors, which are smaller and quieter than AC motors. Some models come with a backup battery.

Screw Drive Garage Opener

The screw drive garage door opener operates via a threaded rod lift mechanism. These door openers require minimum maintenance, providing reliable use for wider and heavier doors.

Wall/Side Mounted Garage Opener

As the name suggests the wall or side mount garage door opener is attached to the wall. Also known as jackshaft openers, the wall-mounted door openers do not hang from the ceiling, thereby opening overhead space for storage. Furthermore, this door opener creates minimum noise out of all the options available.

When deciding to buy the perfect garage door opener for your home, it is important to keep certain factors in mind- speed, horsepower, and security.

Speed

This refers to how fast or slowly a garage door opens. Doors made of wood are heavier compared to aluminum or steel and take a longer time to open and close.

Horsepower

In general, most garage door openers will work well with a ½ horsepower. But for heavier doors, it is advisable to opt for ¾ horsepower so that it can lift the door with ease. Garage door openers with a horsepower of 1 and ½ are suitable for commercial purposes.

Security

As of 1993, all garage door openers require a special reversing mechanism in case children, pets, or objects come in the way of the door. You can pay for additional security features and include access codes, and Wi-Fi-enabled smart homes.

Along with the standard features for garage door openers, you should look for these interesting options to customize your garage. That way you know which garage door opener is best for your needs:

• A backup battery is extremely useful to store reserve power to run the garage door openers in the event of a power cut. Keeping a backup system is mandatory in some states.
• You can make your garage door opener smart by making it wi-fi enabled. This will allow you to connect your garage door opener to your smart home system and operate the door remotely.

Garage door openers are tough to install. If done improperly, the garage door opener can collapse, leading to damage and injury. It is best to hire a professional to install the garage door opener to ensure safety and precaution. If you want to do a DIY installation, be careful, and read the instructions carefully. Maintenance of garage door openers can be done on your own.

The cost of a garage door opener depends on the model you chose. The price of garage door openers ranges from $400 to $900. Hiring a professional to install can add another $200 to your bill.

Choosing the right garage door is important when designing the aesthetics of your house. A perfect garage door can look gorgeous on your property while providing the necessary safety and security. Important factors to consider while buying a garage door include the material, styles, insulation quality, and price range.

Garage doors are made of wood, fiberglass, aluminum, or steel. This gives you an ample choice in design and aesthetics. When deciding between garage doors, say fiberglass versus steel, it is important to analyze the durability and weather resistance of a material. Here is a list of the most popular garage door materials.  

• Wood is a classic material used in garage door construction. It provides a beautiful finish, is easy to source and customizes. But it does require consistent care.
• Steel garage doors are popular because they are durable and budget-friendly. With lower maintenance costs, many are opting for steel doors.
• Fiberglass garage doors consist of an aluminum frame with fiberglass. These doors are light and bear weather damage well. However, they are poor insulators and break easily.
• Aluminum garage doors are similar to steel garage doors. They are extremely lightweight and inexpensive. A major drawback is that aluminum dents easily.

The tilt-up door is the easiest and most affordable option in the market. These types of doors are constructed by the carpenter and are reliable and sturdy. In comparison, the roll-up wood garage doors consist of individual wood panels that attach to a skeletal frame. The swinging garage doors can be both in and out swinging carriage doors. However, they require a large area to swing.

An insulated garage door can make your garage energy-efficient, more durable, and less noisy. It is advisable to invest in insulating your garage door for greater quality.

Garage door prices can vary depending on the model and customization and installation services you opt for. You can expect to spend between $400 and $9000. However, it is worth noting that garage doors give a solid return on investment and last for a very long time.