Safety and security represent two key motivations for upgrading aging garage systems in residential settings. Automatic reversal sensors prevent accidental crushing of people or pets. Encrypted rolling code remotes virtually eliminate unauthorized remote signal theft once allowing break-ins.
Garage doors contain steel, aluminum, wood, fiberglass or vinyl panels mounted within a frame.
Today’s garage doors allow ample room for personalization to match your home’s architectural aesthetics through design, windows, hardware and color options. Woodgrain textures, canvas prints or other decorative finishes mimic styles from traditional barn doors to modern glass and steel designs without the actual weight, cost or maintenance of real wood or glass. Full or partial window inserts enhance natural daylighting inside garages. Creative glass shapes, etching and tints provide aesthetic appeals. Custom wood frames, handles, hinges and accessories can tailor stock doors for unique home profiles. Factory powder coating allows selecting colors to coordinate with home exteriors beyond basic white or brown.
The operating components also affect functionality. Torsion springs mount horizontally above the door to counterbalance weight. Extension springs run vertically along the track to provide lifting assistance. High tension means springs require professional service yearly. Steel lifting cables connect the bottom of garage doors to the spring mechanism, requiring inspection and occasional replacement over time. Nylon or steel rollers fit within panel hinges to smoothly guide doors along the tracks, needing lubrication and adjustments eventually. U-shaped metal tracks secured to walls contain vertical tracks and horizontal tracks, allowing rollers to shift direction and requiring alignment if tracks get bumped over years of opening and closing. Hinges join panels together while additional hardware connects to the tracks and springs. Proper tightening and fastening prevents noise or damage. Rubber seals around panel edges block air, dust, rain and snow from infiltrating garage interiors. Motorized openers mount to ceilings to automatically lift doors via remote controls, keypads or smart devices for convenience and mobility.
Technology integration and compliance with updated safety regulations provide essential upgrades for aging garage systems. Electronic reversing sensors automatically stop and reverse closing garage doors if they detect obstructions for safety. Rolling code remotes use encryption to access changing PINs each time doors are operated, preventing piracy.
Proper installation, maintenance and repairs are pertinent for smooth garage access, avoiding injuries or damage and extending system longevity. Licensed contractors provide complete new garage door and opener installation services, from tear down of old equipment to disposal and replacement customized to your residential or commercial needs. Proper calibration, safety checks, testing and warranty procedures ensure optimal function. Because garage systems experience repetitive cycles plus outdoor exposure, components require inspection, adjustments and part replacements over years of use. Routine maintenance improves longevity while repair services resolve operational or safety issues. Lubrication of moving joints reduces noises, preserving rollers. Tension and balance testing ensures springs counterbalance doors properly for smooth lifting without hazards. Spring, cable and opener repairs handle common age or accident-related breakdowns to restore safety. Cable fraying necessitates professional replacement. Weather seal inspection and replacement helps maintain energy efficiency. Regular opener testing checks door reversal systems remain functional.
Several garage door styles are available to suit the architectural style of your home and fit different garage shapes and sizes. The most common modern garage door, sectional doors, are four to eight horizontal panels hinged together to roll along a vertical track. Sectional doors provide a clean, contemporary look and the panels can contain windows or mimic carriage house doors. They are available with insulation for energy efficiency. Roll-up sheet doors, commonly seen in self-storage facilities, lift vertically and roll around a drum placed above the opening. These economical doors can be manually operated or automated based on your needs. Rather than lifting, slide to the side doors slide horizontally to store along one or both walls, saving interior ceiling space but requiring ample side room to function. Their sleek stylings complement modern architecture. Resembling classic swinging doors, side-hinged doors are hinged vertically and open outwards from the garage. They pair nicely with traditional home styles but the swinging doors can obstruct exterior or interior pathways when open. Tilt-up canopy doors operate similarly to one-piece hatchback car doors, staying nearly horizontal, then tilting upwards vertically to clear the opening. Tilt-up retractable doors lift directly outwards from the garage, extending onto driveways. Both specialty tilt door types take up minimal interior room but may not work with all driveways.
How to Reset a Garage Door After a Power Outage Disconnect the Opener From the Door. ... Pull the Emergency Release Cord. ... Manually Close the Garage Door. ... Press the Close Button. ... Manually Attach the Trolley (If Needed) ... Enjoy Your Functioning Garage Door.
Installing a new garage door on old tracks can cause a variety of problems, and is generally not recommended. New installations are always the best option. While some homeowners may think that they can save money and time by installing a new door on old tracks, this is usually not the best idea.
Yes, unplugging a garage door opener will reset it. Unplugging the opener erases the programmed settings. You will have to reprogram it again once you plug it in. When doing that, read the instructions provided by the manufacturer thoroughly to make sure that you are doing the entire programming process correctly.
Worn Garage Door Hardware Bolts, hinges, and other hardware on garage doors can wear down as time passes. Some metals become corroded with consistent water exposure, making it harder for the unit to operate correctly. In most situations, a little oil-based lubricant can solve some sticking issues.