There is nothing that is more convenient than being able to drive straight into your garage without getting out and pulling up a heavy door, which is what a garage door opener can do for you. If it is pouring rain, or the snow is flying all around, it can be more than convenient; it can downright save a lot of mess to clean up. If you don’t have to get out in the snow or rain, you won’t have a mess to clean up on your foyer. Plus, you can close the door from inside, without even going near the door, so if you have groceries or other parcels, this can save you from getting them soaking wet as well. The premise is simple. You have a remote control in your vehicle that sends a wireless transmitter to a receiver, and the garage door starts to open.
The cost of automatic garage door openers has become more affordable. When they first were introduced, the cost was prohibitive for most people. Now, almost anyone can get one installed at an affordable cost. They have become more secure, and more efficient as the years have gone on as well. Currently there are four different types of garage door openers on the market: the screw drive, chain drive, belt drive and torsion bar drive.
The screw drive is a very reliable opener. They are low maintenance, and are a little quieter than a chain drive. Financially speaking, they are affordable. The screw drive works simply, with very few parts to the actual lifting mechanism. These systems do not use chains or belts. Instead they work by using a single long screw that pulls the door up. This direct drive system doesn’t use chains or belts so you don’t have to worry about them breaking.
Chain drive openers are generally the least expensive, and the noisiest. It is simple concept really, and was invented in 1926. How it works is a motor is attached to a sprocket. The sprocket turns, and moves a chain. The movement of the chain pulls the door open or closes it. This is the most common type of garage door opener both historically and today, however if you have living space above the garage, you may want to go with another alternative.
Belt drive openers are more costly than screw drive or chain drive systems. Belt drives are tough, reliable and very quiet. They are ideal if you have rooms above the garage. Like the chain drive, they utilize a very simple mechanism. The motor turns, the belt is moved, the garage door opens or closes. Instead of a noisy chain, they use a rubber belt, similar to steel belted tires. The rubber is reinforced with steel fibers, making it even more durable.
Torsion bar drives differ from the above three, as it is not trolley based system. It utilizes a shaft system. Basically, rather than having the equipment needed installed in the middle of your garage, it is installed on the wall above the garage door, and then uses the existing springs to open and close the door. It is the quietest of them all, and will allow you to keep the head clearance in your garage.
Overhead garage door openers are not only convenient, but safe as well. Instead of remote controls, you can also use a pin pad, or even more modern, a thumbprint to open the door. Some have sensors that will allow the door to open a few inches to let a pet out automatically. They all can be released from their automatic systems easily if there is an emergency or a power failure. All in all, a garage door opener is a wonderful addition to your house, and will make your life easier in the long run.