TYPES OF GARAGE DOORS

Many people are surprised to learn there are dozens of distinctive styles to choose from when shopping for a new garage door. We’re here to help you separate the wheat from the chaff so that you can make the most informed decision moving forward.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF GARAGE DOORS?

There are three basic types of garage doors: roll-up, sectional and single-panel. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but we’ll explain them all in detail below.

ROLL-UP GARAGE DOOR

The roll-up garage door is by far the most common type of garage door on the market today. It’s also the least expensive option available. A typical roll-up garage door consists of two large metal panels that open up like an accordion. The panels slide back and forth along tracks mounted inside the garage door frame. This design allows the door to be opened wide enough to allow easy access into your car or truck without having to lift it off the ground. Roll-up garage doors are typically made with aluminum frames and are usually painted white or black. They come in many different sizes, ranging from 10 feet tall to 20 feet tall.

Pros:

• Low cost

• Easy installation

Cons:

• Can’t be used as a storm door

• Heavy

SECTIONAL GARAGE DOOR

A sectional garage door is similar to a roll-up garage door except that instead of opening up like an accordion, it opens outwards. Like a roll-up garage, a sectional garage door slides back and forth along tracks inside the garage door frame, allowing easy access into your vehicle. However, unlike a roll-up garage which only extends outward, a sectional garage will extend both inward and outward. Sectionals are typically made with steel frames and are often painted gray or silver. They range in size from 8 feet tall to 12 feet tall.

Pros :

• Lightweight

• Versatile

• Great for multi-car garages

• Affordable

Cons:

• Not suitable for storm doors

• Expensive

SINGLE PANEL GARAGE DOOR

A single panel garage door is just what it sounds like: one big piece of glass. These doors are typically made with fiberglass frames and are typically painted white or blue. Single panel garage doors are great for small garages because they don’t take up much space. Because they only consist of one piece of glass, they are generally more secure than other types of garage doors. They tend to be heavier than other types of garage door too, making them unsuitable for use as storm doors.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to install
• Great for small garages
• Affordable

Cons:

• More expensive than other options

• Less versatile

GARAGE DOOR INSTALLATION COSTS

Most people who find themselves looking for a garage door installer in San Bernadino want to consider pricing before undertaking the project. We’ve put together this article for you to make sense of the overwhelming amount of options that can drastically effect your costs.

IS A NEW GARAGE DOOR EXPENSIVE?

Getting a new garage door can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s all about finding the sweet spot between curb appeal, your personal preferences, and the right budget. A good garage door installation company can take the headache and hassle out of this by providing you with suggestions based on your needs and preferences.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PUT ON A GARAGE DOOR?

Putting on the garage door does not take much time at all, and your costs are based on the amount of labor it requires. The main factors to consider here are the type of garage door you’re looking for in addition to it’s size.

SHOULD I INSTALL MY OWN GARAGE DOOR?

When you consider the possibility of damaging your new garage door by improperly installing it, going with a professional is a no brainer.

If you want to install a new garage door, you’ll first need to measure the area where you plan to place the door. This will help you determine if you need to rent a truck or trailer to transport the door. Next, you’ll need to decide what kind of door you’d like to install. There are many different types of doors available, including rollup doors, sectional overhead doors, and single panel sliding doors.

HOW HARD IS IT TO INSTALL A GARAGE DOOR OPENER?

It’s not difficult to do, but it does require some basic tools and knowledge of how to work with electrical components. There is significant risk of damaging the door and even electrocution, so we generally don’t recommend customers do this themselves.

Replacing an old garage door opener yourself is fairly simple, but there are several things you should know before doing so. First, you may need to remove the old opener from its mounting brackets and then cut off any wires connected to it. You’ll also need to check the wiring connections inside the wall behind the opener to ensure they are intact. Once everything is ready, you can start working on replacing the opener itself.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE AND INSTALL NEW GARAGE DOOR OPENER?

If you’d like to hire a professional garage door company to take care of your operator like us, you can expect to pay a bit more to cover labor and travel costs. If you’re interested in a particular opener, give us a ring and we’ll do our best to help you compare costs.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A GARAGE DOOR INSTALLED PROFESSIONALLY?

The biggest benefit of hiring a professional garage door installer is safety. They will use proper lifting techniques and equipment to ensure the job gets done correctly. Professionals typically charge more than DIYers because they have access to better tools and materials. However, most homeowners can save money by doing their own garage door installation.

It really boils down to peace of mind and how much you value having a warranty vs. the risk of something going wrong.

HOW MUCH DO GARAGE DOOR OPENERS COST, ON AVERAGE?

If you want to install a garage door opener yourself, it will cost around $150-$500+.  A good quality opener will last 10-20 years, while a cheap one might only last 2-5 years.

GARAGE DOOR OPENER COST: HOW MUCH DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

A garage door opener is expensive, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend thousands of dollars. In fact, you can get a decent unit for under $100. When shopping for a garage door opener, keep these three things in mind:

1) Quality – Make sure the unit has enough power to lift heavy loads and is easy to operate.

2) Warranty – Look for a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the life of the product.

3) Features – Consider whether you want remote control, automatic closing, or other features.

DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY OLD GARAGE DOOR OPENER?

You probably don’t need to replace your existing garage door opener unless the parts are worn out or broken. But if you notice that your opener isn’t opening and closing properly, it could be time to upgrade. If you’re replacing the door, there may be compatibility issues to consider if you want to keep your existing operator.

HOW MUCH DOES LOWES & HOME DEPOT CHARGE TO INSTALL A GARAGE DOOR?

Many people choose to go with big box home improvement stores who sub-contract out the labor to companies like us. Unfortunately, the common business practices that take place in this arena leave much to be desired. Having the middle man always means you are going to pay more. Since these companies are massive corporations, it’s important to consider they value their profits over taking care of the contractors they sub-contract the work to.

HOW MUCH DOES GARAGE DOOR INSTALLATION COST?

The only definitive way to know exactly how much a garage door installation contractor will charge is to request an estimate. Our experienced technicians are more than happy to present you with multiple options to maximize curb appeal while minimizing price.

We offer completely free estimates and can work around your schedule. Want to get the ball rolling but aren’t ready to call or submit an online bid request? Check out our New Garage Door Options and Garage Door Opener / Operator Options

A garage door opener is one of those things you never really think about until you need one. But once you do, there are some important questions to ask yourself before making a purchase. Let’s take a look at how to choose a garage door opener.

WHAT TYPE OF GARAGE DOOR OPENER DO I WANT?

If you’re looking for a reliable way to open and close your garage doors, you’ve got options. There are several types of garage door openers out there, including manual models, electric models, wireless models, and even smart ones. But how do you know what type of garage door opener is best for you? Here are some things to consider when choosing one.

1. DURABILITY

The most important thing to consider when buying a garage door opener is durability. If it breaks down frequently, it won’t serve you well. You’ll want something that lasts and doesn’t break easily. Also look for a model that includes extra parts like springs and cables. These components help keep your garage door running smoothly throughout the year.

2. POWER

You’ll want a model that provides ample power. Most garage door openers require about 10 watts of energy, but some models provide up to 50 watts. A powerful opener can handle heavier weight garage doors and larger openings.

3. REMOTE CONTROL

A remote control allows you to operate the garage door from anywhere within range. Some models offer a remote control while others don’t. If you plan on operating the garage door often, make sure it has a remote control included.

4. DRIVE TYPE

The garage door drive type refers to whether you use chain, belt, direct, or screw drive. Garage door openers come in different types and models. Each one offers advantages and disadvantages. In fact, there are several options to choose from. If you’re looking for something simple, inexpensive, reliable, and easy to install, consider a chain-driven garage door opener. These openers are quieter than screw-drive openings and are less likely to damage floors or ceilings. However, they do require extra maintenance because chains wear out over time.

MANUAL DRIVE SYSTEMS

Manual drive garage doors are opened by hand using a crank or spring mechanism. They are typically found on older homes with wooden garage doors. Manual drives are also known as spring-powered garage door openers. They tend to be more expensive than other drive systems.

Manual garage door openers use either a chain or cable to raise and lower the door. They tend to be cheaper than electric and hydraulic models, but they aren’t very powerful. You won’t find many options under $100, but you can usually find a model around $200-$300.

CHAIN DRIVE SYSTEMS

Chain drive systems are noisy and difficult to install. They require lubrication and maintenance. If you don’t do it properly, chains can wear out quickly. Chains also tend to stretch over time, making them less efficient.

Chain-drive openers are another good choice. They offer the best combination of price and performance. You can find them online or at home improvement stores. They require no special tools or skills to operate. Just attach the chain to the bottom of the door and pull up to raise or lower the door. Chains are durable and can last for decades. They’re also easier to maintain than screw-drive openings. But, if you decide to use one, make sure it’s installed properly. Otherwise, the chain could slip off and fall onto someone.

BELT DRIVE SYSTEMS

Belt drives are quieter and easier than chain drives. You can buy belts online or at hardware stores. However, belts must be replaced periodically because they can break.

DIRECT DRIVE SYSTEMS

Direct drive systems are the quietest and easiest to maintain. You just replace the bearing every few months. There is no noise associated with direct drive systems. In addition to being easy to maintain, direct drive systems are also very reliable. They’re the most common drive system used today.

SCREW DRIVE SYSTEMS

Screw drive systems are the most durable. Screws last longer than other drive types. They also have fewer moving parts, so they’re less likely to fail.

If you prefer a quieter experience, opt for a screw-drive opener. This option is perfect if you plan on installing it yourself. You won’t hear much of anything while opening and closing the door. Plus, since screws don’t move around inside the wall, they cause less damage. But, you might want to invest in a professional installation. A screw-drive opener requires drilling into the wall. And, depending on where you live, you may need permits to drill into concrete.

5. MOTOR SIZE & TYPE

The size of your garage determines how big a garage door opener you’ll need. Motor size refers to the amount of torque (or force) needed to move the garage door. Smaller motors are cheaper, but they may not be strong enough to lift heavy garage doors.

Larger motors are more expensive, but are necessary depending on the size and type of your garage door. If you have a small garage, you might just need a basic model. Larger garages often call for larger openers. For example, a 10-foot wide garage requires a 12-inch opener.

You can find garage door openers in both electric and hydraulic versions. Electric models use electricity to power the motor, whereas hydraulics use oil pressure to move the mechanism.

ELECTRIC MOTORS

Electric models tend to cost less than hydraulic ones because there’s no fluid to maintain. However, they do require regular maintenance. This includes checking the batteries every month and replacing them once per year.

Electric garage door openers work just like regular home AC outlets. A small motor inside the unit powers the mechanism, while a remote control allows you to operate the door from anywhere. These units come in both single-speed and dual-speed varieties. Single speed motors are typically less expensive, but dual-speed ones can provide better performance. Dual-speed openers cost more, but they offer greater flexibility.

Electric openers are the least common type of opener. They’re the most expensive option, though. They’re very reliable and convenient. Most homeowners prefer them because they eliminate the hassle of having to manually lift and lower the door. But, they require electricity. So, if you’re planning on living in an area without power, you’ll probably want to stick with a manual opener.

HYDRAULIC MOTORS

Hydraulic models typically cost more than electric ones. They are generally more reliable, though, and won’t wear out over time like batteries. They also require less maintenance because there’s no moving parts.

Hydraulic garage door openers use pressurized fluid to power the mechanism. This makes them much stronger than traditional mechanical systems, but they’re also more complex and costly. Most hydraulic openers feature a large reservoir that stores up to 2 gallons of oil. When the door opens, the pressure pushes the door upward. As soon as the door closes, the pressure dissipates, allowing the door to drop back into place.

IS A BELT OR CHAIN BETTER FOR A GARAGE DOOR OPENER?

If you’re looking for something quiet, fast, and reliable, a chain drive opener might be best. But if you’re looking for something that lasts a long time, a belt drive opener could be a good choice.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a garage door opener is how much it costs. You’ll pay less per month if you choose a belt drive model over a chain drive one. And if you plan to replace the opener every few years, you’ll save even more money because you won’t have to buy a whole new unit each time.

When shopping for a garage door opener, look for features like remote control, speed control, and automatic shutoff. Most models come with a battery backup system, which allows you to use the device without electricity. This feature is especially useful during power outages.

If you live in an area where snowfall is common, a chain drive opener is probably a better option. These openers tend to work well in snowy conditions, since chains don’t slip around too easily. However, they do require regular lubrication.

If you live somewhere with milder weather, a belt drive opener is likely a better fit. They’re typically quieter and easier to maintain than chain drive openers.

7. HORSEPOWER

A homeowner chooses between three different horsepowers for his garage door opener. He wants it to open quickly, but he doesn’t want it to break down too often. Which one should he buy?

The answer depends on how much power you need and what size opening you have. If your garage door opens up to about 4 feet wide, you probably don’t need anything over 1/3 horsepower. But if you’re opening up to 8 feet wide, you’ll need something closer to 1/2 horsepower. And if you have a larger opening, like 15 feet wide, you’ll probably need 3/4 horsepower.

HORSEPOWER OPTIONS

There are three different horsepower options for garage door openers. These include electric, gas, and 3/4 horse powered models. Electric openers are typically the least expensive option, while 3/4 horsepowered openers offer the best power and durability.

Q. HOW MUCH HORSEPOWER DO I NEED FOR MY TWO-CAR GARAGE DOOR?

A. If you are looking for a low cost solution, consider buying a garage door motor rated at less than ½ horsepower. This type of motor is usually found on garage door openers with automatic features. These motors are designed to run continuously without overheating, which means they don’t require frequent maintenance. You’ll find these motors in models costing $100-$300.

If you want to go high end, look for a model that operates at about ¾ horsepower. This type of unit requires less energy to move the same weight as a lower power unit, so it won’t overheat as often. Models priced around $500-$1,000 offer this level of performance.

For the best choice, check out our guide to garage door motors.

7. SECURITY

The garage door opener is one of those things we take for granted every day. We don’t think twice about opening our garage doors because they just work. But how do they actually work? Let’s find out.

8. RELIABILITY

A reliable garage door opener will make your life easier. You won’t have to worry about whether it works every time you open the garage door. This doesn’t mean that you’ll never have to go out there again, because sometimes things happen. But you’ll know that the door will work when you want it to.

There are several types of garage door openers. Some use radio waves while others use infrared beams. Infrared beam systems are generally more expensive than those that use radio waves. However, they’re much better at avoiding interference. Radio wave transmitters tend to pick up noise from nearby appliances like microwaves and TVs. If something interrupts the signal, the remote control might not function properly.

The best way to ensure reliability is to buy a dual frequency system. These models operate on both frequencies, making sure that the garage door opener always functions correctly even if something interferes with one of the signals.

For example, if you have a microwave oven next to your garage door, the garage door opener may not work when the microwave turns on. With a dual frequency model, however, the microwave won’t affect the garage door opening process.

9. BATTERY BACKUP

A battery backup system is one of the best investments you can make for your home security. If you don’t already have one installed, it might be time to consider adding one to your garage door. They’re easy to install and maintain, and many come with warranties ranging from three to five years.

10. SMART FEATURES

Mean You Don’t Have To Manually Operate Your Garage Door Anymore

Garage doors are usually controlled by a simple switch located near the front entrance. But what happens when you’re away from home? What if you want to open the garage door while you’re out shopping or running errands? Or what if you’d like to close it automatically once you return home? If you’ve ever had to deal with those situations, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, there are now smart solutions that make opening and closing your garage door easier than ever.

With smart features, you no longer have to worry about manually operating the garage door. Instead, you can use your smartphone or tablet to do it for you. This makes life much simpler because you won’t have to remember to turn off the light switches or check the weather forecast every single time you go outside. And since you’ll never forget to close the garage door again, you won’t even have to think about it. So whether you’re at work, school, or just hanging around the house, you’ll always be able to access your garage without having to lift a finger.

If you’re looking

DO I NEED TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL TO INSTALL MY GARAGE DOOR OPENER?

Hiring a professional garage door company is always recommended when working on something as important as your home. If you don’t have experience with this kind of thing, doing it yourself can actually take longer in the long run. You could end up damaging your garage door opener, which will cost you money to fix later.

But hiring a professional isn’t necessary if you have some basic knowledge about installing garage door openers. In fact, most people who own garage door openers can easily install them themselves. All you really need is an understanding of how these devices work, along with the right tools and materials.

In any case, we encourage you to reach out. We’re happy to provide you with a free estimate and recommendations so you can make the best decision moving forward.

DO I NEED A NEW GARAGE DOOR?

Your garage door is an integral component of your home. It provides security, convenience, and style. However, over time, even the best doors can become damaged and require repair or replacement. If you’re looking to repair or replaceyour garage door, there are several things you should consider.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING WHETHER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE A GARAGE DOOR PANEL?

Before making any decision about replacing a garage door panel, you must determine whether you are looking at a repair or replacement project. If you decide to replace a garage door panel, there are several options to choose from depending on how old the existing panel is and how much money you want to spend.

If you are considering a repair, you will probably need to make some minor adjustments to the existing panel. This includes changing out rollers, springs, cables, hinges, etc., and installing a new weather seal. You might even have to cut off the old panel and install a new one. Depending on the age of the original panel, this could be relatively easy or quite difficult. For example, if the original panel was installed 10 years ago, chances are that it isn’t very sturdy, and it may require cutting into the frame of the garage to access the roller assembly. On the other hand, if the original panel is only a few years years old, it is likely to be fairly robust and shouldn’t pose too many problems.

TYPES OF GARAGE DOOR DAMAGE

Minor damage doesn’t necessarily mean that your garage door needs replacement. You might just want to make sure it’s still working well. If you notice some minor damage, like dents or scratches, don’t worry about it too much. But if you see signs of moderate damage, such as warping or cracks, you should probably call a professional repairman. And if you see major damage, like broken springs or damaged rollers, you definitely need to contact a garage door specialist immediately.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY GARAGE DOOR NEEDS REPAIR?

If you notice that your garage door isn’t opening or closing easily, or if it seems to be sticking, you might think that it’s just worn out. However, there are many reasons why your garage door won’t open or close smoothly. For example, if your garage door opener stops working, it could be because something inside the garage is obstructing the path of the motor. Or maybe one of your rollers is bent. In either case, you’ll need to check things out carefully.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CAUSES OF GARAGE DOOR PROBLEMS?

Garage doors come in many different styles and sizes, so you might not know what’s causing your problem. Fortunately, most common types of garage door problems fall into one of three categories: mechanical, electrical, and structural.

MECHANICAL ISSUES

The most common cause of garage door problems is a malfunctioning opener. This can happen due to wear and tear over time, or it could be caused by a power outage. Either way, it’s important to fix the issue quickly. If your garage door opener is stuck in the up position, try pushing down on the button again. If that doesn’t work, turn off the breaker and wait 30 minutes before turning the power back on. Then try pressing the button again. If you still can’t move the door manually, you’ll likely need to replace the opener.

ELECTRICAL ISSUES

A variety of electrical issues can also occur with your garage door system. A loose connection between the opener and the wall switch can prevent the door from moving at all. The same thing can happen when the wires connecting the opener to the wall switch get tangled together. If you notice any strange sounds coming from your garage door, or if it feels like the door is vibrating, you should take it to an electrician right away.

STRUCTURAL ISSUES

Another common type of garage door problem is a warped track. Over time, the tracks become distorted, which causes the door to stick. To correct this, you’ll first need to remove the tracks from the floor. Next, use a level to ensure that the bottom edge of each track is perfectly horizontal. Finally, reinstall the tracks and test them to make sure they fit properly.

ASSESS THE DAMAGE

A garage door opener malfunctions are usually caused by a loose connection or an electric short circuit. If you suspect it might be something else, contact a professional garage door company. Here are some things to look out for:

– Make sure the battery terminals are securely attached.

– Look for corrosion around the terminal posts.

– Check the wiring harness for damage.

– Examine the mechanism for signs of wear. You can check the rollers, hinges, springs, pulleys, cables, etc., for cracks or breaks.

– Test the remote control for functionality.

– Check the batteries for strength and capacity.

– Replace worn parts.and noises

– “Hinges must be tight”

Garage doors should not rattle and make unusual sounds. If you hear banging or rattling, check the hinges and tighten them if necessary. Make sure the door is properly aligned and level. Check the tracks and rollers and lubricate them if needed.

ISSUES WITH SAFETY SYSTEMS

If you’re having trouble getting your safety system working properly, it might be time to replace the sensor. Contact and noncontact sensors both use electrical current to detect objects. If there’s no electricity flowing through the sensor, it won’t function.

Contact sensors require physical contact between themselves and the object being detected; noncontact sensors don’t. They operate based on changes in magnetic fields, radio waves, ultrasonic vibrations, heat, light, and even pressure. Some of those methods require direct contact between the sensor and what it’s detecting. Others do not.

Open circuits can prevent sensors from functioning correctly. Check all of the wires leading to each sensor. Make sure that none of them are loose or broken. Also make sure that the sensor itself isn’t defective. If you still aren’t getting reliable readings, try replacing the sensor.Garage Door Seems Unusually Heavy

DIY OR PROFESSIONAL GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS?

A man noticed his garage door seemed unusually heavy. He called his local repairman, who told him he could replace the spring himself. But the man didn’t trust the repairman enough to let him do it. So he went online and found a video tutorial on how to change a garage door spring. After watching the video, he figured out what needed to be done and did it himself.

When he opened the garage door, he discovered the problem wasn’t the weight of the door itself – it was the weight of the old spring. When he removed the old one, he saw that it weighed almost twice as much as the new one.

He posted about it on Facebook, where people shared similar stories. One woman had replaced her garage door’s spring herself, and she too had been surprised by just how heavy it was. She even took a picture of the old spring next to the new one.

People began sharing tips on replacing garage door springs themselves, and the DIY movement spread like wildfire. Now, there are videos on YouTube showing people how to change a garage spring. And some people say they’ve changed hundreds of garage door springs without incident.

But others caution against trying to do it yourself. They warn that changing a garage door spring can be dangerous and cause serious injury. Some people have even died while attempting to change garage door springs.

So if you decide to take matters into your own hands, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing.