How Long to Expect Your Garage Door Opener to Last

 A garage door opener is a device that opens and closes a garage door. A remote control device, smartphone app, or keypad prompts the opener located on the ceiling or the side of the garage door entry to function. 

While openers are a convenient device that will last for years, unfortunately, no garage door opener lasts forever. 

Why Is a Garage Door Opener Essential?

 Garage doors are heavy and can be dangerous if opened manually. For example, if your garage door opener isn’t working properly, the door could fall on you when opening. Some of the most common door problems include: 

• Misaligned tracks or worn rollers and bearings
• Door opening and closing unevenly
• Extremely noisy operation
• Jerking motion while operating
• Motor running, but no door movement
• Keypad or remote not working

 Many homeowners believe garage door openers are complicated. However, they’re easy to operate—and inexpensive. A well-functioning opener will smoothly open and close your garage door because it only takes a fraction of the physical effort that it would manually. 

 For safety reasons, all openers manufactured since 1993 use an automatic reversal feature that if an obstruction blocks the sensors placed about six inches from the floor on each side of the garage door, the door stops automatically and reverses back to the open position. Also, the door will not close while the obstruction remains or if the sensor malfunctions. 

How a Garage Door Opener Works

There are four types of garage door openers, each has its negative aspects and also advantages, so determine what is best for your home. 

 The garage door opener is the motor/drive system that operates the door. They can be installed in two different ways: vertically or horizontally. The type of opener you install will depend on the size and weight of your door. 

Common Types of Garage Door Openers

Here are the most common types of garage door openers on the market today.

Belt Drive

Belt drive openers are the quietest option for residential side mount installations. They operate smoothly and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for garages attached to living spaces where noise can be a concern.

Chain Drive

Chain drive openers are more affordable and deliver reliable performance over many years. The main trade-off is that they tend to be louder than belt drive models, which can be noticeable in attached garages.

Side Mount

Side mount openers are mounted to the wall beside the garage door, keeping the ceiling clear for storage or lighting. They operate quietly and smoothly, and their compact design makes them ideal for garages with limited overhead space.

If you’re in need of a new garage door, then call Dodds Garage Doors today.