Garage Door Openers
When it comes to brands, some of us are brand-loyal while others don’t even look at the brand name. These consumers are more interested in reading product reviews, availability and especially price. Most garage door openers are built for functionality. A few of the modern openers incorporate convenience, thus making the decision to buy one even more complicated.
A standard garage door opener is designed to… open and close the garage door. No surprise there! Most people drive in and out of their garage without once looking up at the device opening and closing the door. They wait until the door won’t open then either cuss at the remote because they think the batteries died or call a handyman to come look at the door opener.
This article is for those who are replacing or upgrading an existing electric garage door opener or looking to purchase one for the first time. When researching door openers, pay particular attention to the red emergency release cord. Burglars can break into your garage in just a few second. Be sure to check out THE GARAGE SHIELD. It provides an added layer of security as well as peace-of-mind against garage break-ins.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Types of Garage Door Openers
- Popular Brands of Garage Door Openers
- Warning About Buying Garage Door Openers on Amazon
- Maintenance For Your Garage Door Opener
- The Garage Shield
TYPES OF GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
Belt-Drive Garage door openers
Belt-drive garage door openers employ a rubber belt rather than a metal chain. This makes them more quiet than the chain-drive version. They offer smoother operation and movement than the chain-drive models. Modern high-strength drive belts can handle the weight of most residential garage doors. However, the belts do break and occasionally need to be replaced.
CHAIN-DRIVE GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
Chain-drive garage door openers have a metal chain that connects the trolley to the motor. The openers are loud and noisy due to the chain going over the drive gears. Unfortunately, they are the least expensive type of garage door opener, so most builders use them on low-to-moderately priced homes. On the upside, the chains have high tensile strength and seldom require replacement.
JACKSHAFT-DRIVE GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
?Jackshaft garage door openers are mounted on the wall to the left or right of the garage door. They are not mounted overhead like other types of openers. Jackshaft-drive openers are attached to the garage door’s torsion bar to raise and lower the door. This system is suitable for almost all types of garage doors. Jackshaft openers are very quiet and are often used for garages located adjacent to living spaces such as bedrooms.
SCREW-DRIVE GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
Screw-drive garage door openers utilize a trolley that rides on a steel rod. The rod rotates, which in turn moves the door up and down. This type of unit does not involve pushing or pulling the belt or chain found on most traditional garage door openers. Screw-drive openers are nosier than belt-drive versions and are usually more expensive than both the belt and chain-drive openers.
POPULAR BRANDS OF GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
Chamberlain Garage Door Openers
Chamberlain has been manufacturing high-quality, durable and reliable garage door openers for 40 years. Most models of powerful Chamberlain garage door openers are available in belt-drive and chain-drive motors.Craftsman Garage Door Openers
Craftsman garage door openers offer the latest technology including Assurelink. The built-in feature allows a homeowner to monitor and control the garage door with a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Genie Garage Door Openers
Genie garage door openers are nearing their 100th birthday. Genie is respected in Northern America and continues to offer high-quality door opening devices. Some Genie garage door openers include an infrared mechanism that senses objects around the door path.
LiftMaster Garage Door Openers
LiftMaster is one of the most respected brands of garage door opening devices. LiftMaster garage door openers incorporate modern technology and features designed to enhance your garage safety.SOMMER GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
Sommer is a renowned European manufacturer with branches reaching the world. Many models of Sommer garage door openers incorporate modern technology to provide easy garage control and safety.
Warning About Buying Garage Door Openers on Amazon
If you decide to shop for a garage door opener on Amazon, BE CAREFUL. If you haven’t heard of a brand, chances are it’s a copycat, a fake, a replica of a patented brand name product. We won’t get into the politics other than to say many foreign countries do not honor U.S. trademarks and patents. Overseas companies will take a patented product, replicate it, and attach any brand name the seller wants. In the case of electric garage door openers, electrical products made in the U.S. should be listed with Underwriters Laboratories or UL. Certain foreign countries will attach the UL approval seal knowing full well the product is not approved by UL.
