Is your garage door past its prime? Over time, manual garage doors can become rusted and worn, not to mention the inconvenience of having to get out to open it or lock up in all weathers. The solution could be upgrading to an electric garage door. Electric garage door openers provide near silent operation and smooth, effortless opening and closing at the push of a button. No more straining to tug up a heavy manual door or listening to a noisy motor and chains. In this blog, we’ll look at the reasons you should consider switching over to an electric garage door.
The Benefits of Electric Garage Doors
We’ve been installing electric garage doors in Sussex for many years and the technology has continued to advance, with modern electric openers providing even smoother, quieter operation along with a variety of useful features.
Electric openers work by connecting a motorised device to your garage door, and they can be fitted to existing doors or new ones. This lifts the door for you using power, rather than you having to manually lift it yourself. Wall-mounted push buttons, remotes and even smartphone apps can be used to activate the electric opener.
Compared to manually opening a garage door, electric openers provide a wide range of benefits:
- Convenience: With the press of a button, you can open or close the door. No more getting in and out of your car in bad weather to wrestle with manual doors.
- Noise Reduction: Electric garage door openers operate much more quietly than noisy chains and squeaky manual doors.
- Safety Features: Sensors detect obstructions and reverse the door to prevent accidents, making them a safer option for busy households.
- Security: Keypads, remotes and apps allow door control while preventing manual break-ins.
- Effortless Operation: Electric garage doors do all the heavy lifting for you, no straining required.
- Durability: Electric motors and minimal moving parts reduce wear-and-tear and maintenance.
By installing an electric garage door opener, you can upgrade and automate your garage access while also gaining modern conveniences and security features.
What to Look for When Choosing an Electric Garage Door
Materials
When selecting a new electric garage door, you’ll first want to decide on the door material. Steel is a popular choice as it’s very durable and able to withstand knocks and exposure to the elements. Fiberglass doors, on the other hand, are lightweight, resistant to denting and low maintenance. Wood composite offers the beauty and appearance of real wood but with enhanced durability. Consider your budget, climate and aesthetic preferences when choosing door materials.
Insulation
Look at the insulation rating, typically R-value, of any electric garage door you are considering. Higher insulation values indicate better thermal performance and ability to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your garage. Good insulation also reduces noise transmission, which is especially important if your garage is attached to your home or you use it frequently as an extra living space or workshop.
Power
Review the power and specifications of the electric motor that comes with the garage door opener. More expensive models often have quieter, smoother motors. Also check if the opener comes with a backup battery system that allows it to operate during power outages. This maintains access and security if the electricity goes down.
Sensors and Safety Features
Crucial safety features for any electric garage door are safety sensors and auto-reverse capability. Sensors detect objects or people in the path of the closing door and trigger it to automatically reverse direction to prevent accidents and injuries. This is particularly important if you have young children or pets, as the sensors provide peace of mind that they’ll remain safe if they’re running around in front of the garage.
Added Extras
Finally, select any aesthetic options that allow you to match the look of your electric garage door to your home’s style. Customise with window designs from plain glass to decorative patterns, or choose colours to complement your exterior. Upgraded hardware finishes and lighting also add nice visual touches.
Carefully choosing a high-quality electric garage door that matches your budget and needs will ensure you reap all the benefits. Seeking professional installation is key as well for proper function and safety. Upgrade your home’s convenience and kerb appeal with the simple switch to an electric garage door – contact our team today to arrange a free quote.
