Garage door openers have been around for over 50 years, and with good reason: they make opening and closing your garage door a breeze. But how does a garage door work? It seems like such a simple concept: you push a button, and the door opens or closes. But quite a bit of engineering goes into making sure your garage door opener works reliably and smoothly.
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at how garage door openers work, from the basic principles to the modern technology that makes them reliable. So whether you’re a first-time garage door opener buyer or just curious about how they work, read on for everything you need to know.
The Basics Of How A Garage Door Opener Works
The vast majority of garage door openers on the market use a standard technology called a torsion spring. This system uses a heavy-duty spring mounted on the header above the door. When the door is closed, the spring is wound tight.
When you push the button to open the door, the opener disengages the door from the opener’s rail, and the spring unwinds, opening the door. It’s a simple concept, but a few things make it work reliably and smoothly.
- First, the spring is designed to hold the door closed even when there’s a lot of tension. That’s important because if the spring was too weak, the door could open unexpectedly, which could be dangerous.
- Second, the spring is mounted on a shaft connected to several pulleys. These pulleys help evenly distribute the tension on the spring so that it doesn’t get too tight or loose.
- Finally, the door opener has a series of sensors that prevent it from opening or closing if something is in the way. These sensors are essential for safety, and they also help to keep your door from being damaged.
Types Of Garage Door Openers
A few other garage door openers use different mechanisms to open and close the door. Here are a few of the most popular:
Chain-Drive Garage Door Openers
This type of opener uses a metal chain to move the trolley along the rail. It’s the most common type of opener and is very reliable. Chain-drive openers are also the most affordable, so they’re a good choice if you’re on a budget. However, they can be noisy, so this might not be the best option if you have an attached garage.
Belt-Drive Garage Door Openers
Belt-drive openers use a belt made of either steel or fiberglass to move the trolley along the rail. They’re quieter than chain-drive openers, making them a good choice if you have an attached garage. However, they’re also more expensive, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Screw-Drive Garage Door Openers
Screw-drive openers use a threaded steel rod to move the trolley along the rail. They’re very reliable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, they can be noisy and not as fast as the other openers, so it might take a little longer for the door to open.
Direct-Drive Garage Door Openers
Direct-drive garage door openers are the newest type on the market. They use a motor to move the trolley along the rail. They’re reticent and fast, making them a good choice if you have an attached garage. Unfortunately, they’re also more expensive than the other types of openers.
These are the most popular garage door openers, but there are a few less common types. If you’re unsure which type is right for you, ask a professional for help.
The Different Components Of A Garage Door Opener System
Now that you know the basics of how a garage door opener works, let’s take a more detailed look at the different components of the system.
The Opener Unit
The opener unit is the part of the system that’s mounted on your garage’s ceiling (or, in some cases, the wall). It houses the door’s motor and the electronic controls that tell the motor when to start and stop.
The Remote Control
The remote control is the handheld unit you use to activate the opener unit. It sends a signal to the opener unit that tells it to start or stop moving the door.
The Sensors
Most garage door opener units have sensors on either side of the door. These sensors prevent the door from closing if there’s something in the way.
The Garage Door
Of course, no garage door opener system would be complete without a garage door! The garage door is what the opener unit opens and closes.
These are the essential components of a garage door opener system. Of course, there are other more specialized parts as well, but these are the ones you’re most likely to be familiar with.
By now, you should have a good understanding of how garage door openers work. You should also know the different types of opener units and the different parts of the system. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase a new garage door opener. Just remember to research and ask a professional for help if you’re unsure which type of opener is right for you.
If you’re in need of a garage door opener installation, Capital Garage Door Ottawa is here to help! We have a wide selection of openers to choose from, and our experts can help you find the perfect one for your home. So contact us today to get started!
