Garage Doors

It is very important to know the type of your garage door; it is essential for you to choose the right device and get the best price for automatic door. You don't need to buy a new door if your door is in good condition. If your door needs to be fixed, don't hesitate to purchase the necessary spare parts.

There are four main types of garage doors: retractable door, canopy door, side hinged door, and sectional door. There are also other doors, but unfortunately, the procedures and are complex and the procedures are expensive.

Retractable Doors

This is the most suitable garage door type. It is easy to be automated and there are not necessary additional items, other than the operator. You can safely use any type of operator. Examine the running gear of your door. The retractable door has large springs at each side, rollers in a track that run horizontally at head height. When the garage door is open, the bottom edge of the door is flush with the door frame. Any operator is suitable for automating retractable doors. Your main considerations must be the noise (AC or DC motor) and the width and weight.

Canopy Doors

This door type is not designated for automation; a few options are still available. It is more expensive than automating a retractable door; in the same time it is more cost-effective than replacing the whole door to have the entire automation solution. The canopy door must be in very good condition, in good working order and easily closes and opens. A gentle push in the top of the door should make it open without resistance and the base of the door must be at waist level. Lifting the door the remainder of its way should require a light lift. This is the problem in many canopy doors; the door needs an adjustment and any operator can fix it. You must also check the roller in the tracks. They must rotate correctly and don't have spots or are clogged with grease.

A canopy door must have one large spring running right across its top; rollers running vertically up each door post. When the door is open, the bottom edge must be at 2 feet from the door frame. There are a few solutions for canopy doors; the best is to fit an opener specifically designed for this type. The second solution is to fit a gearing kit to convert the door to retractable gearing; you'll have the possibility to use any operator.

Side Hinge Doors

This type can be automated using a converter linked with any operator; check for hinge door use so that the auto-reverse device functions normally.

Sectional doors

This type is suited to being automated as no additional parts are required; you can use any type of operator. It is wise to check the clearance above the door during its opening cycle. Verify check also the running gear that hinge across the door. Any operator is fine for this type of garage door. The main factors are the width, weight and motor.