Can I Automate My Existing Garage Door?
If you have a manual garage door, you’re probably well aware of the struggle that comes with it. When you’re battling the elements, straining to lift the door just so you can park your car, the idea of an electric garage door can seem very appealing. But, of course, the idea of forking out for a brand new garage door can quickly make that former idea fade pretty quickly.
Don’t worry, though, as your current manual garage door can be automated! With a few exceptions, however: if the doors are badly damaged, the addition of an electric motor might not work. If this is the case, you should consider repair work first. Also, if your current door has a unique spring and gear arrangement, automation may not be the best idea.
Save for these examples, automation should be possible, and in this article, the Dimension Garage Doors team will be talking about the process.
Can I Automate My Garage Door?
Up & Over Garage Doors
Retractable up and over garage doors are arguably the easiest type of garage door to automate and probably the cheapest, too. In order to automate these doors, a boom is installed above the structural opening and, at the other end, an electrical motor is installed. It’s also worth mentioning that, due to their similar structure, sectional garage doors can be automated in the same way.
When it comes to canopy up and over garage doors, automation isn’t as simple and it requires a more complex mechanism to make them work. For these doors, a bow arm conversion kit may be required. The bow arm will be fitted against the door and can slide, this means it can fully open and shut.
Side Hinged Garage Doors
Nearly all types of side hinged doors can be automated, thanks to their simple design. This can be achieved in two ways: 1) A swing arm kit, which works by installing two pivotable arms to each side of the door and the boom, or 2) an electromechanical system, which consists of a series of mechanical components used to open and close the doors.
What Are The Benefits Of Automating Your Garage Door?
- It allows you to make use of your current door without having to install a new one.
- UK weather is renowned for being fickle, and when the wind, rain and snow are raging outside, leaving the warmth of your car to open the garage can be an unwelcome prospect. Automation allows you to stay seated and comfortable while your garage opens with the click of a button.
- For elderly people or those with disabilities, opening and shutting heavy garage doors can be a challenge that automation can eliminate.
- When opening manually, if the movement is not completed correctly, with the door not being opened at the centre, this can throw the door off balance and lead to eventual expensive repairs. However, if the movement is automatic then this ensures that the door opens in a smooth, centred motion that preserves the performance of the door for as long as possible.
Dimension Garage Doors provides high-quality garage door installations, maintenance and repairs to customers across the North West of England. As a well-established garage door specialist, you can rely on our team of professionals to carry out any and all work safely, reliably and to a high standard. For any information regarding our products and services, contact our helpful team today.