When it comes to choosing a garage door opener, the different features and options can seem endless. Which is why it is important to distinguish which features matter the most when it comes to choosing a safe and reliable garage door opener. In this article we will review what you should look for in a garage door opener and how those features will benefit both you and your home.

Safety Features

The first, and most important feature to consider when looking for a garage door opener is safety. Making sure your garage door opener has the standard Automatic Reversing feature will help decrease the chance of any accidents; this feature will automatically switch the direction of the garage door any time it encounters an unexpected obstacle. Sensors placed at the bottom of the door are also a great option for preventing injuries or damage.

Manual Release

Garage door openers are a wonderful modern convenience! But you may still need to manually open your garage door from time to time, especially in the event of a power loss. This is why having a garage door opener with the Manual Release feature is critical. Manually opening your garage door is also a wonderful way to check for sagging.

Horsepower Needs

It’s important to know which level or horsepower you will need so you are not wasting energy or overworking your garage door opener. The newer and standard garage door openers use 1/2 horsepower. Older doors, which were constructed of solid wood, are heavier and would require a higher level of horsepower.

Type of Opener

You will need to decide whether you would like a chain-driven, belt-driven, or screw drive garage door opener. 

• Chain-driven garage door openers are more affordable and stronger than their belt-driven counterparts. Their durability will extend the life of your opener, and their strength guarantees your garage door will open consistently.
• Belt-driven garage door openers are ideal if you are looking for an opener that makes less noise and movement. The convenience of a quieter mechanism, however, comes with a cost and they tend to be pricier than a chain-driven opener.
• Screw-Drive garage door openers use a different approach to lifting the garage door, and are faster and more reliable than chain and belt-driven openers. However, screw drive garage door openers require more maintenance and are not suitable for heavy doors found in older homes.

Don’t forget to consider some of the more enjoyable features, too – like an opener that can be controlled from your smartphone! No matter which garage door opener you decide to purchase, ensuring the functionality and safety of your opener relies on a quality installation job. If you are looking to install or replace your garage door opener, contact our trusted professional team at 1-888-602-6550.

Your garage door is an extremely valuable part of your home. Not only does it provide curb appeal and increase the value of your property, but it also serves several utility purposes. And while garage doors tend to last for years, there may come a time when you must decide to replace it. Perhaps it looks outdated, has begun to break down, or your personal needs have changed. We’ve put together some tips to help you decide if it’s time to replace your garage door.

Too Much Work, Too Much Noise

If you consistently find yourself grumbling about frequent maintenance or annoying garage noise, it’s definitely a sign to replace your garage door. Over time, all that money and time spent on repairs and dissatisfaction can become quite costly. Not to mention the safety risks! Spend your money and time wisely by investing in a new garage door.

Outdated Design

Your garage door is a pretty noticeable feature. If you find yourself looking at your garage and feeling as if it may look a bit…archaic…invest in a new one! Enhance your home’s appeal and property value, while simultaneously improving the reliability and security of your garage door. And remember, replacing an outdated door isn’t just for those of us selling our homes. It’s also important for personal satisfaction. Modern, state-of-the-art garage doors come in beautiful contemporary designs – picture stylish tinted glass windows with anodized aluminum frames.

Lack of Modern Features

Today’s garage doors are known for providing great insulation to keep the cold out and heat inside. Not to mention all the new built-in safety features – like automatic reversing and object sensors. If your garage door is lacking in what has now become the standard, it’s definitely a sign to replace your garage door.

Have you seen the signs? Beautify your home and increase its worth by installing a new garage door. If you’re ready to invest in replacing your garage door, feel free to contact us today. We can be reached at info@adamsdoorsystems.com or 905-602-6550 (Mississauga) or 416-502-2212 (Toronto).

A high-quality garage door should have a smooth and quiet operation. But over time, even the highest quality doors will experience wear and tear that could result in unpleasant noises. If you find yourself wondering whether these noises are indicative of a bigger issue, this blog is for you! Read on to find out why your garage door may be making noise.

Squeaking Noises

A squeaking sound could signal a loose roller or hinge. High pitched squeaks can normally be silenced with a bit of lubricant! Grab your favorite grease and apply it to the rollers and tracks. Use a silicone-based lubricant around the frame, between the panels, and along the weather stripping.

Grinding Noises

A garage door grinding noise could be from a loose roller or hinge. If the grinding continues after applying some lubricant, it’s most likely time to call in the professionals. You may need to replace your rollers or hinges. While some homeowners prefer metal, if you are replacing your rollers you may want to opt for nylon ones. These rollers are both quieter and require less lubricant than their metal counterparts.

Rattling Noises

Your garage door is the home to dozens of nuts, bolts, and screws. Over time, all these little parts can become loose, and you may begin to hear some rattling. Luckily, a wrench and socket set makes it easy to tighten all those nuts and bolts! Just be sure to avoid hardware and parts that are connected to the garage’s spring system. Other times, rattling may indicate the garage door has come off it’s track.

Popping Noises

In many cases, popping noises indicate one of your torsion springs have snapped. For this particular noise, you will want to call a professional. Torsion springs are under a high amount of pressure, and inadvertently messing with them while trying to fix them can result in serious injury.

Our local professionals are experts in garage door troubleshooting. If you have concerns about your garage door, we will help you eliminate any existing noises and prevent future issues. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1-888-602-6550.

Choosing a new garage door for your family home can be an exciting decision. You get to decide what style and features it will possess, enhancing your property value and curb appeal. But don’t be fooled. Choosing a new garage door also comes with considerations that extend beyond aesthetics. Like R-Values and Warranty Agreements. Read on to discover our top considerations for your new garage door!

Material

Material is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new garage door. If you choose a material that is not durable or resistant enough for your climate and lifestyle, you could find yourself shortening the lifespan of your garage door. When choosing a material, consider the following:

• How heavy the material is. Will the weight strain the garage door opener?
• How the material will hold up to things such as high humidity or snow.
• And how the overall material will affect your home’s energy efficiency.

Compatibility With Garage Door Openers

It’s important to consider how your garage door can offer increased safety and easy accessibility. Research (or ask a professional) what level horsepower the motor will need to decrease strain on the system. There are also many alternatives to motors for garage door openers; such as carriage door openers, belt drives, screw drives, chain drives, and more. You can also opt for smart openers that can be operated with mobile phones.

Energy Savings – R Value

The higher the R-value of the garage door, the greater the insulation value and energy efficiency. This is especially important to consider if you have a FROG room. When the garage door is able to keep out the hot or cold air, your living space above instantly becomes more comfortable. This is also important if you utilize your garage as a work space. Generally, the higher the R-value of the door, the higher the price. So your need for a well-insulated garage door will absolutely be an investment..

Trusted Company

Your new garage door is only as good as the company and installation team you hire. Be sure to do your due diligence before committing. Research the reputation and reviews of a few companies, and find out who will be around to both install and service your garage door during its warranty.

Family owned and operated since 1946, Adams Door Systems can provide you with the leading array of residential garage door solutions in the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you’re looking for repairs or replacements, we are here to help.