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.

“Alexa, open the garage.” From voice activated door openers to smart locks to climate control apps. There are a plethora of practical gadgets to make entering and controlling your garage easier. Whether you’re interested in learning about the options or considering an upgrade, here are our top awesome new garage door gadgets for your home.

Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller Pro

When it comes to features, the Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller Pro is unparalleled by other garage door openers. It works with most garage door openers right out of the box and is easily compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Homekit, SmartThings, and If This Then That (IFTTT). It even has a night mode for extra security! And if you forgot to close the door? It will automatically shut it after five minutes.

Alcidae Garager 2

Smart Camera meets Garage Door Opener in the Alcidae Garager 2. Not only does this gadget allow owners to easily open and close their garage door, but it also allows them to survey their garage with sound and motion detectors. As if that wasn’t cool enough, the Garager 2 also features a built-in mic and speaker, allowing users to speak directly to intruders, be they robbers or raccoons.

Why Should You Consider Upgrading Your Garage Gadgets?

We live in a device driven world. These devices are currently allowing us to control our lights, windows, HVAC systems, and security systems from an app on our phone. And it’s no secret that the up and coming younger generation enjoys the ease that comes with smart technology. As the housing market continues to shift and make room for them, now is the perfect year to make upgrades to your home’s exterior – including the garage!

But you don’t have to be invested in home automation for a smart garage-door gadget to be of use to you. Most of these are simply items that can make your life easier! Wondering which gadget might be right for you? Our team of qualified professionals is here to help. Contact us today at info@adamsdoorsystems.com.

Uh oh – you seem to have misplaced your garage door opener. Now what do you do? Believe it or not, losing your garage door opener is as common as misplacing your keys. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to secure your home and find a solution. Follow this step by step guide next time you lose your garage door opener.

1. Know How To Open Your Garage Door Manually

The first step when a garage opener has gone missing is to figure out how to open your garage without it. Fortunately, manufacturers have allowed doors to open rather easily without one in the event of a power outage or misplaced garage door opener. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with how to manually operate your garage and ensure the garage door opening mechanism is disabled. Bear in mind you may need to get a lock bar to ensure your garage door is properly locked while you search for a new remote.

2. Disable The Current Remote

For the sake of security, it is wise to disable all the remotes currently connected to your garage door opener. This is a relatively easy step that usually involves pressing a reset button on the motor housing.

3. Purchase and Program A New Remote

Most homeowners should be able to purchase a compatible remote pretty easily. First check the manufacturer of your garage door opener, and search online or at a local retailer for a remote that was made for or will easily integrate with your current system. If the manufacturer has gone out of business, there are also universal remotes available for older garages.

For those of us whose very nature involves losing small objects, you may wish to consider a smart garage opener. Most of the time, this simply means downloading an app that can be operated from your phone. Either way, as technology continues to evolve, so too will the way we do things. And when all else fails – there’s always the old fashioned way of operating. So don’t fret if you seem to have misplaced your garage door opener. There is always a solution available!

Want to know more about your garage door options? Adam’s Door Systems is here for you. Contact us at info@adamsdoorsystems.com! Contact our reliable and professional repairman at 905-602-6550 (Mississauga) or 416-502-2212 (Toronto).

Despite garages being one of the most used spaces in homes, they are also commonly the most cluttered. A detailed spring cleaning can help to declutter what has become a dumping ground for junk that limits your ability to both park, store, and work inside your garage. We’ve put together a Garage Spring Cleaning Checklist to help you cultivate a tidier, more functional garage.

Have A Plan

Have a game plan of what you want to accomplish with this garage spring cleaning project. A checklist can help with this. Assign tasks to family members, take your time, maintain a sense of purpose, and eye towards finishing your goal. You can listen to your favorite music, podcast, or sports game to add a little more excitement to the experience.

Declutter your garage

Remove everything from the garage that’s not permanently placed there. You can sort everything into three piles: keep, donate, discard. A good question to ask yourself as you go through items is whether you have used it in the past year. If it no longer sparks joy and is simply gathering dust – toss or donate it! For discarded items, be sure to check product labels for pesticides, motor oil, solvents and other chemicals to determine best disposal methods.

Wipe down and sweep out the garage

Wipe down any shelving or flat surfaces (aside from the floor). Garage slatwall panels are very easy to clean with just a rag, but perhaps the material on your garage wall is drywall or brick. If so, just giving the walls a downward sweep with a broom will remove some of the dirt and dust that’s accumulated. Use the broom to remove any cobwebs you see as well.

Hose out your garage

Now it’s time to wash your garage floor with your garden hose and a gentle cleaner! After you’ve given everything a good scrub, you can use a clean broom to sweep the excess water out of the garage interior. Wait for all the surfaces to completely dry before putting your newly sorted items back inside.  

Clean and inspect your garage doors and opener

Next, it’s time to clean your garage door. Rinse it off with a hose and then wipe it down using a sponge, dish detergent, and water. For any window panels or inserts on the garage door, see the next garage spring cleaning tip. Be sure to attend to both sides of your garage door. If you happen to notice any damage or extreme rust to the mechanisms of your garage door opener, it’s a good idea to have the entire system inspected by a professional. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1-888-602-6550.