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.

While wildly convenient, it’s also important to understand that garage doors are also under massive amounts of tension. While this tension helps your garage door properly, it also comes with an element of risk. If you are a parent, grandparent, or often have small visitors to your home, you know keeping them safe is a top priority. Staying up to date on maintenance and establishing strong boundaries surrounding the garage door can help prevent the worst from occurring. Sit down with the children in your life, and teach them these easy lessons to ensure their safety while they are playing in and around the garage:

Establish Garage Door Rules

With these simple garage door rules, your family can prevent serious injuries as well as damage to the mechanisms:

• Children should understand that playing with or underneath the door, as well as leaving bicycles and other toys in the path of the garage door, is a big no-no. The area should always remain clear, especially when opening or closing the garage door.
• The remote control is not a toy, and the button should not be pressed unless intentionally operating the door. Same goes for the sensors underneath the garage door.
• If your garage door opener has a passcode, children should understand that this code should not be shared with others.
• The garage door should NEVER be touched during operation. Moving panels can pinch tiny fingers, and “riding” the garage door as it opens can lead to serious accidents.

Show Your Children How The Garage Door Works

Children are naturally curious, and love to know what is happening in the world around them. Teaching children exactly how the garage door works empowers them and may stifle any mischief that occurs out of curiosity. Show them the springs and lifting cables, explaining the pressure they are under so they know not to pluck or pull these parts. You should also spend some time explaining just how important the sensors are. Children should know that these sensors must stay aligned to keep everyone safe.

Garage safety extends far beyond the door. Remember to keep all powerful and dangerous tools securely locked out of reach. The same goes for various chemicals you may have set aside. And remember – the more educated your children are about safety, the more empowered they become.

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).