Wherever you live, a smooth-operating garage door opener is essential. You should install your new opener correctly to avoid expensive and frustrating repairs.
Choosing the Right Opener
The opener is the key to getting your garage door up and down. So, when you’re ready to install a new one, you must take the time to choose the right one for your needs.
The best way to do that is by evaluating the various options available, including the motor power, drive system, noise level, and smart home integration. You can find information on all these factors by checking out reputable review websites and forums.
For example, if your garage is adjacent to a living room or bedroom, consider a quiet belt-drive opener, while homeowners with multi-car garages should opt for a powerful chain-drive model. It would be best to evaluate whether you’d like an exterior keypad or a remote control to operate your garage door. Also, make sure that the opener you choose has adjustment controls for adjusting closing force and travel distance—usually located on the opener’s motor housing—and they’re often labeled with their functions.
Preparing the Area
Before starting the garage door opener installation Sanger CA, lay out all the parts and equipment that came with your new opener. Following the instructions carefully is crucial. Skipping steps or taking shortcuts may result in safety hazards and system malfunctions.
Start by installing the header bracket on the ceiling, which holds and supports the opener unit. Some kits include steel angle structural support lengths, which you attach to the face of a ceiling joist. You may also need to add additional support if you have a finished garage with a vaulted or cathedral ceiling.
Next, ensure you have clear access to the area where the opener will be mounted. Remove shelving systems in the garage so technicians can access the area underneath the opener, tracks, and springs. Removing vehicles from the garage is essential so technicians have complete, unfettered access to the entire space.
Safety Precautions
The ability to control a sizeable moving object with a button intrigues children, so keep your garage door opener remotes and push buttons out of reach of kids. If misused, they can cause severe injury, so teaching your children about proper garage door operating safety is essential. Teach them never to walk, run, or play under a moving door and never to try to operate the door manually.
Modern openers have built-in infrared safety eyes that reverse a closing door if it senses an obstruction. It’s a great feature that can save you from pinched fingers and other injuries every year.
It’s also a good idea to check your auto-reverse mechanism regularly. To test the system, place a brick or piece of wood in the door’s path when it’s in its downward motion. The door should immediately reverse direction.
Installation
Garage door openers allow homeowners to enter and exit their homes without leaving their vehicles. They’re also a vital safety measure. Without one, your garage door could open to robberies and animal intrusions.
Homeowners can install an opener with sufficient electrical, mechanical, and carpentry knowledge. However, many DIY opener installation attempts end up with disastrous results.
While a do-it-yourself approach may save you some money, it’s often cheaper to let professionals handle the job in the long run. This ensures the work is done correctly and safely.
A professional installer will also help you find the best option for your home’s needs. They can show you how to use your new garage door opener and offer tips on maintaining it properly. They’ll even perform a thorough test after installing the opener to ensure everything works.