There are many modern comforts that we have access to these days, all of which are designed to make our lives easier. One of these modern comforts is a garage door opener. If you aren’t familiar with a garage door opener as many people take these devices for granted, it is a motorized device that will open and close a heavy garage door with just the push of a button. Though garage door openers are certainly a wonderful convenience in our day-to-day lives, they can be dangerous if not used correctly. Because of this, it is important if you plan on buying one that you understand how it works and ensure that it is being used safely.
The Three Main Types of Garage Door Openers
There are three different types of garage door openers available on the market:
- Chain-drive openers
- Belt-drive openers
- Screw-drive openers
Chain-drive openers are the ones that have been around for the longest period of time, but they are still some of the most popular on the market. They can be loud, but quite affordable.
A belt-drive opener works almost exactly the same as a chain-drive opener, but instead of a noisy chain, the door is hoisted with a rubber belt. These openers are quiet but more expensive than chain-drive openers.
The middle of the road opener is the screw-drive opener. They are middle of the road when it comes to cost and are not as loud as the chain-drive openers.
All of these openers can be installed by the homeowner if they are interested in a DIY project. Of course, if this is the case, it is imperative that the opener is installed correctly.
Safety Features of Your Garage Door Opener
Since openers for your garage door have, in the past, caused injury and even death, it has been a goal of the industry to ensure these mechanisms are as safe as possible. The garage door opener of today is much improved from a decade or two ago; mainly thanks to technology. Here are some safety features to look for in a garage door opener in Alpharetta GA.
Reversing mechanism
Since 1993, it has been mandatory, for instance, for these openers to have a sensor that will immediately stop and then reverse the garage door should anything, from a stick or ball to a pet or child, get in its way.
Rolling Code
Another safety feature that is commonly found in these openers is rolling code technology. This is a safety feature that is present in openers that use keyless entry. This stops thieves from being able to use their own technology to steal the code that is responsible for the opener. If they get the code, they can get in, but with this technology, it is now impossible. Similarly, you may want to consider removing the keypad to your garage door or getting a wireless one as thieves are also using technology to determine the 4-digit code that is used for entry. Once they know the numbers, they can easily get into your home.
Battery Backup System
Finally, you might want to make sure that any garage door opener you choose has a battery backup system so you can get in and out in the event of a power outage as well as a light that will stay on for several minutes, ensuring you can have a lighted way to get inside.
For more information on garage door openers in Alpharetta GA, the brands available, safety features, and FREE estimates, call All 4 Seasons Garage Doors at (678) 981-8545. We are here to help. Our expert technicians are available for 24/7 emergency service.