Updated: October 31, 2023
Posted: January 17, 2013
Top 5 Reasons You Should Replace Your Garage Door Opener
If you own an automatic garage door, and have done so for a considerable number of years, it may be time to think about replacing its opening mechanism – commonly referred to as a garage door opener.
Even if your current opener appears to be working fine, newer models offer significantly enhanced levels of safety, security and convenience and, as such, there are a number of subsequent benefits to replacing your garage door opener.
So, if you are thinking about upgrading your garage door opener, read our top 5 reasons why you should below…
#1 Safety Reversal Mechanism
Since new safety regulations in 1993, it is now required by law that all garage door openers feature a reversing mechanism. This means that if an object, person or pet runs under the door as it is closing, it will immediately stop and reverse.
The mechanism works by fixing two sensors approximately six inches above floor level on either side of the garage door. Then, if anything attempts to get underneath the door during closure, it will cross the light beam created by these sensors and cause the reversal process to instantly begin.
An extremely beneficial safety feature, the reversal mechanism grants complete peace of mind that no object – or person – will ever be crushed by the door, an incredibly important feature for parents particularly. If your garage door opener does not have a safety reversing feature, or if it does but it no longer works properly or is very temperamental in its operation, it is highly recommended that you upgrade your opener as soon as possible.
#2 Better Noise Control
Older garage door openers can be incredibly noisy, especially the models which still use a chain drive mechanism. If your garage door is often the cause of disruption – whether with members of your household or your surrounding neighbours – it may be time to consider replacing your opener to a newer model which will almost certainly be much quieter.
If you think you may have a chain drive model, check to see if you can see something resembling a bicycle chain near the motor unit. If so, consider replacing it with a screw drive or belt drive opener, both of which offer much better noise control.
#3 Heightened Security
Older garage door openers were particularly vulnerable to thieves and vandals, due to their use of a ‘fixed code system’. This meant that their remote controls always utilised one code so someone with a specialist technological device could sit outside your home, find the device and then let themselves into your garage.
Now though, modern garage door openers use a ‘rolling code system’ which means the mechanism changes the code every time the door is used, eliminating the risk of someone duplicating it and accessing your garage uninvited.
#4 No Need for Keys
The older garage door opener models did not offer keypads or remote control opening. However, now there are a host of innovative opening mechanisms to choose between when installing or upgrading your opening system.
For example, wall mounted keypads are extremely popular and some of the more advanced ones feature multi-function control panels, meaning they can be operated manually, through fingerprint recognition or with wireless digital key fobs.
#5 Battery Backup Systems
One of the biggest, and most inconvenient, flaws with the older garage door openers is that they rely solely on mains power. Therefore, if your home or area suffers a power outage your garage is effectively inoperable.
The more modern garage door openers, however, are now available with a battery backup system which will begin automatically whenever electrical power is lost.
If you are thinking of upgrading your garage door opener system and are looking for a professional, reliable, affordable garage door company – look no further than the experts at JB Garage Doors! We offer a comprehensive service specialising in the supply, installation and maintenance of a huge range of garage doors and their associated parts.
So, for more information on any of our products and services, and to receive a free site survey or home visit at your convenience, get in touch with the friendly and highly experienced team at JB Doors today!
