If your garage door opener is giving you trouble, it might be time to replace it. A garage door opener will last anywhere between 10 to 15 years, so it’s possible that a new one will have to be installed sooner or later. You might be wondering how much of a pain it is to install a new garage door opener. That depends on your experience with garage doors, but you can generally expect it to take you an afternoon, or 4 to 6 hours. If you’ve got more than one opener to install, the second will probably be quicker. Much of the pain of the job is figuring out the process and getting used to the tools required.
First Time or Replacement?
If you’re just replacing an old opener, you’ll have a much easier time, especially if the new is similar to the old. You can probably reuse the existing supports that hold the motor as well as the supports for the bracket that holds the door. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll want to invest in some heavy duty angle iron to give the motor solid support. The support straps that typically come with the opener are just too flimsy. Too much sway in the motor will cause it to break down over time.
But don’t try to save time by reusing the safety sensor “eyes.” You’ll only be asking for trouble. The new ones that come packaged will be much more effective and specifically designed for this opener.
Balance the Door
Make sure the door is well balanced to ensure the garage door opener installation runs smoothly. A properly balanced door will support itself and not move one way or the other if you open it half way and let go. An unbalanced door can be harder on the opener. It can also make your garage door opener installation much more difficult and time consuming.
Have You Considered Installing a Smart Garage Door Opener?
Technology has many advantages when it comes to garage doors. With the various innovations in the overhead door industry, we would strongly recommend that you install a smart garage door opener. There are many models available from a variety of price points that are suitable for various homeowners. Smart openers connect your garage door opener to your smart device via an app so you have complete control remotely with any device or Internet connection. You can view the door, as well as open and close it.
Open the door for delivery personnel at the touch of a button from anywhere right from your phone. If you or the kids forget to close the door one morning, no problem! You can view the door and close it instantly. Thanks to the cameras, you’ll be able to monitor the area surrounding your garage door 24/7, which can come in handy if safety and security are of the utmost importance. Installing a smart garage door opener is no different than fixing in a traditional one, meaning the guide above still stands for the latest tech. Technology puts the world at our fingertips. Have more control and be more secure with a smart garage door opener that can be controlled from anywhere.
Hire A Professional Garage Door Installation Company
If you’re at your wits end and can’t install your new garage door opener yourself or just don’t have the time, speak with a garage door repair and installation company. They’ll be able to install the new device quickly, freeing up your precious time. While you have the installation company over, inquire about maintenance. Having an expert working on your garage door can allow them to pinpoint any issues with the fixture. Getting ahead of repairs is the best way to prolong your garage door’s lifespan, which can last up to 30 years if you treat it right.