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Garage Door Openers for Do-it-Yourselfer’s
from:Garages are a great place to park your car but they are also useful extensions of your home for other projects. If you haven’t been using your garage because the garage door is no longer working or you don’t have a garage door, now is the time to undertake a do-it-yourself home improvement project to replace or install a garage door.
In 1993, garage door manufacturers were required to include a safety feature that included sensors that would immediately stop and reverse a garage door from closing if it is blocked. If a child, pet, or some object runs through the sensor’s beam, it will instantly reverse the movement. This is a very important safety feature and if your garage door was installed prior to 1993, this is good reason to consider replacement. Many children have been saved from serious injury or worse because of this one important safety feature.
Newer garage doors operate with a feature that changes the code each time the garage door opener is used. This makes it much safer than older models where there were fixed codes that could easily be compromised by mischievous kids or thieves. If you’re concerned about safety, you definitely should evaluate one of these new models.
You can install your own garage door opener or hire someone to do it for you. Most manufacturers make do-it-yourself models especially for home owners. Instructions are detailed and step-by-step. It will take you about half a day or more to install your garage door opener, depending on how skilled you are and whether or not this is your first time.
Tips for selecting your garage door opener include:
1. Openers come in chain, belt and screw types. Chain-drive are the oldest type although they are noisy. Belt-drive openers operate with a rubber belt making them quieter than chain-drives. Screw-drive openers are usually considered the easiest to install and they require little maintenance. It is a matter of personal preference and each one is priced a little differently, with screw-drive being slightly more expensive than others – however it usually requires less maintenance and is quieter.
2. You should purchase an opener with at least a ½ horsepower motor for a two-door garage opener. If you have heavier doors, consider a ¾ horsepower motor. The more power, the better. Nothing is worse than installing an opener that won’t lift the doors!
3. Make sure you purchase an opener with a safety reverse mechanism, which has been required by code since 1993. Also, make sure your opener has a rolling code feature for added safety from break-ins or other intruders. Keyless and remote entry are also nice options to have and most all openers include them today.
4. Garage door openers are much more useful when they include a light. Most do include this feature but check to be certain. When you open or close your door, the light will automatically come on and provide added safety and security.
5. Search for battery back-up too. This can be a real benefit if you use electrical power. If you don’t have battery back-up, make sure you know where the manual lever is to open the door in case of a power outage.
If you install your own opener, you will save money. Tips for things you’ll need include:
1. A stepladder – make sure it is sturdy and in good condition before taking that first step up the ladder!
2. Electric drill and bits
3. Wrenches
4. Screwdrivers (depending on the opener, you will need regular screwdrivers and Phillips models)
5. Tape measure and level
6. Adjustable wrenches
Before you start with installation, read the instructions carefully to make sure you have all of the tools required. Some models may require additional tools that are not listed above.
Adding or replacing a garage door opener can open up a whole new world of uses for your garage. You will find that an opener makes it more appealing to use your garage space and it increases the safety, security, and value of your home.
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