While most home improvements offer either convenience, security, or modernity, few reach an ideal blend of these three quite as well as an electric garage door does. As home owners across England continue to climb on the bandwagon of smart home technology, the humble garage door is similarly getting a not-so-humble makeover. Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new electric system or looking to add some power to your existing door, this article will keep you on the road to garage door enlightenment.
The Appeal of Electric Garage Doors
Driving home after a long day’s work, normal drizzle tapping away at your windscreen. As you reach your house, click a button, and your garage door opens smoothly, inviting one inside without having to go out in the rain. This above-mentioned scene, something which was once dreamt of, now forms part of everyday life for many house owners countrywide.
Electric garage doors are about more than convenience: they offer enhanced security features, improve energy efficiency, and can even boost your property’s value. From sleek, contemporary designs to those that complement period properties, there’s an electric garage door to suit every home.
What to Consider When Buying a New Electric Garage Door
With so many options, finding the right new electric garage door can be quite overwhelming. Here’s a rundown of the important factors you might want to take into consideration:
Material: You can choose between steel, aluminium, wood, and composite material. Each has its pros and cons regarding durability, insulation, and aesthetic appeal.
Type: From up-and-over to roller doors, sectional to side-hinged, the style you opt for will depend on your space constraints and personal preference.
Insulation: England can get quite cold, and a well-insulated door can dramatically affect the temperature of your garage and your energy bills. Safety inclusions: Obstacle detection and automatic reversal systems can help avoid accidents. Smart compatibility: Many new electric doors are enabled to work along with smart home systems, enabling voice control or operation via smartphone.
Noise levels: If your garage is integral to your house, you will want to give some thought to the noise levels of the door as it operates.
If buying a new electric garage door, it is always worthwhile taking some time to talk to more than one recommended supplier. They will be able to advise what is best for your particular situation and residence. Remember to include installation costs when budgeting for your new door.
Adding Electric Operation to an Existing Garage Door
If you’re happy with your current garage door but covet the convenience of electric operation, then there’s good news: many manual garage doors can be converted to electric operation without a complete replacement. Typically, this involves fitting an electric motor and drive mechanism, along with safety sensors and a remote control system. Here’s what you need to know:
Compatibility: Not all garage doors can be turned into electric. A professional assessment would determine if your door is a suitable candidate.
Type of opener: There are three main types of electric openers, which include chain drive, belt drive, and screw drive systems. Each has different merits based on noise level, speed, and durability.
Power requirement: Make sure your garage can supply the needed electricity for the new system.
Safety retrofits: Depending on how the door was installed to operate manually you may need to install safety devices not required to modify the door to electric operation.
Costs: While nowhere near as much as the cost of replacing an entire door, adding electric operation to an existing door still represents a significant investment.
It is crucial though that this is performed by a professional. Poor fitting can lead to safety hazards and void any warranty on your garage door.
How Installation Works
Whatever you choose-between a new electric door and conversion- an existing door installation must be done by professionals, here is an average installation pictorially done as:
Removing the old door or making the existing door ready for conversion
Installation of the new door if replacing an existing one, and the new motor unit
Installation of Track system and attaching the door to the motor
Installation of Safety sensor and test to make sure those are functioning as they should
Program remote controls and integrate into smart home devices if required
Final Safety Check: This will also involve a quick demonstration of safe garage door operation to the homeowner.
The whole process usually takes no more than a day to ensure minimal disruption in your life.
Maintenance and Care
Maintenance plays a very significant role in keeping an electric garage door functioning well. You need to ensure you are lubricating the moving parts once every year and checking and tightening of hardware. You should test safety features once every month and be sure to replace batteries in any remote control when needed.
An electric garage door, if kept properly, can provide service for a long time without many complaints.
The Future is Electric
As we continue to adopt and adapt to smart home technology, we can be assured that electric garage doors will become increasingly sophisticated. We are already seeing doors with built-in cameras for added security, systems operable through smartphone applications, and doors with the ability to sense an approaching car.
For homeowners in England, automating the garage door is not just about keeping up with the trend, but making everyday life easier with a pragmatic, safe, and energy-efficient solution. Be it a new system installation or a renovation of your current door, the ease and security of an electric garage door are unparalleled.