A garage door opener is a complex device that raises and lowers your door efficiently, often multiple times a day. However, while you may need to schedule garage door repair services from time to time, it’s helpful to understand the intricacies of the system so you can better understand what might be wrong. Here’s some information to keep in mind.

Common Questions About Garage Door Openers

What types of garage door openers are there?

There are four main types of openers, all of which are powered by motors that help maneuver trolleys attached to the door. The difference between these structures is the actual element used to drive the trolley. Chain drives feature metal chains, and they're commonly installed in detached garages since they tend to produce more noise. Belt drives have rubber belts that result in quieter operations. Screw drives have threaded steel rods that rotate, which allows the trolley to shift up and down, and direct drives have moving utilities, which means the motor maneuvers the trolley on its own.

What features may malfunction?

Since this device consists of many different parts, there are several reasons why you may need to call a garage door repair service. A wall-mount keypad allows you to control the door by hand, and there's usually a remote to keep in the car, too. If these stop working, it could be due to a short somewhere in the door's control system. Another common problem is a motor that runs continuously. Finally, openers have limit settings that determine how far the door should move when opening and closing, so if it moves too fast, these settings could need to be recalibrated.

What types of security features are built in?

All modern door openers are equipped with motion sensors that can detect objects. If something is beneath the door, including a pet or a person, the opener's sensor will activate and send the door in the opposite direction to prevent injuries or damages. Many openers are also equipped with rolling codes, which prevent intruders from gaining access to your home by hacking the opener's key fob.

Is it possible to DIY garage door opener repairs?

Even if you have experience handling different projects around the house, it's best to leave this task to a garage door repair service. This is largely because you may not only be working with the opener but also the door itself as you test its functionality. Doors are extremely heavy, and they can be tricky to situate properly during the repair process.

If you need a reliable garage door repair service to inspect your opener, turn to the team at Automatic Garage Door Repair Service. Proudly serving clients throughout Monroe County, NY, this company offers a variety of services, including garage door spring repairs and emergency garage door repairs. Visit their website for information on their services, or call (585) 663-1180 to schedule an appointment.