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What Are the Different Types of Garage Door Openers?

Garage door openers play a crucial role in providing convenience, security, and ease of access to our homes. With various types of garage door openers available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. Let’s explore the different types of garage door openers and their unique features.

Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

The chain drive garage door opener is the most common and affordable option. It operates by using a metal chain to lift and lower the door. While these openers are durable and reliable, they can be quite noisy during operation.

Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

The belt drive garage door opener functions similarly to the chain drive opener but uses a reinforced belt instead of a chain. This design reduces noise significantly, making it an ideal choice for homes with living spaces above or near the garage.

Screw Drive Garage Door Opener:

Screw drive openers operate by rotating a threaded steel rod to move the door. These openers require less maintenance compared to chain and belt drive systems. However, they may not be suitable for areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Direct Drive Garage Door Opener:

The direct drive garage door opener features a stationary motor that moves along the track, eliminating the need for chains, belts, or screws. These openers offer quiet operation, minimal maintenance, and are ideal for garages located below living spaces.

Jackshaft Garage Door Opener:

Jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall beside the garage door. They use a motor to drive cables and pulleys, lifting the door. This design is perfect for garages with high ceilings or limited overhead space.

When choosing a garage door opener, it’s essential to consider factors such as noise level, maintenance requirements, and the specific layout of your garage. Each type of garage door opener has its advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the different types available, you can make an informed decision and select the one that best suits your needs. Visit Affina Door today for more information!

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What to Do if You Garage Door Won’t Close

A garage door that won’t close can be very frustrating. Garage door openers have safety sensors which can go bad due excess sun or water exposure, physical damage, or age. Here’s what you should do if your door isn’t closing.

Check for misaligned sensors

Sensor misalignment is one of the most common problems for garage doors. They sit a few inches off the ground and can get blocked or hit in a busy home. Even if you see lights on your safety sensors, it still might be misaligned. If one of the sensors gets bumped or hit slightly out of alignment, it could cause intermittent issues closing your garage door. 

Safety sensor wiring might be damaged

It’s also common for the wiring to get damaged by household and lawn tools. Many homeowners keep shovels, rakes, and trash cans in the front corners of their garage which can get caught on the sensor wiring. If you are having issues, see if the wire is intact and there aren’t any broken wires.

Your sensors are getting weak

Garage door openers are equipped with a sending sensor and a receiving sensor. Over time, the sensors can weaken, making it harder to align the safety sensors. If this is the case, you might need to replace the pair of safety sensors for new ones.

If you’re still having problems, it’s best to call a professional to help. At Affina Door Company, we can help fix your garage door and have it working properly again. Contact us today!

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Best Types of Garage Door Openers for Your Home

A quality garage door is essential for your home, but the door opener is just as important.

There are different types of garage door openers on the market and each comes with its own set of values and limitations. Whether you’re looking to renovate and remodel or simply keep your system maintained, you need to familiarize yourself with what’s available and who offers service around you — like the professionals at Affina Door Company.

Chain Drives

Chain drives are one of the most popular garage door openers on the market. These types of openers use a metal chain that connects the mechanisms and motor to move the door up and down. Since the parts are metal, a chain drive can be noisy, but they also tend to be the least expensive. Chain drives also work well for larger, heavier doors, so you’ll need to take the size of your garage into consideration.

Belt Drives

Belt drives are another popular type of garage door opener and work in a similar way to chain drives. Instead of using a metal chain, this opener uses a rubber belt, which makes it a much quieter option at a comparable price. However belt drives aren’t as sturdy so you’ll need to check the recommended weight capacity.

Screw Drives

While most houses use belt and chain drives, there are some home owners who opt for screw drives. These types of garage door openers have a more complex system, using a threaded rod on a track, and will require some maintenance throughout the year. Plus, keeping the rod lubricated will reduce any noise when opening and closing the garage door. A screw drive is also great for heavier doors or garages with one door for multiple cars.

Our dedicated team at Affina Door Company can assist you with any questions about our services and installation process. Contact us for a free consultation and quote.