Motorized and automated garage doors

The concept of an automatic garage door is nothing new, however few people realise just how many variations there are on the motorized door theme.

Garage doors can open and close using a variety of methods and movements, but all are based on one of the following.

Conventional hinged doors, where side hinges allow the doors to swing outward horizontally.

Up and over garage doors, where the door lift upwards and backwards and stores above the main garage door void.

Sliding garage doors, where the door slides on tracks or runners and is pulled to one side of the door opening.

Sectional and rolling garage doors, where the door is able to bend through a 90 degree angle, or roll around a drum, due to sectional and hinged panel construction.

There are variations on each of these garage door concepts, but all can be fitted with a motor to allow power assisted movement of the door. The type of door determines the power output and the system used for opening and closing the door, but drive chains and drive belts working with boom operated systems are the most common.

Control of a motor powered garage door is usually by a small remote that can be carried in a pocket or attached to a set of keys. These remotes increase the ease of use and security of the garage door by allowing the opening and closing to be performed without the need to leave the car, van or pick-up.

Not surprisingly, a motor powered garage door costs more than a manual door, but the additional cost is less than most would anticipate. The conversion from powerless to powered is also comparatively simple and will take a professional fitter no more than half a day for most door types.

For further information about powered garage doors and the different types of garage doors, you can check out http://www.garage-door-automation.co.uk/guide.htm (which is a general buyers guide with basic advice and tips).