by Overhead Door | Mar 14, 2025 | Buying Guide, Garage Door Openers
Garage door openers are a modern convenience that provides both ease and security. We no longer have to manually open heavy garage doors, as openers have changed how we access and protect our garages. This post will explore the types, advantages, and functionality of garage door openers, as well as what to consider when selecting the right one.
Types of Garage Door Openers
There are primarily four types of garage door openers available on the market, each with its own set of features and advantages:
Chain Drive
Chain-drive garage door openers are the most common and affordable type of opener. They use a metal chain to lift the garage door. While durable and reliable, the chain rattling can make them a bit noisy.
Belt Drive
Belt drive garage door openers use a rubber belt to operate the garage door. They are known for their smooth and quiet operation, making them an excellent choice for homes with living spaces adjacent to the garage.
Screw Drive
Srew drive garage door openers use a threaded steel rod to move the trolley that opens and closes the garage door. Screw drive openers are relatively quiet and require less maintenance than chain drive openers.
Direct Drive
Direct drive garage door openers, also known as jackshaft openers, these are mounted on the wall beside the garage door. They operate by turning the torsion bar to open and close the door. Direct drive openers are quiet, efficient, and suitable for garages with limited overhead space.
Benefits of Garage Door Openers
Convenience
The most obvious benefit of a garage door opener is the convenience it offers. With just a press of a button, you can effortlessly open or close your garage door, saving you time and physical effort.
Security
Modern garage door openers feature advanced security options like rolling codes, which change the access code every time the door is operated. This prevents unauthorized entry and improves the security of your home.
Safety
Garage door openers have safety sensors that identify obstacles in the door’s path. When an object or person is detected, the door automatically reverses, preventing accidents and injuries.
Weather Protection
Imagine coming home during a rainstorm or heavy snowfall. A garage door opener enables you to enter your garage without exposing yourself to the elements.
Home Value
Installing a dependable garage door opener can enhance your home’s value. Potential buyers value the convenience and security this modern feature provides.
How Garage Door Openers Work
Garage door openers operate using a combination of electrical and mechanical components. When you press the remote or wall-mounted button, a signal is sent to the opener’s mounted unit, which houses the motor. The signal activates the motor and the lifting begins. The mechanism that does the lifting varies depending on the type of opener but generally involves a trolley or carriage that moves along a track, pulling the garage door up or down.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Opener
Several factors should be considered when choosing a garage door opener:
Type
Decide which type of opener aligns with your preferences and garage setup. Consider noise levels, available space, and budget. Also, as we covered earlier, the drive-type should be considered. The drive type you choose is what impacts the power, noise levels, price, and maintenance of your opener.
Motor Power
The size and weight of your garage door will determine the motor power you need. Heavier doors require more powerful motors.
A garage door opener’s power is measured in Horsepower (HP). Here are the most common options you will find and the door type and weight for each horsepower rating.
½ HP (Standard for Residential Use)
- Works well for most single and double-car garage doors.
- Handles standard aluminum or lightweight steel doors up to 300 lbs.
- Affordable and widely available.
¾ HP (Stronger & More Durable)
- Ideal for heavier doors, such as insulated, wooden, or carriage-style doors.
- Offers smoother operation with less strain on the motor.
- Provides a balance of power and longevity for residential garages.
1 HP (Heavy-Duty Residential & Light Commercial)
- Best for large, heavy wooden or insulated steel doors.
- Ensures reliable performance and longevity with frequent use.
- Great choice for homes with oversized doors.
1 ¼ HP and Higher (Commercial Grade)
- Used for industrial or commercial garage doors.
- Handles extremely heavy or high-cycle doors.
- More powerful and durable but overkill for most residential applications.
Security Features
Look for openers with rolling codes and encryption for enhanced security.
Rolling Code Technology
- Prevents code hacking by changing the access code each time the remote is used.
- Eliminates the risk of thieves copying or intercepting your garage door code.
Manual Release Lock
- Allows you to disconnect the opener from the door in case of a power outage.
- Some models come with a lock to prevent burglars from tampering with the manual release cord.
Automatic Reverse System
- Uses sensors to detect objects or people in the door’s path.
- If something is detected, the door automatically stops and reverses to prevent accidents.
Motion-Activated Lights
- Lights turn on automatically when motion is detected in the garage.
- Deters intruders by illuminating the area and improving visibility.
Battery Backup System
- Ensures the garage door opener functions during power outages.
- Prevents being locked out or stuck inside the garage when the power is down.
Smartphone Control & Alerts
Receive notifications if the garage door is left open or accessed unexpectedly.
Wi-Fi-enabled openers allow remote monitoring and control through mobile apps.
Noise Levels
If a quiet operation is important to you, opt for belt drive or direct drive openers.
Direct Drive (Quietest)
- Noise Level: 🟢 Extremely Quiet
- How It Works: Uses a stationary motor that moves the door along a track.
- Best For: Homes with attached garages, especially if there are bedrooms nearby.
- Pros: Minimal vibration, fewer moving parts (less wear and tear), and very reliable.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than other types.
Belt Drive (Very Quiet)
- Noise Level: 🟢 Very Quiet
- How It Works: A reinforced rubber belt moves the trolley, reducing metal-on-metal contact.
- Best For: Attached garages or homes where noise is a concern.
- Pros: Smooth and quiet operation, less maintenance than chain drives.
- Cons: Typically more expensive than chain drives.
Screw Drive (Moderate Noise)
- Noise Level: 🟡 Moderate Noise
- How It Works: A threaded steel rod rotates to move the door.
- Best For: Detached garages or homes where moderate noise is acceptable.
- Pros: Fewer moving parts (less maintenance), strong and durable.
- Cons: Louder than belt and direct drive, can be noisy in cold weather.
Chain Drive (Loudest)
- Noise Level: 🔴 Loud
- How It Works: Uses a metal chain to pull the garage door along a track.
- Best For: Detached garages or those who prioritize affordability over noise.
- Pros: Durable, strong for heavy doors, budget-friendly.
- Cons: Noisy due to metal-on-metal contact and vibrations.
Maintenance
Some types of openers require more maintenance than others. Research the upkeep requirements of different models.
Direct Drive Opener (Lowest Maintenance)
Maintenance Level: 🟢 Very Low
Required Maintenance:
- Minimal lubrication of the rail system.
Belt Drive Opener (Low Maintenance)
Maintenance Level: 🟢 Low
Required Maintenance:
- Periodic belt inspection for wear and tear.
Screw Drive Opener (Moderate Maintenance)
Maintenance Level: 🟡 Moderate
Required Maintenance:
- Regular lubrication of the screw drive to prevent wear.
- Keeping the drive free of dirt and debris to avoid jamming.
Chain Drive Opener (High Maintenance)
Maintenance Level: 🔴 High
Required Maintenance:
- Frequent lubrication of the chain to reduce noise and wear.
- Periodic tightening of the chain to prevent sagging.
- Regular inspection for rust and misalignment.
Additional Features
Today’s garage door openers go beyond basic functionality, offering advanced features that enhance convenience and security. Smartphone compatibility allows homeowners to open, close, and monitor their garage door remotely using dedicated apps, ensuring peace of mind even when away from home.
Battery backup systems keep the opener operational during power outages, preventing you from getting locked out or stuck inside.
Additionally, smart home integration enables seamless control through voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing users to automate their garage alongside other smart devices. These features make modern garage door openers smarter, safer, and more reliable than ever.
by Overhead Door | Jan 19, 2024 | Buying Guide, Cost, Materials, Price, Safety, Security
Choosing the right garage door is a big decision that can greatly impact the functionality and curb appeal of your home. In cities in the West Texas region, like Lubbock, where the climate can be extreme, it’s crucial to consider factors like durability, insulation, and style. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when selecting a garage door for your Lubbock home.
1. Climate Considerations:
Lubbock experiences a range of extreme weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters. Look for a garage door with good insulation properties to regulate the temperature inside your garage, especially if you use your garage for storage, a workshop, or use it to park your cars. This not only helps in maintaining a comfortable environment but can also contribute to energy efficiency and noise reduction.
It’s also important to have a good seal around the edges of your garage door. Our strong winds kick up a lot of dust throughout the year, so make sure you ask your garage door installer about weather seal options around your door to help keep the dirt and dust out of your garage space.
2. Material Matters:
Different materials offer varying levels of durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics. Common garage door materials include:
- Steel: Durable and low-maintenance, suitable for extreme weather conditions.
- Wood: Adds a classic, rustic look but may require more maintenance.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, ideal for humid conditions.
- Fiberglass: Resistant to saltwater corrosion, making it suitable for Lubbock’s unique climate.
Steel garage doors are the preferred option in Lubbock and the West Texas region and the reason is because of their durability. Steel garage doors are also the most readily available garage door material. Most local garage door companies have steel garage doors in stock and can schedule installation within a few weeks of a request.
This is not to say other garage door materials aren’t durable, they just may require more maintenance. Wood garage doors are extremely durable and constructed very well, but there is quite a bit of maintenance involved if you want to keep them in good shape.
3. Insulation Options:
Given the temperature extremes in Lubbock, opting for an insulated garage door is a good choice. This helps in maintaining a more stable temperature inside the garage, preventing it from becoming too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. Also, because of the steel-insulation-steel layered construction of the door, it makes it stronger than a non-insulated option. The insulation can act as a buffer for dents and dings. The insulation also does a good job of keeping the steel panels, which makes a quieter experience when you are opening or closing your garage door.
4. Style and Design:
Most homes in Lubbock have a fairly basic ranch-style design so adding a garage door with a little more style can spruce up your homes exterior. Most people opt for traditional steel garage door designs but the garage doors that make a statement are the faux-wood garage doors made of steel or fiberglass. These garage doors look like they are wood, but are made of a low-maintenance material like steel.
It’s also important to consider the color, windows, and hardware to enhance the visual appeal of your Lubbock home.
Most garage doors in Lubbock are white, almond, tan, or a darker tan color like taupe. These are pretty standard garage door colors but they work in West Texas because we get a lot of dust. These lighter color options don’t show the dust as much as darker colors, it’s why we don’t see a lot of black cars in Lubbock — if you do they are usually on dealership lots or in carwash lines.
Windows on garage doors serve two main purposes. They jazz up the garage door and they help get more light in the garage during the day. If you want windows on a new garage door you are getting installed, make sure you let your garage door company know before installation. For us, it’s easier to add windows in our shop before the garage door is up.
But if you have an existing garage door and want to add windows to it, we can cut the sections and add the windows for you. It’s important to get a professional to do this, cutting the steel on a garage door panel can be dangerous but it can also impact the structural integrity of your door. Give us a call or fill out a form if you want to add windows to your existing garage door.
5. Wind Resistance:
Lubbock is known for its strong winds. Select a garage door with high wind resistance to ensure it can withstand severe weather conditions. Some areas of the country have very strict local building codes and standards for wind load resistance. These include coastal areas like Florida and along the Gulf Coast of Texas where hurricanes are the primary concern.
If you live in the designated catastrophe areas outlined by this map from TDI (Texas Department of Insurance) then this is something you will need to consider when purchasing a new garage door. Fortunately, in West Texas, we don’t need to worry about wind-load-specific building codes when it comes to garage doors but it’s important to have a durable garage door with an exterior that can withstand dirt and debris from strong winds.
The reason we don’t need to worry about wind-load requirements is that the chances of having a catastrophic wind event are rare in our region. Wind-rated garage doors are reinforced with horizontal struts, which are designed to help withstand constant heavy flying debris during weather events like hurricanes. During a hurricane, if the garage door is penetrated or completely damaged by debris or strong winds, it can create a build-up of pressure in the garage and even worse can build up in your house. This build-up of pressure could cause a complete blowout of the structure — resulting in a partially damaged or complete damage to a house. So if you aren’t planning on moving to the Texas coast, then you don’t need to worry about wind load requirements but like we said, it’s a good idea to consider how our windy weather could impact the exterior surface of your garage door.
6. Security and Safety Features:
Unfortunately, “Lubbock has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes” according to Lubbock crime data from Neighborhood Scout. A secure garage door is essential for the safety of your Lubbock home. Invest in a door with reliable locking mechanisms and consider additional security features such as smart technology for remote monitoring and control.
Garage door security has been a big focus for manufacturers in the last several years — now security is built-in to the products they make. If you have an older garage door opener unit, it might be time to upgrade to a newer model – especially one that is compatible with home security apps.
Since the garage door is typically the largest moving object in the home, safety is another important thing to consider. Don’t just upgrade your garage door, but upgrade your entire garage door system. The safety feature of that system is the safety sensors, usually located at the bottom of your garage door. These shoot an infrared beam that will detect motion and stop your garage door if it notices something is in its way. Most homeowners don’t know this, but safety sensors are required by federal law and manufacturers are required to have some safety features built-in to the garage door operator unit. (see the 2018 updated Safety Standard for Automatic Residential Garage Door Operators for reference)
7. Professional Installation:
While choosing the right garage door is crucial, proper installation is equally important. Hire a professional installer with experience in handling the specific challenges posed by Lubbock’s weather. Garage Doors are not easy to install. They are heavy and come with a lot of parts. We appreciate the thrifty DIY homeowner, we do a lot of DIY on our own homes, but there are just some things that should be left to the professionals. We receive more stories of DIY garage door installation gone wrong than we want to hear, all of which could have been avoided if the homeowners called a professional in the first place.
There are many garage door companies in Lubbock, some are great, and others we wouldn’t recommend. What it comes down to is experience and service. There is a shortage of experienced garage door installers all across the country but we are fortunate to have a team of very experienced and highly trained installers and office staff who truly understand our products and the services we provide. We also try our very best to solve any issue before recommending a replacement of a garage door, garage door opener, or any part.
8. Budget Considerations:
Set a realistic budget for your garage door project. Consider the long-term costs, including maintenance and energy efficiency, when making your decision. Replacing your garage door isn’t cheap — you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1200 per door and sometimes more. This depends on the material you choose and other options like size and style —even color options can impact the price. Here’s a short article and video if you want to know more about the factors that impact the price of a garage door.
Consider All Your Options
Selecting the right garage door for your Lubbock home involves careful consideration of climate, materials, insulation, style, and security features. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your garage door not only enhances the curb appeal of your Lubbock home but also withstands the challenging weather conditions of the region.
