Can I Automate My Existing Garage Door?
Constantly lifting and lowering a manual garage door can start to feel like a lot of effort when you know that, with the push of a button, some garage doors open automatically. Perhaps your neighbour has already got one and you look on in envy? At Doormatic Garage Doors, we understand that forking out for a brand new, fully automated garage door might not be something everyone can afford right now. That begs the question, can you automate your existing door instead?
The answer is yes, you can automate your existing garage door, and we want you to know that you don’t have to spend big to get the luxury of automation. That means you can keep your current door in place and still do away with the lifting and straining, all without breaking the bank.
To reach that point of ultimate convenience, a lot depends on your current door, so let’s first take a look at some key considerations in automating your existing garage door before we move on to how different doors can be turned into automatic doors.
Considerations
Here are three key things you need to think about when weighing up the decision to automate your current garage door:
The condition of your current door
If your garage door still operates smoothly, then that’s a good sign. If, however, it’s damaged, then automation isn’t going to solve the problem of a stiff or wonky door. Even if it’s just the aesthetics of your door (think paint flaking, metal rusting, colour fading or a door pockmarked with dents), then you might want to think about whether it’s worth automating or whether you should go for garage door repairs first.
The age of your current door
Most garage doors are built to last, and often they can last for up to around 30 years if they’re good quality and you look after them well through regular maintenance. The current age of your garage door is important, because it might not be worth automating one that is already decades old as it will probably need replacing soon anyway. If your garage door is only a few years old, however, it’s probably the perfect time to update it with automation.
You should also note that some very old doors might be configured with springs and bearings that make it almost impossible to automate them anyway, but you can always get professional advice on this matter when you speak to our team at Doormatic.
How well your door was installed initially
Finally, it’s worth analysing how well your garage door was installed in the first place. A wonky or unbalanced garage door can be the result of poor fitting and won’t be fixed by simply automating it. It might seem like a great solution if you’re struggling with opening and closing the door smoothly, but in many cases, it’s a repair and adjustment that is required before any automation can happen.
If your garage door clears those three considerations, then it’s time to seriously start planning automation for it! Our next section contains some quick insights into the automation of different garage door types, but while almost any door can be automated, you should always get some professional advice to find out if your specific style can have this work carried out.
Automating an up and over garage door
While up and over garage doors are some of the easiest to convert to automatic operation, it largely depends on which type you have. A retractable up and over door is much easier to automate because it will have the existing framework to support the retraction of the door into your garage. If you have a canopy-style door, however, some additional components may need to be installed to ensure the weight of the garage door can be taken, as usually you’re lifting the door on only the vertical tracks on either side of the doorway.
Automating a roller garage door
Having your roller garage door automated is a great way to heighten the sense of luxury. There may be several motor styles available, but essentially your door may need a little work to adapt the roller mechanism so that it will lift both manually and via a remote.
Automating a sectional garage door
Another garage door style that is easy to automate is the sectional garage door. With similarities to retractable up and over doors, but helped by handy sections to make the load lighter, you’re always able to automate this type of door if it has been correctly installed.
When converting any garage door type into an automatically opening door, the headroom inside your garage is something to think about, since a motor and additional equipment may need to be fitted to the ceiling of the garage itself. If you have storage racks along the ceiling or a particularly low ceiling, you may need to consider whether this is a practical option for you.
Benefits of automating your garage door
Electric garage doors bring with them a whole host of benefits. From representing an investment in their home to simply making their daily life easier, here are some of the reasons we find customers choose to upgrade and automate their garage doors:
- Lowers risk of injury and accidents – Taking the heavy load of a garage door off your hands, there’s no risk of straining yourself, something that is especially comforting for those with existing mobility issues. Plus, with safety features built in, you can be sure that the door won’t close when something is obstructing it.
- Adds value to your property – While a garage door that opens with the press of a button is convenient for you, it also offers a benefit as an investment. Your property may be worth more with a high-quality, automatic garage door, especially if it tips the balance in your favour for potential buyers who are spoiled for choice in the market.
- You keep out of the rain – We all know how hit-and-miss the weather is in the UK, but with an automated garage door, you can open the door from inside your car, drive straight into the garage and unload the kids, pets and shopping without getting drenched. Something small like this can make a huge difference in your day!
- You don’t have to buy a new door – If your current door is in good condition, properly installed and with many good years ahead of it, then you can avoid the cost of replacing your garage door. That means you can treat yourself to the luxury of automation without taking a big monetary hit to get it.
How much does it cost to automate a garage door?
With so many different factors to every garage door, there is no way to give an accurate price on how much it costs to automate an existing garage door. We recommend you give our team at Doormatic Garage Doors a call, where we’ll be happy to provide simple, honest advice on whether your door can be automated and a rough quote for the work. From there, if you’re happy, we can arrange a free site visit to assess your door and give you a more accurate, no-obligation quotation.
Wherever you are in the South East – including Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, Devon, Hampshire, West Sussex, London and Buckinghamshire – we’ve got the knowledge and experience to carry out professional garage door automation. And if you’re unsure, just take a look at the reviews from hundreds of our previous customers to see what they thought of our services.
Call today and find out more about garage door automation and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
