Sunday, May 17, 2009

Why Will The Garage Door Not Close?

garage door openers

Garage door openers. Everyone's finally dressed and ready to leave. You back the car out, hit the remote, and you're off. Until you realize the garage door hasn't gone down. You reluctantly pull back into the driveway, brow furrowing in frustration. It happens to everyone. Many homeowners don't even realize they left it open until they return home.

Why didn't it close? Garage doors usually fail to close as a result of the safety sensors being blocked. They're located on each side of the opening, no more than a foot or so off the ground. Typically, each will have a small light that stays lit when everything is going well. If either of the lights are out, simply move whatever is blocking the sensor (sometimes even cobwebs/small debris can cause safety sensors to malfunction) or adjust them so that they are pointing at each other again. You can move these around by hand if they've been knocked out of alignment.

If you're still stuck at home, make sure nothing is blocking the path of the door. This can be a common cause for service calls on garage doors. Always use caution when operating your door, but be extra cautious when it's not working correctly. It's the probably the largest, heaviest piece of machinery in the house. The counter balance system of the door is under EXTREME pressure, and when it doesn't work properly, it can be dangerous. Many people have been injured or even killed by garage doors, some of them professionals. If your garages door is sitting crooked in the opening, has come off the tracks, or is not working properly, call a professional repair company immediately.

If the door works but the opener still won't close it, there are a couple more things to try before calling a professional. Try using the wall button instead of the remote or keyless entry. It's possible the remote's batteries are dead, or the opener's lock function has been enabled. If the garage door itself is working properly, you can pull the manual release on the opener. This will let you close the door manually, although the opener won't be locking it shut the way it normally would.

Some openers have an indicator light that can help troubleshoot any problems. Again, you'll need your owner's manual for your opener. Many can be found online by doing a quick search for your make and model number. You can find the model and manufacturer on the back of the opener.

If all else fails, it may be time to call a pro. Some companies will be able to give an estimate on probable repairs over the phone, so let them know what steps you may have already taken. Call a few different companies to ensure their numbers are competitive. Since openers have an expected life span of about 10 years, it might also be a good idea to check prices for new openers, instead of repairing an older model. Newer models will have more up to date security features, as well.


Source: ezinearticles.com

garage door openers

Friday, May 15, 2009

Tips on the Proper Maintenance of Automatic Garage Door Openers

garage door openers

The lifespan and longevity of any automatic garage door opener really depends on how the owner takes care and preserves it. One of the major factors in upholding the good condition of this type of door opener is to perform standard check-ups and regular maintenance which should be normally performed at least one a month.

The International Door Association states that it is very important for homeowners to perform standard tests accredited by the group. These tests include the standard safety test, reversal test and the force-setting test.

The standard safety test refers to scheduled check-ups of the automatic garage door opener monthly in order to ensure its safety. Reversal test on the other hand is one that only applies to garage door openers made beyond January 1, 1993. Those manufactured in this era are already equipped with modern and sophisticated features that include reverse capacity. Lastly, the force-setting test is more likely to be applied with force in the adjustment of a jammed garage door openers. However, there are techniques on how to correctly do the adjustments. It is required for homeowners to refer on opener's manual for proper instructions.

For those who still maintain old model units, it is best to change it with new ones. There are many garage opener manufacturers that offer discounted prices on automatic openers. Buyers must be certain on the kind of product purchased. It has to be outfitted with basic devices such as receivers and infrared transmitters.

If the automatic garage door opener seems unfixable, never force the issue of self-repair. Try to get help from a professional service crew.

Should you have the opener of your garage door part replaced or repaired? Make informed decisions. Find out what you need to know about non-reversible automatic garage door openers.

source: ezinearticles.com

garage door openers

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Advantages of Automatic Garage Door Openers

garage door openers

garage door openers

In purchasing an automatic garage door openers, a homeowner surely makes lots of considerations: safety and security, quality and affordability. After all, with the present state of the economy, buying a garage door is no joke as it entails a large amount of money deducted from one's savings. The buyer must be certain of his investment.

An automatic garage door is advantageous to homeowners particularly to those who are living together with children and the elderly. This type of door comes in handy for people who want an easy and convenient way of opening and closing garage doors.

garage door openersAn automatic door opener has a drive system that consist of technologically advanced chains, screws and belts that are designed to make door openers noise-free. The belts and chains also ensure strength and durability, preventing frequent dislocations and malfunctions. These openers are also built to be energy saving and comes with a power motor that cab withstand heavy lifts. It has modern features, a user-friendly remote control set and security device that guarantee a smooth sailing operation. These openers also have external emergency release. In case of power failure, such device allows manual operation.

Garage door manufacturers also offer long-time guarantee for consumers when buying an automatic garage door opener. The longer the guaranty, the better it is for the buyer because it only shows the manufacturer's confidence in their products. Confidence demonstrates value and excellence and buyers are positive that the purchase of automatic garage door openers is after all not a regretful choice.

Is it what you need for your garage or is an automatic garage door simply overrated? Find out what makes these type of garage door part so popular to modern homes today, its advantages, and find out if it answers your garage door needs.

Source: ezinearticles.com

garage door openers

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Is Your Garage Door Openers Leaving Your Home Unsecured? (Garage Door Openers)

Many people have had their garage door openers for 10 years, or more. What they may not realize is that it offers a discrete and easy access point for anyone with a laptop and a remote transmitter. Take a look at the following video to see just how easy it is.


How To Hack Your Garage Door - The funniest home videos are here

Everything is pretty simple. The remote used in the video is one of the most common older models in use. Many different brands used the same technology as this one. Most of these units are over 10 years in age, but there are plenty still in use out there. Code cracking software is easily obtained by anyone with an internet connection.

The people in these homes may not realize their door is going up or down. Even worse, people in the home may hear it opening, but dismiss the event as a family member arriving home. Using a method like this, an intruder could enter and exit your home without your knowledge.

You can still protect your home with a few common sense measures. Always keep the door from the garage to the interior of your home locked. This should be something everyone does at night and when away. Since your remote is usually clipped to the visor, make sure to lock the car when parking in the driveway. It may also be time to consider a new opener if yours is outdated. Newer models usually have more up to date security and safety features.

In order to determine whether or not your model is using old school technology, take a look at the manual that came with it. (Many manufacturers offer an online version of their owner's manuals.) Make sure it has some type of "rolling code" technology. For example, LiftMaster brand units use Security+ rolling code technology. Any models with this newer type of remote control will not open using the system used in the video. Most other manufacturers will have a similar technology in their models.

If you do have an older model garage door opener, you may consider replacing it. They can usually be installed professionally starting at around $250, or can be purchased at a local retail store. If you do decide to start shopping, prepare to be impressed by the abundance of motor sizes, drive types, warranties, and various types of accessories that are available. You may want to call a few reputable installers in your area to get an idea about which of the many types would be right for you. Most companies will provide you with an idea about pricing over the phone, as well.

Even if you can't afford to replace your old opener, there are still steps you can take to make the garage more secure. Some models have a "Lock" function which blocks any remotes or keyless entry from being used. Enabling this option will cause nothing but the wall button to function. Worst case you can always dis-engage the motor. Usually this is accomplished by pulling the red cord that hangs overhead. Just remember to lock and unlock your keylock on the garage door, especially before re-engaging and using the opener again. If you don’t have any kind of manual lock available, a simple lock for this purpose can be purchased at most hardware stores. Of course, last but not least, always keep the door from the garage into your home locked.

Source: articlesbase.com

Monday, May 4, 2009

Garage Door Openers: Tips for Finding and Buying Genie Garage Door Openers Parts Online

The Genie garage door openers is manufactured by Alliance Corp. which manufactures and produces a wide variety of products for civilian and military use. However; they are most well known for their Genie door openers, which has been sold by the millions worldwide. There are also several models of genie garages door opener that are available.

They Can Be Repaired

As well made as they are, it can malfunction with time, being that they do tend to get subjected to a lot of use. If you currently own any one of the models of Genie garage doors opener and yours has began to malfunction, don't begin looking for a new one, because your current model can be repaired and brought back to life.

Gather Together Your Tools

Of course, you will need some basic hand tools to work on it, so get them together and also bring a pencil and a note pad. You will also need some zip-lock baggies as well. Finally, you will need a good functioning ladder to climb on so you can reach your garages doors opener.

Tag and Save Everything

Don't remove it from the ceiling of the garages unless you absolutely have to. Most likely, you will be able to access the part or parts that you need without removing it. As you are working on your garage door opener, remember to save every screw nut, bolt and washer in the baggies along with a note to remind you where they came from.

Get the Part Number

Once you have your part in hand, you will need to write down the part number that is on it. If there is no number then go to the company website and access a blown up schematics of the model that you have. After you have the part and model number in your hand then you can access any one of the online sites that sell parts for Genie garage door openers.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com

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