Garage door openers are a necessity in most homes. They can save time and energy, and they are also a safety precaution for your family and your home.
The process of installing a garage door opener can be challenging and time-consuming, but with a little patience, it is possible to do the job yourself. However, you should consider a few things before beginning the project to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that your home remains safe from accidents.
Getting Started
The first thing to do is make sure that the garage is clear of anything that could obstruct the installer’s work. This includes cars in the driveway, parked nearby or anywhere else that might interfere with their ability to safely access the garage.
Once the garage is free of obstacles, set up a ladder under the intended location for the motor unit. With an assistant holding the free end of the rail, attach the motor unit to the steel supports with bolts.
Next, measure the length of the rail from the garage door to where you intend to mount the motor unit on the ceiling. The distance should be equal to the height of the door plus six inches. If you’re not using a two-by-four ceiling brace, run the rail directly parallel to the ceiling joists.
Assemble the garage rail
After assembling the rail, you’ll need to add the garage door trolley and the pulley or drive chain. The opener’s operator plate attaches to the trolley, and the motor unit is attached to the end of the rail.
Depending on the model, you may need to attach an eye bolt to the rear track hanger, near the horizontal track. The bolt should be positioned so that the hook faces toward the garage door and the pulley wheel is facing inward. Then pass the safety containment cable through the pulley wheel and draw it taut to the other end of the horizontal track.
Installing a Light
Most garage openers come with a light. These lights illuminate the entire area of the garage, making it easier to see your way in and out.
If you don’t already have a light, you can purchase one for about $50 to $100 or add one to the motor unit. This can help you to see your way around the garage more easily and can even be a useful addition when you’re closing or opening the garage door at night.
Jackshaft models
These garage door openers are a bit more expensive than belt-driven systems, but they have advantages, including being quieter and allowing you to store items in the ceiling instead of on the floor below. They also work well for large doors and can be installed on sectional garage doors.
Direct drive garage door openers range in price from $275 to $450. They offer a simpler design than belt-driven models, which require multiple moving parts. They also have federally mandated safety sensors, automatic reverse safety systems and can be more rugged in temperature conditions.