Garage Door Openers

Most garage door openers hang from the ceiling and are attached by an angle iron. This is the opener box, where the motor, antenna, gears and other components are installed. Openers are activated by the wall button or the owner's garage door clicker and are the most significant parts of the system since they enable the automatic movement of the doors. Built to last for long, openers should be chosen to match the requirements of the door in terms of strength, and should also be maintained frequently so that they will continue to offer safety.

UL 325 safety requirements

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a national laboratory which tests openers before they are introduced to the market. According to the UL 325requirements, openers must integrate safety sensors which need to be installed approximately six inches above the floor at the two sides of the door. One of them sends a beam across the door's opening which is received by the other sensor. When the beam is interrupted, the door should stop and reverse.

The horsepower of the motor

Garage door motors are the most important opener parts. Without them the door won't open automatically. Their horsepower varies among models and indicates if a specific motor is durable enough for a specific door. That's why motor hp must always be checked before a new opener is purchased. The horsepower selected is determined by the door's weight. For average residential doors, ½ hp motors should suffice. There are also motors with ¾ hp or 1hp.

Main garage door opener maintenance steps

There are four ways to keep openers in tip-top condition. The first one involves the replacement of opener parts when they are damaged. Broken wires, sensors, chains, gears and other parts must be removed and new ones must be installed.

The second way to ensure your opener works correctly is to inspect its components often. Inspection should include checking the chain, antenna, motor, wires, sensors and all parts including the angle iron from where the opener unit hangs. If it's not fastened well, the opener will vibrate when the door is moving. Inspections are done to determine whether there is damage which might require repairs or replacements.

The third maintenance step involves testing the sensors and reverse system. Swing an object between the photo eyes to interrupt the beam as the door is descending. The door should stop moving. Place a small object on the floor as the door closes down. It should reverse upon contact. If it doesn't, let us know so we can fix it.

The fourth way to keep a functional opener is to lubricate the chain, pins and fasteners, make sure the sensors are aligned and every part is tightened.

Opener repair services in Sacramento

Any problem with the opener must be fixed as soon as possible. Failure to repair sensors might lead to accidents. In an effort to help people avoid injuries and inconveniences, Garage Door Repair Sacramento provides fast response services. If the opener is humming, but the door doesn't move, give us a call. If the opener doesn't make any noise, if one of the wires seems to be damaged or if the opener lights are flashing, let our technicians take a look.

We provide full opener garage door repair services and respond at the quickest possible time. Call us!