Garage Door Installations

Garage Door Opener Overview

What is a Garage Door Opener? A garage door opener is a motorized device that opens and closes a garage door. The name, however, is a bit misleading. Garage Door Openers are only meant to pull about 20 pounds, while your garage door weighs anywhere between 120lbs to 400lbs. In truth, the spring system is really what opens your door. The garage door opener assists, but doesn't opener your door. This is important because your issue might be the door itself. You might have alignment issues, tracks the are too right, or a spring that doesn't have the right amount of tension
Types of Garage Door Openers. Three main garage door openers exist: 1. Belt Drives 2. Chain Drives 3. Screw (aka Worm) Drives. Belt Drives are the best option of the three and most popular and screw drives have largely been phased out. Chain drives have been around forever but are inferior to belt drives. Belt drives are better for three reasons: 1. They last longer 2. Require less maintenance and 3. have better warranties

This depends on the underlying issue. If it a simple fix or adjustment like a sensor needs to be replaced, then repair is the best. But if you have bigger issues like a bad logic board or the gears are stripped out, then replacement is the best. In our experience, it is usually better to replace. You are looking at an all in cost of $450+ and have the piece of mind that you won't have to pay for the same issue 2 or 3 times.
How often do you use your garage door opener? If it is like your front door, then it make more sense to replace. If you have detached garage where you store stuff, then it isn't as important.
How old is your opener? The expected life of a garage door opener is 8 years. If yours is older, you got your monies worth. Anything over 10 years, it isn't worth putting any money into it

Wifi is the biggest upgrade to garage door openers in the past decade. Virtually all models have it. Allows you to open your garage door from your phone. Super convenient for getting things dropped off, without giving access to your home itself.
Amazon Key is a great amenity if you get packages delivered and you want to know they've been safely delivered. Amazon can access your garage
Smart garage doors mean different different folks. For some, it means having WiFi. For others, it means a system that will integrate with Alexa or some other platform-logo
In Houston, we can count on two things. 1. The power goes out and 2. Someone is going to try and rob you. Upgraded features include battery backup, built in bright lighting, and cameras

Are All Brands Are NOT Created Equal. Do yourself a favor and get an opener from the Liftmaster / Chamberlain family. The also make Craftsman. Avoid the Genie brand like the plague, they are trash. Don't do it. Other brands like Marantec and Linear have a following, but just stick with Liftmaster
Within the Liftmaster / Chamberlain family you have a lot of different model that range from about $450 in price to $1,100. It really depends on what features you want, but here are our recommendations

Belt Drive with 2 remotes, keypad, wifi, and 3/4 HP motor. Long warranty on motor and belt, up to lifetime.

All the 4505 features plus built-in lighting, battery backup, and DC motor for quieter operation.

Chain drive with DC motor for optimal performance. Combines reliability with modern technology.

Belt Drive with DC motor and camera. Super smooth operation with solid rail system.

The Cadillac of the Liftmaster line. 3/4 HP motor, smart configuration, 2000 lumen lighting, and best warranties.

Unique side-mounted design without carriage and trolley system. Perfect for special installation requirements.