When a garage door opener gets old, it starts to malfunction due to wear and tear. It becomes very noisy and inconvenient to use, in addition to being unsafe for your pets and children. Hence, it is advisable to replace your old garage door opener with a new one.
There are several types of garage door openers in the market, such as - chain drive, belt drive, screw drive, direct drive openers, etc, so choosing the best one among so many options may get difficult. So, get in touch with a professional who can help you make the right decision and pick the one that suits your needs and requirements.
Signs Your Garage Door Needs Replacement
Unusual Sounds While Opening or Closing
If you’re looking for some early sign of garage door opener malfunctioning - well this is the one. If you ever find a creaking noise when opening or closing the garage door - it’s time to get them replaced. Also, if you notice that the sound of the opener has become louder than before, get a professional on call.
Difficulty Opening the Garage Door
A garage door weighs around 200 pounds. The motor of the opener relies on a system of springs and pulleys - which help open and close the door. If a single part of the system fails, the opener becomes defective and makes it difficult to open or close the door properly. If there’s an issue with the opener, you might experience the following:
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Drop halfway.
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Lift unevenly.
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Open halfway and reverse.
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Shake while opening or closing.
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Get stuck while opening, closing, or sometimes in between.
If you experience any difficulties, as mentioned above - get yourself a new garage door opener.
Garage Door Opener is Getting Old
If you have a garage door older than 10-15 years - you need immediate garage door replacement. Since most of the brands don’t make old models, finding a particular part might be difficult. So, the best idea is to replace the opener - it’ll be easier to find a new and efficient model that complies with the current building code.
How to Replace Your Garage Door Opener?
Garage door openers are usually replaced with professional help. However, if you want to do it on your own - well, there are some of the things you need to consider before you start. Read below to know more!
Prepare the Garage
The first thing you need is the garage door opener itself. Once you have the garage door of your choice, you’d need:
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Level
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Ladder
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Measuring tape
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Flathead screwdriver
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Wire strippers (if required)
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Impact driver or screw gun
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Open-ended adjustable wrench
Moreover, remember to have safety glasses and work gloves handy. Furthermore, get someone to help you with safely moving and assembling the opener. Once you have all the required items in place - move your cars and other belongings out of the garage and turn off the power to the garage.
Removing the Old Garage Door Opener
The first task is to remove the old garage door opener. You have to replace the motor assembly completely, while you may be able to use the original rails and pulleys. Before disconnecting the old unit, ensure the garage door is closed properly. Also, unplug the power outlet and remove the brackets that secure the opener to the ceiling using an open-ended adjustable wrench.
Mount the New Garage Door Opener
When the old door comes out, you can mount a new one. As each garage door opener is of different style, material and model - their functionality differs as well. You can follow the manufacturer’s manual to assemble the system. Finish by attaching the trolley to the rail and install the bracket above the door to secure the motor unit and rail assembly. Then, attach the lifting arm to the trolley and connect it to the door on the other side.
Note: You can adjust the arm length as needed so that the door operates properly.
Test Your Garage Door Opener
Once you have installed the new garage door opener, set up the control system by adding keypads inside and outside of the garage, also, install safety sensors and set remote controls. Once done, plug in the motor and unit to restore the power to the garage. Use the wall buttons, remote, and keypad to open and close the door. You can adjust the speed and force as per your preferences.
How Much Does Garage Door Opener Replacement Cost?
The cost of garage door opener replacement varies depending on the type of opener, in addition to the labor cost and other components added for aesthetics.
A basic chain-driven garage door opener costs around $100-$200, whereas a belt-driven opener can cost around $200-$500. The cost may rise depending on the features that you may add to your garage door opener, such as - home integration and WiFi connectivity. Also, if you have a single-car garage - it will cost you less as compared to a double-door garage.
As there are several factors influencing the price of a garage door opener, it is a wise decision to talk to a professional garage door company. They will help you pick the best one - that’ll be worth your investment.
