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How a Garage Door Opener Works

If you are wondering how a garage door opener works, then you have come to the right place! We are a mobile garage door company that wants to provide information on garage doors and their important components. Understanding how things work can be beneficial. We want to share the information we have on garage door openers.

With a standard electric garage door opener system, you can expect there to be a power unit and an electric motor, amongst other parts. A track is what the power unit attaches to. But how does the garage door open and close? It opens and closes on a track, which is linked to a trolley. 

Standard safety requirements include having a garage door with a reversing mechanism. If you ever find yourself pressing the button on the remote for your garage door in an effort to get it to close, but it shuts halfway then opens, or just about touches the floor then opens again, it could be the reverse mechanism kicking in. This is important to note because it functions as a protective feature with opener systems. This is just one way the opener system works to protect people using the garage door – it should prevent the door from closing on a person or animal.

Different Opener Systems

But now we will get back to how garage door openers work. We want to point out that there are different systems. These include belt drive garage door openers, screw drive garage door openers and chain drive garage door openers. Belt drive garage door openers tend to operate in a way that is quieter than other systems. They also tend to be relatively low maintenance. These work in a way that creates less noise –a trolley moves over a rubber belt instead of a material such as metal. The way these opener systems work makes them convenient for garages that might be located under a bedroom, when the garage door opening and closing could disturb someone.

Another type of opener system mentioned was a chain drive garage door opener. The trolley, in this system, works along a metal chain in an effort to open and close the garage door. One with a detached garage door might find this option perfect for them, because they won’t necessarily be bothered by the noise the system creates in its operation. 

A screw drive opener system works in a way that is comparable to a belt drive opener. How? This system is smooth and relatively quiet, at least in comparison to chain drive systems. How does it work? The trolley moves across a steel rod. This rotates so that the trolley can move, opening and closing the garage door. Minimal noise and vibrations are created with this kind of opener. Keep in mind that there are different kinds of opener systems for your garage door, and an experienced garage door company will be proficient in repair and installation for garage door openers, regardless of the type of system or manufacturer you use.

Regardless of the type of garage door opener system you have – belt drive, chain drive or screw drive – the parts will be the same. Each of these system will use gears and an electric motor, which can open and close the garage door. And as discussed regarding safety features, a motor should be able to stop a garage door from closing completely if something is in its path. The different opener systems will have a T-rail or drive guide, which guides and protects the screw, chain or belt when it opens and closes the garage door. This is a component which links the opener to the cable and pulley. Different garage door systems work using batteries and inverters, which convert power. Moreover, they can continue working with their battery backup even if the power goes out.

Opener System and Codes

The way a garage door opener works can be compared to a radio transmission system. If you press the button on the remote for your garage door opener, or if you push the button on the wall switch that is located in your garage, you will find that a code is sent to the receiver from the transmitter. This is a simple way for a person with an opener system to get in and out of their garage, without having to physically lift up the garage door. Do you use a code to get into your garage? A specific code is used when your garage door closes and opens in the case that you are using a code to get in, and it has to be a match for the door so that it opens correctly. Now, with new technology, garage doors can be opened and closed from just about anywhere.

If you have an app installed on your phone, you might even have the option to keep track of when the door is opened and shut throughout the day. This is a relatively new way opener systems can work. Moreover, you can schedule the door to close or open at a certain time. Why would you want to do this? Reasons include if you have a child coming home from school at a set time, a guest visiting, or even a dog-sitter that is coming by to walk your dog at a set time. This is just a unique way that a garage door opener can work. 

If you were wondering how a garage door opener works, then we hope that the information we have provided is useful for you. We are a mobile garage door company that has taken the time to provide information on garage doors and their important components, like opener systems and the parts involved in opening and closing the door. Understanding how things work can be beneficial. We have shared the information we have on garage door openers and hope that you find this useful! 


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