What is the one thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Functioning?

What is the one thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Functioning?

Governor of Illinois

What Kind of Garage Door Opener and Door Do You Have? .


If garage doors stop functioning, it could be an unsettling and unpleasant experience.Whether you are rushing out for work, or trying to pull your car in garage during a downpour and the door stops working, it's the last thing you'd like to face with.The first step to address the issue is to determine the type of opener and garage door you have as it will greatly affect the way you approach solving the problem and fixing.


Garage doors generally fall into several categories based on their style and operation.The most frequent kinds are roll-up, sectional, and tilt-up doors.Sectional doors are made of panels joined by hinges, allowing the door to open and close by bending as it is closed and opened on an upright track.Roll-up doors, typically seen in commercial spaces, are constructed from panels that fold up into a coil.

The tilt-up door, on contrary is a solid single piece that opens by tilting outward and upwards.

Belt drive garage door openers are quieter but they use an elastic band instead of a chain. They're a good option for garages that are attached. Garage door openers with screw-drive utilize a threaded rod of steel for moving the garage door.

What is the one thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Functioning? - Governor of Illinois

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This is the best compromise between noise and price.


The next thing to do is to examine the garage door opener to identify the model. Check the breaker and plug to make sure that the opener has power. Examine the release cord for manual operation to make sure it's not been pulled. This will cause the door to become disconnected from the opener. Examine the tracks and rollers of the door for damage or obstructions. Remove any obstructions.

Lubricate moving components if needed because a lack of lubrication can lead to jamming or sticking.

If the door is still unable to function, try resetting the opener.This will often fix electronic malfunctions or faults.Consult the manual for your opener to find specific reset instructions, as this procedure can differ among models.Many modern openers feature reset buttons, however others might require unplugging before plugging it back in.


In some cases, the issue might be more complicated for instance, a damaged spring or a worn-out motor which will require expert assistance.Springs are subject to significant tension and could be hazardous to repair without the proper tools and expertise.


If the garage door stops functioning then you need to speak with a professional.

Examine for debris or obstructions.


When your garage door suddenly stops functioning, it can be extremely frustrating and confusing particularly if it's part of your daily routine.

This simple, but efficient step can be used to pinpoint the issue and return the functionality of your garage.

Garage doors run by a set consisting of rollers, tracks and other moving parts that need to be clear of any obstructions in order to operate smoothly.Over time, dirt, leaves, tiny rocks, or any other debris can accumulate on the tracks or be trapped in the rollers.Even small obstacles can prevent the door from opening or closing properly.Therefore, a thorough inspection of these parts is the first thing you do.


Start by looking at the tracks, both on the left and right sides of the door. Find obvious obstructions or build-up. If you notice anything strange, like an acorn, or a rock that is stuck in the track. Remove it with care.

There are times when the problem may not be immediately visible, so it's advisable to run your hand along the track in order to feel for any unnoticed obstacles.Ensure that the tracks are properly aligned and also, since misalignment can also cause the door to be jammed.

Also, inspect the rollers and hinges. The parts are supposed to be moving without any resistance. If they are stuck or sticky, it could be due to rust or grime. Lubricating and cleaning these components will often resolve the issue.


Check the area surrounding the door. Sometimes items in the garage can slide or move, making it difficult for the door to move. Check that the garage area is clear of obstructions and that there are any objects that could hinder the door.


If, despite clearing any visible obstructions, the door is still not working you should think about checking the sensors.

The sensors in modern garage doors may fail when they're dirty, or aren't aligned correctly.

In the end, when you're confronted with an garage door that suddenly stops working, checking for debris or obstructions is a logical and often useful first step.It will require only a few tools and expertise, yet it can save your time, money, and the hassle of contacting a professional for what may be a quick fix.By making sure you have a clear pathway and

Examine the wall switch and remote control


If the garage door stops working, it can be an unintentional inconvenience that interrupts your regular routine.In such situations it's normal to feel the need to get the problem fixed quickly.One of the initial and most efficient actions you should consider is to check the remote control as well as the wall switch.

The inspection of these components can help you save time and avoid costly errors.

First, consider the remote control.This handheld device is your primary tool for operating the garage door without direct physical interaction.Over time, remote controls can experience issues such as drained batteries, signal interference, or even internal damage.Start by replacing the batteries with new ones.It might seem simple, but dead batteries are a common reason for a garage door not responding.If the problem persists after replacing the batteries, try reprogramming the remote according to the manufacturer's instructions.Additionally, ensure that the remote is within the recommended range and that there are no obstructions blocking the signal.


The wall switch is a critical component of the garage door system.

The wall switch is directly linked to the garage door opener, and generally provides a more reliable means of operation.Inspect the switch for any signs of physical damage, or wear.Sometimes loose wires, or connections that aren't working properly can cause the switch to malfunction.If you feel comfortable doing it, then carefully open the switch's panel and look for damaged or broken wires.If there are any issues it is possible to call an electrician who is licensed to address the problem.

In certain instances, the the wall switch may be in working order, yet the door remains unresponsive.This could suggest an issue in the garage door opener unit or any other component, such as sensors or door tracks.However, starting by utilizing the wall switch and remote control would be a sensible first step.

It is possible to eliminate these issues before moving on to more complex troubleshooting.

This initial inspection will reduce time and provide assurance that you've done the right thing to determine the cause of your issue.

What is the one thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Functioning? - environmental factor

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Manually test the Door Balance


When your garage door suddenly stops working it could be difficult and inconvenient.The garage door is an an integral part of your house, offering security, protection from the elements, and a simple access to your vehicle as well as storage area.

Manually testing the balance of the garage door can be the most important thing to do in the event that your door is not functioning properly. This simple but powerful method can help you identify any issues that could be causing it and help prevent the possibility of further damage.

The equilibrium of a garage door is critical to its efficient functioning.A properly balanced door makes sure that the opener won't have to work harder than is necessary, which reduces the risk of wear and tear on the motor as well as other parts.An overbalanced door on the other hand could lead to more significant problems over time, for instance, misalignment or broken springs, or even an entire system failure.Therefore conducting a test of the door's balance is an important diagnostic step that can help you determine whether there is a problem with the door or the opener mechanism.


Start by disengaging the garage door opener.

The majority of garage doors come with a release mechanism that is located on the handle or red cord. Once the door has been disconnected from the motor, lift it up to waist height and let it go. A properly balanced door will stay at a steady level, or move slowly.

If you discover that the door is not balanced it is essential to take care of the issue promptly.Door balance issues are usually related to tension in the springs. It could be risky to adjust by yourself because of the tension they are under.It is advisable to seek assistance from a professional for adjusting the springs to ensure that the door is properly balanced correctly.Doing this will not only solve the immediate issue, but also will increase the longevity and stability of your garage door's mechanism.


In conclusion, manually checking the door's balance is a crucial first step if your garage door suddenly stops working.

If you address issues promptly and understanding the importance in addressing the issue, you can make sure that your garage door will function smoothly and safely in the future.

Examine the Tracks and Rollers

This easy check can make it easier to save time and money when your garage door is not functioning.


Rollers and tracks are crucial elements of your garage door's operating system.The tracks are the metal rails that direct the door as it opens and closes. The rollers are tiny wheels that move along these tracks.

These parts can be worn out, dirty or even misaligned with time. This can lead to operational problems.

Start by inspecting the track for obstructions. Dirt, grime, and even small particles could build up, making rollers struggle to travel across the track. Cleaning the tracks using a moist cloth could solve the problem.


The next step is to verify the alignment of the tracks. The tracks should be parallel and perfectly straight. If they look bent or out of alignment the door may jam. You can press the wrongly aligned section back into position with a rubber mallet. If there are any significant damages, it's recommended to consult an expert who can align the tracks in a proper manner.


The wear and tear of rollers can occur with time. This is especially true in the case of plastic.

Find signs of wear and tear for example, cracks or chips.If the rollers appear worn, consider replacing them with new ones.Metal rollers that have ball bearings tend to offer more durability and smoother operation.

Additionally, lubrication also plays a vital role in maintaining the smooth operation of the tracks and rollers.Applying an oil based on silicone could reduce friction and prevent wear.Make sure that you grease all moving parts, including the hinges and springs, to ensure that your garage door is operating effectively.


In conclusion, examining the tracks and rollers is an ideal first step if your garage door suddenly stops working.It's an easy process that will often reveal and fix the most common issues.By checking that the components are clean, aligned, and properly lubricated, you will typically restore your garage door fully functional without having to pay for costly repairs.

Inspecting and maintaining these components can also help prevent any malfunctions from occurring in the future. This will prolong the lifespan of your garage system.

Be on the lookout for visible damage or Wear

If garage doors suddenly stop functioning, it could be annoying and disconcerting especially if you're on your way out or attempting to secure your home for the evening.While there are a myriad of reasons for the malfunction however, the most effective and quick actions to do is examine the door for obvious damage or wear.This initial examination can reveal the root cause of the issue, which allows the door to be repaired quickly and efficiently. solution.


Garage doors are complicated systems which include rollers, springs cables, tracks, and other components. As time passes, the parts of this system can be damaged due to regular use and exposure.

Through a thorough visual inspection, you can identify any obvious signs of damage that could be causing the door to malfunction.

Start by looking at the springs, which are vital to the lifting and lowering of the door.Look for any signs of rust, breakage or misalignment.A broken or worn spring could render the door unusable and it is essential to fix the problem promptly.Next proceed to the cables, and be sure to check for fraying or broken wires that might hinder the door's movement.Similarly, inspect the tracks and rollers for any signs of damage, debris, or obstructions that may cause obstructions to the door's passage.


The door is another place that needs attention. Examine for visible cracks, warpings, or bends.

Furthermore, ensure that the door's sensors are clean and aligned as misalignment or dirt may hinder their work and make the door stop functioning.

A visual inspection is valuable however, you must keep in mind that not all problems are immediately apparent. If you don't notice any obvious indications of wear or damage you might need to speak with a technician to diagnose the problem.


When faced with a non-operational garage door, checking at the visible signs of wear and tear is the most important first step.This technique not only aids to identify the issue fast but also empowers you to take the necessary action to bring the door back to its proper functioning.

Being proactive and vigilant, you can ensure the durability and longevity of the garage door.

Assess the Springs and Cables

It's frustrating when your garage door stops working. You should check the cables and springs. These parts are essential to the operation of your garage, and are the main culprits of a garage door that is not functioning properly.


The springs play a significant part in the functioning and ease of your garage by counterbalancing the weight. There are two primary spring types, extensions and torsion. Torsion springs are positioned above the garage and twist in order to store energy. Extension springs are on the other hand they are mounted on to either side of the door and extend to provide necessary force.

The springs could wear out over time and break, or lose tension, causing operational issues.

Additionally, cables are important as they work with springs to raise and lower the door.They are generally made from steel and designed to withstand significant tension.However cables can suffer due to wear and tear, fray or snap because of the immense pressure they are under.A broken cable could cause the door to become unbalanced, or completely inoperative.


If you're not sure if the springs or cables need to be adjusted, visually examine them. Examine for signs of wear or rust.


Security is a must while dealing with garage door parts.

The cables and springs are in pressure and could result in serious injuries in the event that they are mishandled.If you're not experienced in garage repair, it's best to contact an experienced technician.They have the equipment and know-how to safely replace or repair these parts making sure your garage door operates properly and securely.

In conclusion, when your garage door suddenly stops working, assessing the springs and cables is a key step in diagnosing the problem.Understanding their role and potential issues can help you determine whether a simple adjustment is needed or if professional intervention is required.Taking prompt action not only restores functionality but also ensures the safety and longevity of your garage door system.

Think about calling a professional technician


Garage doors can suddenly stop functioning and cause you to lose your time. It may even expose your home to danger.

What is the one thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Functioning? - Governor of Illinois

  1. Centennial Park
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  3. signal

It is tempting to pull out an instrument box to attempt a fix on your own however it is better to contact an expert. This decision is not just about your safety, but also give you a long-lasting and more efficient solution.

Garage doors are complex systems composed of various components such as springs, cables, tracks, and electronic parts.Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the door's operation, and a malfunction in any part can cause the entire system to fail.Without proper knowledge and experience, attempting to fix these issues can be dangerous.For instance, garage door springs are under high tension and can cause severe injury if handled improperly.Professional technicians are trained to deal with these risks safely, using the right tools and techniques to handle repairs.


Furthermore, a skilled technician provides expertise and experience a layperson simply does not possess.

They can quickly diagnose the issue and identify whether it's a minor problem, like a misaligned track, or something more serious, like a broken spring.This expertise not only saves you time but also prevents the potential for further damage that can occur with incorrect handling.Professionals also have access to high-quality parts and can ensure that replacements match the specifications of your existing garage door system, leading to better functionality and longevity.

A skilled technician will also be cost-effective over the long-term. While a DIY approach may seem to be less costly initially, it can result in larger and more expensive repairs later.

The majority of technicians provide warranties for their work. This provides assurance that should something go wrong, your issue will be protected.

Contacting a professional can reduce time and cost. In trying to comprehend the workings of garage doors, buy the correct equipment and carry out the repair can take many hours or even days. A technician can resolve the issue quickly and allow you to get back to normal.


In the end, even though the desire to fix your garage door yourself might be strong, calling an expert technician is the most secure effective, efficient, and in the end, the most sensible option.Their skills, experience in locating quality parts, as well as their ability to make quick and precise repair work will make sure that your garage door is back and running again, protecting both your home and your valuables.

Citations and other links

Village of Mokena
The gable bank barn at the historic McGovney–Yunker Farmstead
The gable bank barn at the historic McGovney–Yunker Farmstead
Flag of Village of Mokena
Official seal of Village of Mokena
Motto(s): 
Planned Progress, Pleasant Living
Location of Mokena in Will County, Illinois.
Location of Mokena in Will County, Illinois.
Location of Illinois in the United States
Location of Illinois in the United States
Coordinates: 41°32′04″N 87°52′37″W / 41.534414°N 87.876873°W / 41.534414; -87.876873
CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
CountyWill
TownshipFrankfort, New Lenox
Incorporated1880
Government
 • TypeVillage
Area
 • Total8.68 sq mi (22.47 km2)
 • Land8.68 sq mi (22.47 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total19,887
 • Density2,292.19/sq mi (885.05/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
60448[2]
Area codes708
FIPS code17-49854
Websitehttp://www.mokena.org/

Mokena (/mˈkinə/ moh-KEE-nuh) is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. It is a southwest suburb of Chicago. The population was 19,887 at the 2020 census. The Census Bureau's 2019 estimate found that the population had increased to 20,159.[3]

Etymology

[edit]

Mokena is a name apparently derived from a Native American language meaning "turtle".[4] While the particular language from which the name originates is not documented, likely candidates are Anishinaabemowin, whose word for "snapping turtle" is mikinaak,[5] and its close sister language Potawatomi, in which the same animal is called mkenak.[6] Both languages were once spoken in the area now occupied by the town.

Mokena is located at 41°32′4″N 87°52′37″W / 41.53444°N 87.87694°W / 41.53444; -87.87694.[7] According to the 2010 census, Mokena has an area of 8.893 square miles (23.03 km2), of which 8.89 square miles (23.02 km2) (or 99.97%) is land and 0.003 square miles (0.01 km2) (or 0.03%) is water.[8] It is bordered by Tinley Park to the northeast, Orland Park to the north, Homer Glen to the northwest, Frankfort to the south and New Lenox to the west.

Education

[edit]

Elementary school services are provided by one of four school districts: Mokena School District 159, New Lenox School District 122, Frankfort School District 157C, and Summit Hill School District 161. Schools within District 159 include MES (Mokena Elementary School), MIS (Mokena Intermediate School), and MJHS (Mokena Junior High School). Mokena is served by Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210; students living in districts 159 or 122 attend Lincoln-Way Central High School, and students living in districts 157C or 161 attend Lincoln-Way East High School. Higher education is provided at Joliet Junior College, the nation's first public community college, and at Rasmussen College.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1880522
1890364−30.3%
1900281−22.8%
191035927.8%
192047532.3%
193056218.3%
194065716.9%
195090337.4%
19601,33247.5%
19701,64323.3%
19804,578178.6%
19906,12833.9%
200014,583138.0%
201018,74028.5%
202019,8876.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 18,740 people, 6,358 households, and 5,120 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,432.4 inhabitants per square mile (939.2/km2). There were 4,848 housing units at an average density of 808.6 per square mile (312.2/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 94.5% White, 1.3% African American, 0.01% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,703 households, out of which 48.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.7% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.8% were non-families. 14.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 3.46.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 32.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median family income is $82,596 and the median income for a household is $91,817. Males had a median income of $58,226 versus $31,522 for females. The per capita income for the village was $31,944. As of 2008, the median house value was $350,130, up from $211,300 in 2000.[11]

About 0.7% of families and 1.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

[edit]

The Village of Mokena is serviced by the Metra rail service Rock Island District. Mokena has two commuter rail stations, Hickory Creek and Front Street, providing service to downtown Chicago's LaSalle Street Station, connecting with components of the Chicago Transit Authority. Mokena is also served by I-80, which runs along its northern border. Through I-80 commuters have convenient access to I-355 (Veteran's Memorial Tollway) and I-57. The main north–south thoroughfares are US Route 45 (LaGrange Rd) and Wolf Rd. The main east–west thoroughfares are 191st St, LaPorte Rd., and US Route 30 (Lincoln Highway). Rail freight traffic travels along both the Metra RI District Railway (Metra RI) and the Canadian National Railway (CN). The CN tracks run east/west along Mokena's southern boundary, while the Metra Rock Island District (Metra) tracks approximately bisect the town in a northeastern/southwestern direction.

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  2. ^ "Mokena IL ZIP Code". zipdatamaps.com. 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  3. ^ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search". Archived from the original on June 15, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 211.
  5. ^ "The Ojibwe People's Dictionary". ojibwe.lib.umn.edu. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  6. ^ "Potawatomi Language Dictionary - View Word". potawatomidictionary.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  7. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. ^ "G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  9. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. ^ "Mokena, Illinois (IL 60448) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders". www.city-data.com.
  12. ^ "Boers: Leaving Home Produces Rush Of Vivid Memories". December 23, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  13. ^ Sherdog.com. "Jason Guida MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  14. ^ 'Don C. Hall, 87, Veteran Show Trouper, Dies,' Stevens Point Daily Journal, October 29, 1953, pg. 15
  15. ^ "Ron Kittle: Renaissance Man | Chicagoly Magazine". Archived from the original on June 22, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  16. ^ Sotonoff, Jamie (August 30, 2011). "Denise Richards: Suburban upbringing kept me grounded". Daily Herald.
[edit]

Sectional garage door
Up-and-over garage door
Torsion springs, drums, cables, end bearing plates, center bearing plate and rolloers (wheels) all hardware needed for a functional garage door.
Garage Door Hardware

A garage door is a large door to allow egress for a garage that opens either manually or by an electric motor (a garage door opener). Garage doors are frequently large enough to accommodate automobiles and other vehicles. The operating mechanism is usually spring-loaded or counterbalanced to offset the door's weight and reduce the human or motor effort required to operate the door. Less commonly, some garage doors slide or swing horizontally. Doors are made of wood, metal, or fiberglass, and may be insulated to prevent heat loss.

Description

[edit]
An electric garage door opener operates on the center track

A typical version of an overhead garage door used in the past would have been built as a one-piece panel.[1] The panel was mounted on each side with an unequal parallelogram-style hinge lifting mechanism. Newer versions of overhead garage doors are now generally built from several panels hinged together that roll along a system of tracks guided by rollers.[1] The weight of the door may be 400 lb (180 kg) or more but is balanced by either a torsion spring system or a pair of extension springs.[2] A garage door opener is controlled motorized mechanism for opening garage doors adds convenience, safety, and security often used with a remote or a button on wall.[3]

History

[edit]

The history of the garage door could date back to 450 BC when chariots were stored in gatehouses, but in the United States, they arose around the start of the 20th century. As early as 1902, American manufacturers—including Cornell Iron Works—published catalogs featuring a "float over door." Evidence of an upward-lifting garage door can be found in a catalog in 1906.[4]

Types

[edit]

Single panel garage doors

[edit]
jamb type hardware
one piece track type hardware

Single-panel doors are constructed from one monolithic panel. A single panel door swings up and overhead with a hinge on each side (jamb-type hardware) to a fully open position from the closed position. A disadvantage of monolithic panel doors is that the swing-up arc of the door occurs partially outside the garage. This means a vehicle must stop and park several feet in front of the door to avoid being hit by the garage door when it is opened.

Single panel doors can also be installed with (one piece track type hardware) that folds the door back with a single horizontal track on each side (mounted at the top of the wood frame) and a roller mounted to the top of the door on each side. A hinge on each side that attaches to the bottom of each side of the garage door. Using track hardware, a car can be parked much closer to the door, as the door is positioned entirely inside the garage door header when in the open position. Track-type hardware has less arc when raising and lowering the garage door than jamb-type hardware.[citation needed]

Sectional garage doors

Sectional doors usually have three to eight panels and slide up and overhead. Sectional doors occupy the same internal garage space as a monolithic door. Sectional doors have two advantages over single-panel monolithic doors:

  • Sectional doors do not require any space outside the garage to open. A vehicle may park very close to the garage before opening the door.
  • Each panel of a sectional door has its connection to the door track. This increases reliability and robustness compared to monolithic doors, which have only a few track connections for the whole panel.

Garage doors can be made of many materials, but steel, aluminum, wood, copper, glass, and vinyl (polyethylene) are the most popular materials. Some manufacturers incorporate foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation within the monolithic panel and sectional garage doors.

The side sliding sectional door[5]

  • A lot of space under the garage ceiling.
  • Can use the entire ceiling of the garage.
  • Fast access to the garage

Roller doors

[edit]
Detail of roller door mechanism
Industrial tents with rollup overhead doors

Roller doors (sometimes called "sheet doors") are usually constructed of corrugated steel. They evolved from cover window and door coverings.[4] Other materials can be used (e.g., transparent corrugated fiberglass) where strong impact resistance is not required. Corrugations give the door strength against impacts. A typical single-car garage roller door has a preloaded spring inside the rolling mechanism. The spring reduces the effort required to open the door. Oversized roller doors in commercial premises are not sprung (except in the US), and a manual pulley and chain system or a geared motor is used to raise and lower (roll up and roll down) the door. Roller doors cannot be effectively insulated.

In the UK (and other parts of the EU), 'insulated' roller garage doors are available, using an aluminum lathe filled with polyurethane foam for thermal and acoustic insulation.

Concerning thermal insulation, the roller door has a typical insulation R-value of 4.9 to 5.2. A sheet steel garage door has a typical insulation R-value of 0.5 to 2.7.

An application that needs more thermal insulation typically uses a foam-filled sectional garage door, which provides typical insulation R-values of 6.1 to 6.4.

Garage door materials

[edit]
  • Aluminum garage doors are usually found in commercial settings and are uncommon for residential ones. Aluminum is typically only used for full-view garage doors (doors that are made up of glass sections divided by aluminum stiles). Aluminum doors are rust-proof and low maintenance.
  • Fiberglass and vinyl garage doors are composite units, combining a steel core behind a fiberglass or vinyl skin. They also have polyurethane insulated base sections or other types of foam insulation. These premium doors can match steel garage doors and be a realistic imitation of wood (namely fiberglass units), but they may be more expensive than steel units. Fiberglass doors are commonly used near an ocean, where salt water can ruin regular steel doors.
  • Steel doors have a variety of sizes and styles, provide strength and security, are cost-competitive, and may have optional insulating value. Extra strength is available with two or three layers of galvanized steel with a low gauge number (0.6 - 0.7 mm steel panels).[6]
  • Wood garage doors offer aesthetic appeal, but they are high maintenance and may be expensive. Low-priced wood garage doors may warp and break easily.

Steel stamped construction

[edit]
Sectional-type steel with exterior cladding overhead garage doors in the style of old carriage house doors

A common material for a new garage door is a steel sheet formed or stamped to look like a raised panel wooden door. Steel doors are available in uninsulated, insulated, and a three-layer door, also known as a sandwich-style door. A design mimicking carriage house doors has become popular since the early 2000s, and many manufacturers clad the exterior of a steel door with composite, vinyl boards, or other trim to give it the appearance of wood.

Insulation

[edit]

In situations involving residential attached garages, the insulating value and the energy efficiency of a garage door are essential to avoid overheating and freezing problems, as well as for comfort and energy savings.

Torsion spring lift mechanism

[edit]

A torsion spring counterbalance system consists of one or two tightly wound-up springs on a steel shaft with cable drums at both ends. The apparatus mounts on the header wall above the garage door and has three supports: a center bearing plate with a steel or nylon bearing and two end bearing plates at both ends. The springs consist of a steel wire with a stationary cone at one end and a winding cone at the other. The stationary cone is attached to the center bearing plate. The winding cone consists of holes every 90 degrees for winding the springs and two set screws to secure the springs to the shaft. Steel counterbalance cables run from the roller brackets at the bottom corners of the door to a notch in the cable drums. When the door is raised, the springs unwind, and the stored tension lifts the door by turning the shaft, thus turning the cable drums and wrapping the cables around the grooves on the cable drums. When the door is lowered, the cables unwrap from the drums, and the springs are rewound to full tension.

Life of torsion spring

[edit]

Garage door manufacturers typically produce doors fitted with torsion springs that provide a minimum of 10,000 to 15,000 cycles and are guaranteed for three to seven years. One cycle is a single opening and closing sequence. Most manufacturers offer a 30,000-cycle spring. However, it is essential to remember that if the garage door's weight is increased by adding glass, additional insulation, or even several coats of paint, the torsion spring's life may be significantly reduced. Additionally, springs in highly humid environments, such as coastal regions tend to have a significantly shorter cycle life, due to the corrosive cracking.

Other factors like poor garage door maintenance, loose tracks, or components shorten torsion spring life. Owners are advised to avoid applying grease to garage door tracks because that makes the wheels "skate" in the track instead of turning on their bearings. Only bearings, hinges, and spring wire require lubricant.

Extension spring lift mechanism

[edit]

An extension spring counterbalance system consists of a pair of stretched springs running parallel to the horizontal tracks. The springs lift the door through a system of pulleys and counterbalance cables running from the bottom corner brackets through the pulleys. When the door is raised, the springs contract, thus lifting the door as the tension is released. Typically, these springs are made of 11 gauge (3 mm) galvanized steel, and the lengths of these springs are based on the height of the garage door in question. Their lifting weight capacity can best be identified by the color that is painted on the ends of the springs.

Maintenance

[edit]

Maintenance of garage doors is described in the manufacturer's instructions and consists of periodic checks for correct operation, visual inspection of parts, and lubrication. [7][8]

Safety

[edit]

Garage doors can cause injury and property damage (including expensive damage to the door itself) in several ways. The most common causes of injury from garage door systems include falling doors, pinch points, improperly adjusted opener force settings, and safety eyes, attempts at do-it-yourself repair without the proper knowledge or tools, and uncontrolled release of spring tension (on torsion spring systems).

A garage door with a broken spring or the wrong strength can fall. Because the effective mass of the door increases as the garage door sections transfer from the horizontal to vertical door tracks, a falling garage door accelerates rapidly. A free-falling garage door can cause severe injury or death.

The sections and rollers on garage doors represent a significant pinch hazard. Children should never be allowed near a moving garage door for this reason. On manually operated garage doors, handles should be installed vertically to promote "vertical orientation of the hand".

Mechanical garage door openers can pull or push a garage door with enough force to injure or kill people and pets if they become trapped. Modern openers have “force settings” that make the door reverse if it encounters too much resistance while closing or opening. Any garage door opener sold in the United States after 1992 requires safety eyes—sensors that prevent the door from closing if obstructed. Force settings should cause a door to stop or reverse on encountering more than approximately 20 lb (10 kg) of resistance. Safety eyes should be installed a maximum of six inches above the ground. Many garage door injuries, and nearly all garage door-related property damage, can be avoided by following these precautions.[9]

Certain parts, especially springs, cables, bottom brackets, and spring anchor plates, are under extreme tension. Injuries can occur if parts under tension are removed.

Extension spring systems should always be restrained by a safety cable that runs through the middle of the spring, tying off to a solid point at the rear and front of the horizontal door track. The safety cable prevents hazards to bystanders when a spring, pulley, or cable breaks under tension and makes the system relatively safe.

Torsion spring systems can be hazardous as they are always under tension and release energy when the spring fails. Severe injury or death can be caused by the projectile pieces of a failed torsion spring. Many people have been injured or killed trying to adjust torsion springs, and special training and procedures are required to modify a torsion spring safely; it is a job for a professional, not a homeowner or DIYer.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Hamilton, Gene; Hamilton, Katie (2004). Do it right the first time: what every homeowner needs to know before the work begins. Innova Publishers. p. 154. ISBN 9780974937359. Retrieved 2015-07-19.
  2. ^ Ask the Family handy-man. Reader's Digest. 1999. p. 138. ISBN 9780762101429. Retrieved 2015-07-19. garage door can weigh 400 pounds or more; they only seem light because the springs balance the weight as you lift the door.
  3. ^ Day, Richard (July 1982). "Tips from a pro: how to install a garage-door opener". Popular Science. Vol. 221, no. 1. pp. 91–93. Retrieved 2015-07-19.
  4. ^ a b Winterton, Deanne (2012-02-21). "History of the Garage Door". Amazines.com. Retrieved 2015-07-19.
  5. ^ Deziel, Chris (10 October 2023). "Are Sliding Garage Doors the Best Option for You?". Family Handyman. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  6. ^ "DASMA Metal Gauge Chart Technical Data Sheet #154" (PDF). DASMA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-02. Retrieved 2015-07-19.
  7. ^ "DASMA Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association". Dasma.com. 1993-01-01. Archived from the original on 2012-10-28. Retrieved 2012-11-04.
  8. ^ "DASMA Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association". Dasma.com. Archived from the original on 2012-08-26. Retrieved 2012-11-04.
  9. ^ "How Important Are Garage Door Safety Sensors". rsvallejo.com. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
[edit]

Media related to Garage doors at Wikimedia Commons


A residential garage door opener. The motor is in the box on the upper-right.

A garage door opener is a motorized device that opens and closes a garage door controlled by switches on the garage wall. Most also include a handheld radio remote control carried by the owner, which can be used to open and close the door from a short distance.

The electric opener

[edit]

The electric overhead garage door opener was invented by C.G. Johnson in 1926 in Hartford City, Indiana.[1] Electric Garage Door openers did not become popular until Era Meter Company of Chicago offered one after World War II where the overhead garage door could be opened via a key pad located on a post at the end of the driveway or a switch inside the garage.[2]

As in an elevator, the electric motor does not provide most of the power to move a heavy garage door. Instead, most of door's weight is offset by the counterbalance springs attached to the door. (Even manually operated garage doors have counterbalances; otherwise, they would be too heavy for a person to open or close them.) In a typical design, torsion springs apply torque to a shaft, and that shaft applies a force to the garage door via steel counterbalance cables. The electric opener provides only a small amount of force to control how far the door opens and closes. In most cases, the garage door opener also holds the door closed in place of a lock.

The typical electric garage door opener consists of a power unit that contains the electric motor. The power unit attaches to a track. A trolley connected to an arm that attaches to the top of the garage door slides back and forth on the track, thus opening and closing the garage door. The trolley is pulled along the track by a chain, belt, or screw that turns when the motor is operated. A quick-release mechanism is attached to the trolley to allow the garage door to be disconnected from the opener for manual operation during a power failure or in case of emergency. Limit switches on the power unit control the distance the garage door opens and closes once the motor receives a signal from the remote control or wall push button to operate the door.[3]

The entire assembly hangs above the garage door. The power unit hangs from the ceiling and is located towards the rear of the garage. The end of the track on the opposite end of the power unit attaches to a header bracket that is attached to the header wall above the garage door. The powerhead is usually supported by punched angle iron.

Recently another type of opener, known as the jackshaft opener, has become more popular.[when?] This style of opener was used frequently on commercial doors but in recent years has been adapted for residential use. This style of opener consists of a motor that attaches to the side of the torsion rod and moves the door up and down by simply spinning the rod. These openers need a few extra components to function safely for residential use. These include a cable tension monitor, to detect when a cable is broken, and a separate locking mechanism to lock the door when it is fully closed. These have the advantage that they free up ceiling space that an ordinary opener and rail would occupy. These also have the disadvantage that the door must have a torsion rod to attach the motor to.

Types

[edit]

There are five types of garage door openers:

  1. Chain drive openers. These have a chain (similar to a bicycle's) that connects the trolley to the motor.
  2. Belt drive openers use a rubber belt in place of a chain.
  3. Screw drive openers have a long screw inside the track. The trolley connects to this screw.
  4. Direct drive openers have the motor installed inside the trolley and use a gear wheel to guide the trolley along a fixed chain.
  5. Jackshaft openers mount on the wall at either end of the torsion bar.

Remote control

[edit]

The first wireless garage door openers were invented and developed by two US inventors at the same time, one in Illinois and the other in Washington state, around 1930. They were unknown to each other.[4]

The first garage door opener remote controls were simple and consisted of a simple transmitter (the remote) and receiver which controlled the opener mechanism. The transmitter would transmit on a designated frequency; the receiver would listen for the radio signal, then open or close the garage, depending on the door position. The basic concept of this can be traced back to World War II. This type of system was used to detonate remote bombs. While novel at the time, the technology ran its course when garage door openers became popular. While the garage door remote control transmitter is low power and has limited range, its signal can be received by other, nearby, garage door openers. When two neighbors had garage door openers, then opening one garage door might open the neighbor's garage door as well.

The second stage of the wireless garage door opener system solved the opening-the-neighbor's-garage-door problem. The remote controls on these systems transmitted a digital code, and the receiver in the garage responded only to that code. The codes were typically set by eight to twelve DIP switches on the receiver and transmitter, so they allowed for 28 = 256 to 212 = 4,096 different codes. As long as neighbors used different codes, they would not open each other's garage doors. The intent of these systems was to avoid interference with nearby garage doors; the systems were not designed with security in mind. Intruders were able to defeat the security of these systems and gain entry to the garage and the house. The number of codes was small enough that even an unsophisticated intruder with a compatible remote control transmitter could just start transmitting all possible codes until he found one that opened the door. More sophisticated intruders could acquire a black box master key that automatically transmitted every possible code in a short time. An even more sophisticated method is known as a replay attack. The attacker would use a code grabber, which has a receiver that captures the remote's digital code and can retransmit that digital code at a later time. The attacker with a code grabber would wait nearby for the homeowner to use his remote, capture the code, and then replay the code to open the door when the homeowner was gone. Multicode openers became unpopular in areas where security was important, but due to their ease of programming, such openers are often used to operate such things as the gates in gated apartment complexes.

An intermediate stage of the garage door opener market eliminated the DIP switches and used remotes preprogrammed to one out of roughly 3.5 billion unique codes. The receiver would maintain a security list of remotes to which it would respond; the user could easily add the unique remote's code to the list by pressing a button on the garage door opener while activating the remote control. A large number of codes made the brute force try-all-possible-digital-codes attacks infeasible, but the systems were still vulnerable to code grabbers. For user convenience, these systems were also backward compatible with the older DIP switch remote codes, but adding an old technology remote to the security list made the garage door opener vulnerable to a brute force attack to find the DIP switch code. The larger code space approach was an improvement over the fixed DIP switch codes but was still vulnerable to the replay attack.

The third stage of garage door opener technology uses a frequency spectrum range between 300-400 MHz and rolling code (code hopping) technology to defeat code grabbers. In addition to transmitting a unique identifier for the remote control, a sequence number and an encrypted message are also sent. Although an intruder could still capture the code used to open a garage door, the sequence number immediately expires, so retransmitting the code later would not open the garage door. The encryption makes it extremely difficult for an intruder to forge a message with the next sequence number that would open the door. Some rolling code systems are more involved than others. Because there is a high probability that someone will push the remote's button while not in range and thus advance the sequence number, the receiver does not insist the sequence number increase by exactly one; it will accept a sequence number that falls within a narrow window or two successive sequence numbers in a much wider window. Rolling code technology is also used on car remote controls and with some internet protocols for secure sites.

The fourth stage of garage door opener systems is similar to third stage, but it is limited to the 315 MHz frequency. The 315 MHz frequency range avoids interference from the land mobile radio system (LMRS) used by the U.S. military.

The following standards are used by units manufactured by Chamberlain (including LiftMaster and Craftsman):

Dates System Color of programming button and LED on unit Color of LED on remote*
1984–1993 8-12 DIP switch on 300-400 MHz white, gray, or yellow button with red LED red
1993–1997 Billion Code on 390 MHz green button with green or red LED green
1997–2005 Security+ (rolling code) on 390 MHz orange or red button with amber LED amber or none
2005–present Security+ (rolling code) on 315 MHz purple button with amber LED none
2011–present Security+ 2.0 (rolling code) on 310, 315, and 390 MHz yellow button with amber LED and yellow antenna wires red or blue

* Does not apply to keyless entry keypads or universal remotes.

Recent Chamberlain garage door openers that have Security+ 2.0 features also use a special serial protocol on wired connections rather than a simple switch closure.[5]

The following standards are used by units manufactured by Overhead Door Corporation and its subsidiary The Genie Company†:

Dates System
1985–1995 9–12 DIP switch on 360, 380, or 390 MHz[6][7]
1995–2005 Intellicode/CodeDodger (rolling code) on 390 MHz
2005–present Intellicode/CodeDodger (rolling code) on 315 MHz
2011–present Intellicode 2/CodeDodger 2 (rolling code) on 315 and 390 MHz

Note: There are no standard color codes for the learn button or LED on units manufactured by Overhead Door or Genie. All accessories made for later versions of Genie Intellicode and Overhead Door CodeDodger are backward compatible with previous generations of Intellicode and CodeDodger.

Cloning garage door opener remotes

[edit]
A typical photo of both the outer case and inner circuit of a garage door opener remote control.

Many garage door opener remote controls use fixed-code encoding which use DIP switches or soldering to do the address pins coding process, and they usually use pt2262/pt2272 or compatible ICs. For these fixed-code garage door opener remotes, one can easily clone the existing remote using a self-learning remote control duplicator (copy remote) which can make a copy of the remote using face-to-face copying.

Additional features

[edit]

Additional features that have been added over the years have included:

  • Automatic courtesy lights that turn on when the door opens (or via motion sensors) and automatically turn off after a preset delay
  • A remote lockout feature, which turns off the radio receiver while one is on vacation or away for an extended time.
  • The availability of accessories has increased, including such features as wireless keypads, key chain remotes, and solenoid-operated deadbolts to lock the door itself.
  • Automatic door closing feature, which after a fixed time by the owner, closes the garage door to prevent theft.

More sophisticated features are also available, such as an integrated carbon monoxide sensor to open the door in case of the garage being flooded with exhaust fumes. Other systems allow door activation over the Internet to allow home owners to open their garage door from their office for deliveries.

Another recent innovation in the garage door opener is a fingerprint-based wireless keypad. This unit attaches to the outside of the garage door on the jamb and allows users to open and close their doors with the press of a finger, rather than creating a personal identification number (PIN). This is especially helpful for families with children who may forget a code and are latchkey kids.

Safety

[edit]
Electric eye for safety

The garage door is generally the largest moving object in a home. An improperly adjusted garage door opener can exert strong and deadly forces and might not reverse the garage door in an emergency. The manufacturer's instructions provide guidance to the user on the proper adjustment and maintenance of the opener.

Garage door openers manufactured and installed in the United States since 1982 are required to provide a quick-release mechanism on the trolley that allows for the garage door to be disconnected from the garage door opener in the event of entrapment.[8] Garage door openers manufactured since 1991 are also required to reverse the garage door if it strikes a solid object.[9][10]

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 required that automatic residential garage door operators manufactured on or after 1 January 1991 conform to the entrapment protection requirements of the 1988 version of ANSI/UL standard 325.[11] A requirement for redundant entrapment-prevention devices was added in 1993; such a system can use an electric eye, a door edge sensor, or any other device that provides equivalent protection by reversing the travel of the closing door if an object is detected in its path.[12][13]

California Senate Bill No. 969

[edit]

In California, Senate Bill No. 969 requires that any automatic residential garage door opener that is manufactured for sale, sold, offered for sale, or installed in a residence to have a battery backup function that is designed to operate when activated because of an electrical outage.[14] The bill went into effect on July 1, 2019. Under the bill, any automatic garage door opener that is in violation is subject to a civil penalty of $1000.

The bill was passed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 21, 2018, in response to the 2017 California Wildfires in which at least 5 individuals lost their lives because they could not open their garage door when the power went out.[15]

The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association International opposed the bill arguing that garage door openers with backup batteries require regular maintenance and that the bill should be amended to make this clear. In addition, they said that "garage door openers with backup batteries are not designed to serve as life safety devices, and should not be relied upon to prove a means of egress from a garage during an electrical outage."[16]

The bill passed, despite most garage doors having a release pull cord.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Robert J Girod (2014). "Garage Door Openers - High-tech Burglary". Advanced Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Operations: Tradecraft Methods, Practices, Tactics, and Techniques. Taylor and Francis. p. 90. ISBN 9781482230741.
  2. ^ "Aids To Modern Living - Garage Doors". Popular Science: 137. December 1946.
  3. ^ Castro, Diane. "The Complete Garage Door System". Regency Conference Center. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  4. ^ "Widely Separated Inventors Invent Garage Door Openers By Radio Impulses". Popular Science: 32. February 1931.
  5. ^ "Will my older accessories work with the new line of Security+ 2.0 garage door openers?". alldaygaragerepair.com. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
  6. ^ Willmes, Dave. "My Overhead Door Opener Doesn't Work with this Universal Remote". www.overheaddooronline.com. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  7. ^ "FCC ID BSH8YN106546 by Overhead Door Corporation". FCCID.io. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  8. ^ "Falling Garage Doors — A Crushing Concern". Garage Door Child Safety.
  9. ^ "Non Reversing Garage Door Openers a Hazard" (PDF). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  10. ^ "Garage Door System Safety Guidelines". Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association International. Archived from the original on 2008-12-23.
  11. ^ Garage Door Operators • CPSC
  12. ^ Non-Reversing Automatic Garage Door Openers Are a Hazard • CPSC
  13. ^ 16CFR1211
  14. ^ "Bill Text - SB-969 Automatic garage door openers: backup batteries". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. California Legislative Information. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  15. ^ "New California Law Could Cost You $1000 in Fines". Clark's Garage Door. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  16. ^ "California Mandates Battery Backup With All GDOS - Experts Cite Problems With The Legislation" (PDF). dasma.com. DASMA. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
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