How to add remote control to a garage door

It is possible to motorize just about any king of garage door, however a roller garage door, a sectional garage door and a sliding garage door are the mechanisms most suited to remote operation.

There are three different ways to motorize and add remote control to an otherwise manual garage door and each method uses a different means of drive system. The standard options are chain, screw and belt drive motions.

Selecting which drive option to adopt is partly personal preference, however here is some guidance that will help you make an informed choice. Roller garage doors are suited to all three options.

Chain drive

This is the original drive system and although it is comparatively noisy, it is strong and it remains in wide use in the USA and Europe.

Belt drive

This system differs only from the mechanics of the chain dive alternative (above) by replacing the chain with a heavy duty rubber belt. This subtle difference does however produce a very quiet operation and this makes belt drives popular. On the down side, the belt drive systems are the most expensive.

Screw drive

This option uses a different system that is regarded as reliable, technically advanced and easy to install. It makes less noise than the chain drive, but more than a belt drive.

Motor

Most garage door motors are electric and will equate to about half a horse power. A more powerful motor may be required for an unusually heavy door and more power is always better than less. Although the use of energy is minimal during operation, it is important to be aware that remote control garage doors are in a permanent state of readiness and this means that they are using electricity on an ongoing basis.

Features

All remote control doors should have a safety cut-off feature that detects any obstacle that is in the path of the opening or closing door. The detectors are usually based on breaking a laser beam and a reverse motion is then initiated to advance the door away from the obstacle.

Rolling codes for the remote sensor are a good security addition as they make code detection almost impossible. In most cases a remote system with a rolling code will cost more than one without.

Having a battery back-up can be a vital feature on a motorized garage door. It will prove essential in the event of a power outage.

Having a fixed remote control pad both inside and outside the door saves you having to carry a portable remote around with you if you are working between the garage and the garden or yard. Have this fitted at a level that is safely above a child’s reach.

DIY door fitting

Fitting a remote control to a garage door is not beyond the ability of most competent DIYers. That said the complexity of the fitting will be determined by the kind of door operation that the drive system will have to control.

Roller garage doors, plus most sectional and sliding doors are the simplest to install, however up and over doors and side hinged doors are considerably more complex. In the case of the last two options the use of a contractor is normally recommended.

If you intend to fit a remote control and drive motor to your garage door you will need to ensure that you buy the DIY version (which will pack into a car with a two piece boon). It will then be necessary to follow the manufacturers fitting instructions.

Required tools

Here is a list of the typical tools that will be required for fitting.

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