skip to main content

Home Repair Garages/Workshops

Garage door opener/motor recommendation

5 years ago

Currently I have a chain-driven garage-door opener. The house was 10 years old when we moved in and the garage-door opener has had issues like the chain coming off the drive and we have replaced the torsion-springs (dual) as it broke. Is it ok to change to a belt-driven garage-door instead of what i have now? Is this possible or it requires more work? Ofcouse I will have someone do this for us. Regarding the HP, my garage door is a heavy one and was considering going for a 3/4 hp motor. Any ideas?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Amy Gonzalez
5 years ago
We have a manatech garage door opener and it has been problem free for 14 years. it's super quiet too.
User
5 years ago
Love my Genie. They've been around forever.
Related Discussions
Liftmaster Garage Door Opener 1265LM closes all opens up again
Q
Comments (2)
If the door hits the floor and then reverses it is traveling too far in the down direction. Here is the way it works. When the door hits the floor, the motor stalls and the interrupter cup quits spinning and the RPM sensor board quits sending a pulse to the logic board. The logic board reverses the motor and the door opens. What needs to be done is figure out why the 'down limit' is not working or if it is just out of adjustment. The easiest way to do this is remove the cover of the motor unit and watch the limit switch assembly while the door is closing. Turn the down limit several turns in the opposite direction of the arrow printed on the cover. This should get the door to stop short of hitting the floor. Now some tweaking will be involved to get it right. You have it right about the thermal protector. It is to protect the motor from over heating and sometimes seems a pain you know where.
...See More
Reset garage door motor signal
Q
Comments (2)
On the back of the motor unit near where all those white wires go you will find a button. Press and hold it for 6 seconds. At this point none of the remotes will work including the keypad. Now to program your remote, press and hold the button on the remote and then press and immediately release the button on the back of the motor unit. This will get your remote going. To program the keypad, press and immediately release the button on the back of the motor unit again and then walk over to the keypad and key in any 4 digit number and press enter. You will be set.
...See More
should a garage door opener keep you from lifting open the door?
Q
Comments (4)
jaansu, maddiemom6 is correct. There should be an emergency release cord which detaches the door from the operator mechanism. With the door fully open, pull the cord straight down and release. If the cord is pulled to one side it may have locked in the open position. Next you can operate the door electrically to engage the door to the operator. There is usually a piece on the moving mechanism (Chain or screw) which has to reengage with the operator (Emergency release). Hope that helps, Dan Martyn
...See More
Garage door opener recommendations
Q
Comments (1)
Lift Master side mount. Quiet and no unit in the middle.
...See More
Mike C
5 years ago
The torsion springs should take care of 'the door is heavy'. If the springs aren't set right, it will be very hard on any door opener you get. Why not check out why the chain is coming off?
PRO
Canadian Doormaster
5 years ago
Good Garage door openers would be - Liftmaster, Sommer Evo +, Chambarlain, Genie.

We have a few promotions on garage door openers if you want to have a look, here's the link - https://www.canadiandoormaster.com/garage-doors-on-sale
mike_kaiser_gw
5 years ago
The first place to start is to check the door itself. Disconnect the opener. The door should open easily and smoothly and be balanced. To check balance open the door (opener still disconnected) to about chest high. The door should stay there, if it doesn't then the springs need to be adjusted. If the door operates properly, then it doesn't matter what kind of opener you use. Belt drives tend to be a little quieter which is nice if you have living space above the garage.

Generally speaking replacing an existing opener is pretty easy. It will probably take a couple of hours, including reading the instructions, laying everything out, and cleaning up.
ralph_zone8_nc
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Thank you all for the suggestions. My motor was ok...the opener-arm was bent and the screws had come off. I had this fixed and it is all back to normal now.

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace or Revamp Your Garage Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Boost curb appeal and maybe even security with new garage doors. Find out cost ranges and other important details here

GARAGES A New Look for the Overlooked Garage Door

By Natalie Myers

Aluminum, Glass and Wood Bring the Garage Into Your Architecture

DREAM SPACES Design Workshop: The Case for Big Overhead Doors

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Garage-style doors are cost-effective solutions for opening rooms to dream views and fresh air — and they’re more stylish than ever

WINDOWS Open Walls Widen Home Possibilities

By Samantha Schoech

Doing away with the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, open walls add space, light and drama to a home

KITCHEN DESIGN Have Your Open Kitchen and Close It Off Too

By Jennifer Ott Design

Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design

BEFORE AND AFTERS Beachy Chic Walk-Out Basement Opens to the View

By Becky Harris

In Toronto, a drab basement and a former garage become a bright poolside rec room, workout area, bath and laundry room

REMODELING GUIDES Material Choices: Translucent Glass Doors

By Becky Harris

Let in Light, Keep Things Open — And Maintain Your Privacy, Too

MOST POPULAR How to Choose a Front Door Color

By Vanessa Brunner

If choosing a door paint isn't an open-and-shut case for you, here's help

WINDOWS Awkward Windows and Doors? We've Got You Covered

By The Inman Company

Arched windows, French doors and sidelights get their due with treatments that keep their beauty out in the open

REMODELING GUIDES Pocket Doors and Sliding Walls for a More Flexible Space

By Laura Gaskill

Large sliding doors allow you to divide open areas or close off rooms when you want to block sound, hide a mess or create privacy

Sponsored

Studio M Design Co

We believe that great design should be accessible to everyone

More Discussions

Are these guys giving me the run-around? Roofing explanation needed.

16

Exterior Makeover Help Needed

8

Sliding glass doors leaking

7

What color/type of caulk between countertop and stained wood trim

2

What is this on my window?

1