Prefabricated garage kits: content

Such kits are build of metal, and they contain besides the actual garage parts, the garage door and the door opener mechanism, which you will be able to operate by remote control, in order to avoid getting out of your car each time you enter or exit the garage. This is a handy accessory which you’ll love once you’ll get it in place and operating.
They would also come with detailed instructions, so you’ll be able to do it yourself, without requiring the specialist in garage installation. You’d better check the instructions before you buy your prefabricated garage kit, otherwise you might get in trouble later on, when installing it.

In case there are two cars in your family, you can opt for one of the 2-car models of prefabricated garage kits, otherwise your wife would use the garage and your car will still be at weather’s mercy. Never underestimate the feminine power.
Make sure, before you buy your garage kit, that you have all necessary tools for setting it up, plus ask the seller how many people are required to perform those operations. There may be phases of the project when at least two people are required, and if you cannot ask a friend to help you, you may need to hire some staff from the store. Nevertheless, you’ll be given all required mounting instructions together with your purchase, and most of the times, the sketches are very clear, so putting together your garage is almost a no brainer.

I don’t know the price of such prefabricated garage kits, but I suppose they vary with the size, the shape and the manufacturer. Beware at transportation costs, because they may be significant. You’d better check the garage companies in your area. This would save you time and money.

Garage door openers need an engine to make them operate the door. You don’t have to think in big terms here. No, you should not need a V8 engine to run the garage door. The automatic garage door openers are so convenient and they are standard in most garages today. No rain or snow when you get out of your car to open the garage door. Actually you don’t get out of all, you just sit in your car and press a button on the remote control.

There are some issues to be aware of concerning the safety and security. For example for young children, some old garage doors can pose a risk. Even if you don’t have any children living with you, you need to concern yourself with any neighbor kids, even housebreakers! that you could be held liable for if an accident were to occur. The newer models of overhead roll up garage doors feature pinch resistant or anti pinch panels. This feature makes the door safe and fingers will not get injured if stuck in the gap between panels while the door is closing.

When you have decided which type and make of your garage door that suits you, the next step is to choose a garage door opener. You will need a powerful opener if the door is heavy. An opener with at least 3/4 horsepower may be your best option. Also choose a model that uses heavy-duty, industrial-strength chains that will guarantee you years of dependable operation. If your door is of normal weight you can go for a less powerful
opener.

Most garage door openers make noises and so does the door itself although some models are specifically designed to be quiet. If you want a more quiet system you need openers with very quiet belt openers. The models have flexible rubber belts that mute vibrations and eliminate the metal-to-metal contact of other chain- or screw-based models. Also more powerful systems usually work easier, smoother and are more silent.

For safety reasons an electronic eye at the base of the door automatically cause the opener to reverses during the close cycle if an object or person breaks the beam. Usually the systems work even when the door sense an excessive load on the closing mechanism, which will automatically reverse the closing or opening.

Some models, actually a lot of them, claim to be virtually maintenance-free. It is usually self-lubricating systems with chains that always run smoothly and make as little noise as possible. More expensive models have a kind of isolation of the motor which gives a quiet and powerful operation.

Do you remember those old garage doors that you had to get out of your car and open manually? you really needed strength to operate those doors. Ladies had no chance, I suppose. Automatic garage doors are no longer a convenience for only a few, the new generation of garage door is reasonably priced, safe and simple to install.

Here are a number of factors to consider when choosing a garage door.

The Type of Drive System

1. Screw-drive System

The screw-drive system has a lifting apparatus that moves the length of a steel rod. The system requires little maintenance due to the very few moving parts. The system body is mounted in the garage ceiling. The cost for screw-drive system is generally more than $150 and less than $200.

2. Chain-drive system

The chain-drive system has a metal chain lifting the garage door up or down along a set of tracks. The chain-drive system is the most common and usually the most affordable system. The chain-drive is priced in the range of $100 to $170.

On the downside, the chain drive system makes more noise than the screw-drive system. The chain drive system is mounted in the garage ceiling.

Chain drive mechanism: By far the most popular and affordable opening device.

3. Computer-controlled system

The computer-controlled drive system uses no screws or chain. The body of the system is mounted directly above the door. Having the system mounted above the door helps in garages that have low headroom. Also, it provides more ceiling space which can be used for storage.

The type of power

Select a motor with enough power to raise your door. Have at least a motor with ½ hp if you have a double door. A large motor is likely to last longer. Try to find a motor with a “soft” start and stop. It operates more quietly and minimizes the wear and tear.

The speed

The more expensive garage door opens much faster, cutting down the waiting time on your driveway. The quicker opening model still closes at a slower speed for safety. Consider how much you are willing to spend for the quicker models.

Safety concerns

All garage doors have a safety feature that prevents the door from pinning objects. The door reverses in direction if they hit something. The safety feature is mandated by federal law. The safety feature is triggered by an electronic beam.

The computer-controlled mechanism measures the optimal operating time and speed of the door. It can detect and compensate for varying conditions – like if the door is coming in to contact with an obstruction or closing too fast.

Security features

The newer generation of garage doors use random codes for enhancing security. Each time the remote is used to open the garage door, a new random code is generated. The security feature prevents you from opening your neighbor’s garage door and vice versa. The random code prevents code theft.

If the power is out, all garage doors have a manual that will open the door. A few high-end models have a function that allows the door to open just a little bit so that your dog or cat can get out.

The remote control

Several models use a single-button remote control, while others use a remote with multiple buttons that can open multiple garage doors. The multiple button remote control is the best choice for people with several garages, each with its own door.

The fixed controller

The fixed controller is mounted to the wall either inside or outside near the garage door. The fixed controller allows the door to be opened without a remote controller. The fixed controller usually does not come with the standard kit, it is usually an accessory.

The keypad provides you a means to lock the door for a specified amount of time, like when you are away on a trip. Another function is delayed closing, a brief pause between pushing the button and the closing of the door. The keypad provides a lot of time to exit on foot without running, dodging the electronic beam and the garage door.

Garage Door Lighting

Many garage doors have a security light that turns on as you turn on the system. The light stays on just long enough for you to step out of your vehicle and get into the house. Most remotes have buttons that turns on the light without opening the door.