Can You Automate A Manual Garage Door?

If you go in and out of your garage multiple times a day, constantly lifting and lowering the garage door can get a bit tiring, especially if you have limited mobility. 

An automated garage door is the ideal solution to this problem, allowing garage access with the single touch of a button. In recent years, automated garage doors have become increasingly popular and you might feel like the odd one out on your street if you’re still grappling with an old manual door.

While an automated garage door undoubtedly maximises convenience, it might not be the right time for you to have one installed – maybe you’ve just had a new manual garage door fitted or perhaps your budget is a bit tight at the moment. This raises the question: can you automate your existing garage door? 

The team here at JB Garage Doors is here to explain all.

Can You Automate A Manual Garage Door?

Yes, the good news is that most garage doors can be automated. There are, of course, a few exceptions; if your existing garage door is in poor condition or has a unique opening mechanism, for example, then automation may not be possible. A garage door professional, like the team at JB Garage Doors, will be able to assess the state of your garage door and determine whether it can be automated.

There are a number of factors you should bear in mind before automating your garage door, such as:

• Age: A high-quality garage door can last for decades, so it’s important to consider the age of your current garage door. If your existing garage door is coming to the end of its lifespan, then automating it isn’t cost-effective as you’ll likely need a brand new garage door soon anyway.
  
• Wear: If your garage door is damaged or worn then it may not be able to support a motor, meaning automation isn’t possible.
• Size: Consider the size and weight of your garage door; if it is particularly bulky or heavy then it might require a more powerful motor.
• Style: Some garage door styles are easier to automate than others; we’ve covered this in more detail below.
• Quality of installation: If your garage door was shoddily installed in the first place then you’ll need a trusted company like JB Garage Doors to carry out the necessary garage door repairs to prepare it for automation.

Automating an up and over garage door

Up and over garage doors boast two different designs: canopy and retractable. A retractable up and over garage door is perhaps the easiest type to automate as it already has the required framework; all that needs to be installed is a motor at one end and a boom above the opening.

Canopy up and over garage doors are a little trickier, as a bow arm converter will need to be fitted to support the weight of the garage door. However, a trusted garage door technician will be able to handle this in no time.

Automating a sectional garage door

Similarly, a sectional garage door is also simple to automate and just requires the installation of a boom and motor. However, given how far sectional garage doors extend into your garage when compared to an up and over garage door, it will usually require a longer boom arm to ensure it can be properly lifted. 

Automating a roller garage door

To automate a roller garage door, a considerable amount of work may be needed. Often, the opening mechanism will need to be installed inside the curtain roll, meaning it needs to be disassembled entirely. Then, a motor will need to be installed on the end of the axle, along with a gearing mechanism, and this all adds up to be a time-consuming process.

Automating a side-hinged garage door

A side-hinged garage door can be automated in two ways:

• A swing arm kit: A boom with two pivotable arms will be fitted to either side of the garage door. As the boom moves forward, the two arms will carefully sweep outwards and your garage door will follow.
• An electromechanical system: These mechanical components use a piston-type action to push the door open, like you’d find on a swing gate.

Whether you want to have a brand new electric garage door installed or you’re looking to have your existing one automated, the team at JB Garage Doors is here to help with all of your automated garage door needs. We’ve been operating across Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Rochester and the surrounding Kent region for more than 50 years so you can trust our expertise – contact us to obtain a free quote or arrange a home survey.