Automation has become a part of our daily lives. From coffee makers to thermostats, automation is all around us. Quite simply, it makes our lives easier in many aspects.

In this article, we’re going to unpack everything you need to know about garage door automation; from understanding what it is and the benefits, to some frequently asked questions.

Let’s kick things off with gaining a clearer understanding of what garage door automation is.

What is garage door automation?

Garage door automation is process of automating a garage door through the use of an electric motor, a control system and a mechanism that links the motor to the door to open it.

Electric garage door opener

Through the above, homeowners can unlock the ability to open and close their garage doors at the click of a button, without having to get out their car, unlock the garage door and manually open it.

Let’s take a look at some benefits automating your garage door boasts.

Benefits of garage door automation

Here are the top 4 benefits of garage door automation.

Convenience

One of the most notable benefits of having an automatic garage door is convenience. You can stay in your car and open or close your garage door at the press of a button. This makes returning home during one of those typical South African storms a breeze.

Person closing their automated garage door after parking car inside

Security

Oftentimes, a garage door is the most visible entryway to a home. With a traditional garage door, you have to physically unlock the door and manually lift it. With an automated garage door, the motor acts as a locking mechanism, and some doors have alarm systems integrated into the doors.

man in car opening automatic garage door with remote control

Safety

A prominent issue with traditional garage doors is the ever-present risk of the door falling down on something or someone. Having an automated garage door lessens this risk as there will be no need to manually open the door.

Person manually opening garage door

Cost

Despite popular opinion, automated garage doors are less expensive than one thinks to buy and fit. Taking into consideration what automatic garage doors offer, they are a bargain.

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at what benefits having an automated garage door has to offer, let’s uncover the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Can I make my manual garage door automatic?

While it is possible to automate most existing manual garage doors, there are a few things that this depends on, such as:

  • The condition of your garage door
  • The type of garage door you have
  • Conditions within the garage

How do I convert my garage door to automatic?

The first step in automating your garage door would be to note what your current setup looks like (is it a side mounted roll up door or is it a center mounted roll up door?). The next step would be to purchase the correct motor for your door type and get a professional to install it for you.

How much does it cost to automate a garage door?

The cost varies based on what door you currently have as well as the condition of your door. The best solution would be to give us a call and we will be glad to give you a free quote.