Garage Door Openers are the most commonly used type of electric opener for residential homes. They use a two-part system to open and close large garage doors, consisting of an external motor unit mounted on the outside wall and an internal drive mechanism installed inside the door opening. The most common style utilizes chain or belt mechanisms to transfer power from the motor unit to a head pulley attached directly above it. This pulley then moves up and down along steel tracks to raise and lower the door.

Remote Control

This motor unit is wired to remote control via radio frequency wiring that uses antennas located on top of both pieces, either in front of them for wall units or at their sides for driveway units. When this wireless signal from the remote control hits its antenna, it triggers electrical relays inside that close certain circuits. It activates switches within the motors, causing them to spin and move the door accordingly.

These motors are activated by a switch connected to a tumbler mechanism, a type of locking mechanism that can be opened and closed by turning a dial or lever.

Closing Action

When closing, this tumbler locks into notches inside the electric motor shaft to hold it in place, allowing it to turn at high speeds without moving up along its tracks. Once it has reached its lowest position, a pin will push against an opposite notch causing two triggers inside the motor unit to activate, activating both relays and switches as well as wirelessly sending signals over their antennae to close any remaining circuits. A set of springs will also lock into place on each side of the garage doors header to hold them up in place.

Opening Action

When opening, the reverse order of these events takes place. When the motor turns in a counterclockwise direction, it will push against its spring-loaded latch mechanism inside the garage door header and lift both edges of it before pressing down on one side of the gate's springs and locking into place on top of its tracks. It will then need to be moved manually using hand wheels located at either side or pushed back by hand using the door's internal springs, via a cable that runs from within the unit to an external pull handle.

Signs You Need Professional Garage Door Opener Repairs

• Your Door Is Making Strange Noises -- When your garage door opens or closes, there should be an even hum based on the type of opener you have. If it starts making louder and quieter noises, creaking sounds, or just won't open or close at all, then you need garage door opener repair.
• Overheating -- Usually, garage doors don't get hot to the touch, but if they do, that can be a sign of potential problems with the opener system attached to them. Your door is well insulated and covers up whatever else may be causing it to heat up, including the motor. Any signs of overheating mean you need garage door opener repair.
• The Motor Is Rattling or Making Strange Noises -- If your garage door opener is rumbling loudly or making odd noises, that could be a similar sign of impending problems with the motor. The same goes for if it's making strange grinding noises when it opens/closes. This is a sign you need garage door repairs.
• Buttons Are Not Working -- Occasionally, things can happen, and the buttons on your remote can get stuck, the batteries run out, or even get damaged by moisture.

Other common signs that you need repair include the door won't open at all, it opens but then closes automatically, it opens too quickly with no warning, or it doesn't open or close all the way.

Get Trustworthy Garage Door Opener Repair Today

Our garage door repair team is always ready, willing, and able to fix any issues that come up with your garage door or opener system. From making sure everything looks nice and works perfectly to giving you tips for keeping your remote working at its best for years to come, we do it all!