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All you need to know about electric garage doors

24th November 2021

More and more homeowners are opting for electric (automated) garage doors, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Electric garage doors provide ultimate convenience, are generally more secure, and have a wide range of state-of-the-art control options, including key fobs, in-vehicle remotes, or even IoT technology, allowing you to control your garage door via your smartphone.

Can any style of garage door be automated?

Yes. Any type of garage door can be modified to open automatically. As a garage door specialist, at Garage Doors London, we install some of the industry’s highest-quality garage door automation mechanisms, each of which allows the smooth, safe, and energy-efficient operation of any type of garage door you choose from our varied range.

What type of electric garage door is best for me?

The type of electric garage door you choose depends on various factors, including the type of garage you have, the available roof space, the space at the front of your garage, as well as the overall look you’d like to achieve. To help you make the choice, check out the list below.

4 types of electric garage doors

1- Up and Over electric garage doors

The up and over electric garage door is one of the most recognisable and most popular electric garage doors available. With a sprung hinge mechanism located on the side-wall allowing the door to retract into the garage, this type of electric garage door is ideal if you don’t have a lot of available opening space at the front of your garage.

2- Side-hinged electric garage doors

If you’re looking for a more classic design for your garage door, then the side-hinged electric garage door is for you. Available in a variety of materials, this type of garage door is simple to automate and is perfect if your garage roof space is being used for storage.

3- Sectional electric garage doors

Constructed in horizontal sections, a sectional electric garage door opens along runners fixed to the side walls. This design allows for easy and low-powered automation, and because it doesn’t protrude at the front of the garage, it's perfect if you have a slope into your garage restricting opening space.

4- Roller shutter electric garage doors

Electric roller shutter garage doors retract into a neat, horizontal unit at the top of your garage door. This design means that no roof space is required for runners, automation is simple, and the door is easy to lift in the event of a power failure.

How are garage doors automated?

Garage doors, whether they’re existing garage doors or new garage doors, are automated in various ways (depending on the type of garage door) by the mechanism which will usually consist of an electric motor, a control mechanism, and an opening mechanism, such as a swing arm or a hydraulic operator.

Are electric garage doors safe?

Yes, as long as you’ve had your electric garage door installed by a reputable garage door specialist, your electric garage door will have a CE mark. This means it meets the regulations outlined in the European harmonised product standard BS EN 13241-1, a standard ensuring the electric garage door is:

  • Safe for everyday use
  • Has a proactive response to objects it detects
  • Is integrated with systems to prevent it from suddenly dropping

Garage Doors, Hertfordshire

If you’re looking for a garage door specialist in Hertfordshire, look no further than Garage Doors London. Based in Harpenden, we have over 50 years of experience in supplying and installing all types of garage doors to commercial and domestic properties throughout the whole area, and much further afield.