How to Transform a Manual Garage Door into an Automatic Garage Door

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ALL Garage Doors and Gates automatic garage door installation

Are you tired of getting out of your car to open and close your garage door every time you park in your driveway? If so, you may be considering converting your manual garage door into an automatic one. Converting a manual garage door into an automatic one is a straightforward process that can be completed in as little as one day. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps involved in converting a manual garage door into an automatic one. We will also discuss the benefits of having an automatic garage door.

New Garage Door

Buy a conversion kit

The first step in converting your manual garage door into an automatic one is to purchase a conversion kit. These kits can be purchased at most home improvement stores or online. Be sure to purchase a kit that is compatible with your garage door openerThe kit will include two pieces of equipment: a sensor and a motor unit. The sensor is attached to the bottom of the door, while the motor unit is attached to the top of the door. The sensor detects when the door has been opened or closed and sends this information to the motor unit, which then activates and opens or closes the door accordingly.

Types of conversion kits

There are two types of conversion kits available on the market: chain-drive and belt-drive. Chain-drive conversion kits are less expensive but they are also louder than belt-drive conversion kits. If noise is a concern, we recommend purchasing a belt-drive conversion kit.

  1. Chain-drive conversion kit – A chain-drive conversion kit is a less expensive option than a belt-drive conversion kit. It is also louder than a belt-drive conversion kit.
  2. Belt-drive conversion kit – A belt-drive conversion kit is a more expensive option than a chain-drive conversion kit, but it is also quieter. If noise is a concern, we recommend purchasing a belt-drive conversion kit.

Install the opener bracket

This bracket will be mounted on the header above the garage door. Use the screws that are included in the kit to secure the opener bracket in place. Then, install the chain and cable. The chain connects to one end of the cable, while a pulley connects to the other end. The pulley is connected to a spring-loaded arm that allows it to move up or down when you pull on the chain.

Connect the cable to your door opener’s trolley system. Lift up on your garage door and remove any screws or bolts holding it in place, then replace them with longer ones provided by your manufacturer. Connect these longer screws into holes that were previously covered by brackets holding your old garage door springs and cables in place — these holes are now visible after removing your old springs and cables since they no longer have anything holding them in place.

Install the trolley

The next step is to install the trolley. This is the component that will move the garage door up and down. The trolley attaches to the opener bracket with a pin. Once the trolley is in place, attach the garage door chain to it. The chain must be attached to both sides of the trolley and can only be installed one way. The chain should not be loose or too tight. It should fit comfortably around your hand when pulling on it. 

Install the safety sensors

 The safety sensors are the most important part of your automatic garage door. Without them, you risk having your door close on anything that is in its way. Or even worse, on someone who is standing by the door. Safety sensors are required on all automatic garage doors. These sensors detect when something is in the way of the door and prevents it from closing. The kit you purchased will include instructions on how to properly install the sensors. The safety sensors are usually installed near the edge of the garage door, but you may need to drill into your garage walls if this is not possible.

Connect the opener to a power source

The next step is to connect your door opener to a power source. Most openers plug into a standard outlet. Once your opener is plugged in, you are ready to test it out. Turn on the power source at the breaker box and press the remote control button to see if your garage door opens and closes. If so, then you are all set! If not, check that all wires are connected properly. Make sure that the circuit breaker is turned back on after testing.

Connect the automatic garage door opener to your car's remote control system

The final step is to connect your garage door opener to your car’s remote control system. This can be done by following the instructions that came with your opener. You may need to purchase a special adapter that allows you to connect your garage door opener with your car’s remote control system. If you’re using an older model, you may need to replace its battery with a newer one. Once you’re all set up, you’ll be able to open and close your garage door from inside the car without having to get out.

Test the automatic garage door opener

Once you have completed all of the steps above, it is time to test out your new automatic garage door opener. Park your car in the driveway and press the button on your car’s remote control system. The door should open automatically. If it does not, go back and check all of the connections to make sure they are secure. To make sure that this system will work in your home, try opening and closing the garage door several times before installing a sensor on each side of the door opening. This way, if one sensor stops working, you will still be able to open and close your door manually by pressing its button.

Garage Door Repair

Benefits of having an automatic garage door

Having an automatic garage door is a great convenience, but there are many benefits to having one as well. Here are the many benefits of having an automatic garage door:

Increased security

The automatic garage door is a much safer choice than its manual counterpart. You’ll never have to worry about leaving your car out in the open again, especially if you’re not home! It’s also worth noting that there are many safety benefits to automatic garage doors. For example, they can be equipped with sensors that detect when someone has entered or exited the garage. When this happens, the door will close automatically so no one is left in harm’s way.

The best part is that these sensors can be customized so that only certain people can access your garage. Or no one at all. This feature is especially useful if you live in an apartment complex with shared parking spaces and want to make sure that only your guests or family members can enter your garage.

Convenience

Imagine the convenience of never having to get out of your car when coming home! The new remote-open feature on your garage door openers means you can just press a button and let yourself in with ease. With the latest technology, it’s easier than ever to control your garage door from the palm of your hand. Now you can start your car’s engine while still in the driveway, press a button on your keychain remote control, and let yourself into the garage without ever having to get out of the car.

Energy efficiency

Automatic garage doors are often better insulated than manual ones, which can help reduce energy costs.

Accessibility

Automatic doors also tend to be more energy efficient than manual models because they’re insulated better and don’t need to be left open for air circulation. Insulation helps reduce energy loss from your home. This can save you money on heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. You may also want to consider adding insulation around any windows or doors in your garage if they aren’t already insulated.

Automatic garage door openers are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They make it so much easier to get your car in and out of the garage, especially when you have a lot of stuff to carry. Not only that, but they also keep your car safe from thieves and bad weather. If you’re thinking about converting your manual garage door into an automatic one, we can help. Our team at ALL Garage Doors and Gates in North Hollywood is highly experienced in installing automatic garage door openers and more and can guarantee top-notch customer service and get the job done quickly and efficiently. Contact us today at (747)261-0570 to learn more!

ALL Garage Doors and Gates is family owned in the heart of North Hollywood, CA with years of experience in the garage door and gate industry. Taking the experience and knowledge with each year that passes, our company has one goal: building our client long term relationships ethically and professionally. 

Trust in our professionals that we will go above and beyond to manufacture the perfect new garage door or gate for your home. All our repair services come with warranties and you can be sure you are in good hands. We will do all we can to make sure you are fully satisfied with our garage door and gate services.

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What Our Clients Say

Maya RozovMaya Rozov
19:22 25 Mar 22
We absolutely love our garage door! We’re slowly updating and remodeling our house and this is by far one of the best experiences we’ve had with a vendor! They provided not only the best price, but the team was so professional, nice, easy to work with, accommodating and also funny and enjoyable to work with! We will definitely be using them again for when we replace our gate and I will highly recommend them to anyone who needs a garage door or gate in the future!!
sharon kaufmansharon kaufman
23:52 24 Mar 22
I had the most amazing experience with All Garage Doors and Gates!!! I had an emergency with my garage door where it almost dropped down on my car. A part was loose and the emergency lever was loose. I called them right away and Aidan was at my home within the hour. I can't believe how quickly he was able to help and fix the broken part. He is kind, compassion and a pleasure to be around. I will be calling him right away when I have any other issues going forward. I highly recommend this Garage Door company. Amazing service and super caring people!!!!
Marian EmmaMarian Emma
01:46 01 Mar 22
Best company to call for help when the garage door is stuck. Eli came out within an hour in the evening time and changed out the broken springs. He also checked out the other parts of the door and the opener to make sure everything was working fine. Gave me tips on caring for the springs in the future. Very honest and great pricing.
Paige ParkerPaige Parker
15:54 25 Jan 22
The whole experience was great. They arrived came up with a plan to work with my low ceiling Garage door and provided the quote quickly. Once I gave the go ahead the door arrived sooner than expected and installation was great. I would definitely use them again. As a plus, more professional and less expensive than the other quote I got.I will use them agai.
Eran HEran H
22:21 11 Jan 22
Thank you ALL Garage Doors and Gates. I live out of state and Dana and her crew have always taken care of my garage door repair issues on my properties. Never had a worry and always a perfect job! Best garage door repair company in North Hollywood - highly recommend them on.. very reliable and professional 👍
MJ MadisonMJ Madison
19:27 03 Jan 22
My experience with ALL Garage has been fantastic. Dana was very responsive and easy to work with. She was very understanding with all my changes. I really had a hard time just getting a quote from other companies. I don't understand why some companies would take the trouble to send someone out and not just send a quote. I was super happy with this company. They were happy to clarify things with me about the project and made sure I understood the scope of work. Thank You ALL GARAGE DOORS and GATES!!
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