Did you know you have the choice between an automatic garage door or a manual one? Even though automatic doors dominate the streets in our neighborhoods these days, don’t count out the manual (non-electric) option. When you are shopping for a new garage door, weigh the pros and cons of each.
Maintenance
Automatic: There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to automatic doors, such as the seals, torsion springs, photo-eye sensors, and more. For the garage door to work efficiently and avoid future damage, each part needs regular maintenance. Your maintenance checklist would include:
- Checking the seals, making sure no sunlight is peaking through the edges when you are inside your garage.
- Replacing the batteries in your remotes. An easy thing to do, but if not properly replaced they can keep you on the wrong side of your garage door.
- Spring repair, it’s best to schedule a checkup with your locally trusted garage door experts, like us, to ensure your springs are in working order.
And that’s to just list a few things. When you’re considering an automatic garage door, don’t forget to factor in the added maintenance time and costs.
Manual: Less parts means less maintenance. Unlike automatic garage doors, manual doors don’t have elaborate electric mechanisms as part of their system. Instead, the only maintenance to look out for is making sure the parts that should slide, like the rollers, slide! With a little lubrication, your door will be as good as new, saving you money and time.
Convenience
Automatic: Imagine driving home after a long day of work in the rain. When you pull into your driveway, you notice the rain has turned into snow (because that’s how weather works in the Midwest!). Instead of making a mad dash in the weather to your house, you push one button on your remote. Your automatic garage door opens with ease, allowing you to avoid the weather conditions. So, just sit in your car and watch the magic happen.
Manual: Unfortunately, manual doors lack the convenience factor. Every time you come home after work, you need to unlock the padlock and heave the door open. This can become cumbersome in poor weather conditions, or impossible if you lack the physical strength to open the door. But one convenience to consider is that manual doors are less likely to break down. With the simplicity of their construction and less moving parts, you won’t get stuck outside!
Security & Safety
Automatic: Your garage door is the biggest entrance into your home, so you want to make sure it is safe and secure. With an automatic garage door, there could be several ways someone could trespass:
- Your remote control for your garage door can be stolen.
- Your keypad could get hacked.
- Someone can damage your door panel to get in.
If an uninvited guest were to trespass, they would have access to anything in your garage, or worse, access to inside your home. However, where an automatic door lacks in security, it excels in safety! There are several integrated safety mechanisms in your garage door. Such as photo-eye sensors, automatic reversal, and more.
Manual: On the other hand, manual garage doors are made from different paneling than automatic doors. This makes manual doors more durable and difficult for others to break through. Also, there aren’t any electronic pieces that can be manipulated. Instead, manual doors have a key that you have. Manual garage doors also don’t run the risk of a power outage accidentally opening the door, like automatic doors can.
Cost
Automatic: With all the electrical components of an automatic door system, it’s no surprise that it costs more than a manual. Another factor to consider is the added maintenance costs to ensure every part works. Yes, it is a lot of money, but if you are going to sell your home soon, automatic garage doors add value to your house and have a higher return on investment.
Manual: Manual doors are affordable and easy to take care of, saving you lots of money. The only negative to consider is the resale value. Most people these days appreciate the convenience and safety features automatic doors offer over the security and ease of maintenance of manual doors.
We Are Ready to Help
If initial costs are a top priority when searching for a new garage door, maybe consider a manual garage door. If you prefer convenience, an automatic door would be best. Whatever you choose, our experts are ready to help!
