Frequently
Asked
Questions

Garage Door FAQs

Aluminum doors (injected with urethane, 1 ¾­” thick doors) offer the advantage of being lighter (compare to a steel door) and therefore tend to be easier on their opening mechanism. In the long run, great savings can be made on maintenance costs since the mechanism will last longer. Other advantage: high resistance to salt air. However, when it comes to doors measuring 3,6 m (12 ft.) wide or less, there is little difference between aluminum and steel. Finally, remember that aluminum is recyclable.

In order to install torsion-spring hardware, we recommend a clearance of 12 in. (305 mm). On the other hand, if there is only 4 ¾ in. (121 mm) to 12 in. (304 mm) available, it is best to use a dual-track system designed for low headroom. When equipping a garage door with an electric door opener, add 2 in. (51 mm) to standard lift movements. For low-headroom system, you do not need the additional 2 in. (51 mm).

 

Torsion1Extension2
HeadroomOperation typeHeadroomOperation type
0″ à 4 ¾”Not possible (lower the headboard of door)0″ à 4 ¾”Not possible (lower the headboard of door)
4 ¾” à 12″

 

Low Headroom (double track system)4 ¾” à 8 ½”

 

Low Headroom (double track system)
12″ and higherStandard (12″ radius)38 ½” and higherStandard (10″ radius)

Conversion: 1 in. = 25.4 mm

1. Environmental Door recommends the use of torsion springs for improved door operation and increased safety.

2. Environmental Door recommends the use of safety cables with extension springs for more security.

3. You can order a 15 inches radius with torsion springs operation.

IMPORTANT: If an electric operator is being used, add 2 inches (51 mm) to headroom required to Standard lift operation.

Are you leaning toward buying a wood garage door because of its look and warmth that it brings to your home’s exterior? It is an excellent choice. Did you know that you can get the same result with a metal door from Garaga?

We are knowledgeable of all types of doors, whether they’re in wood or metal. Just like metal garage doors, there are various levels of quality found in wood garage doors on the market, from the most economic to the top of the line with custom carvings on the door. In any case, to keep its beautiful finish, a wood garage door requires regular maintenance from its owner.

But before you go any further, ask yourself if it’s a country, traditional or even modern style you are looking for or, is it the natural aspect and type of wood.

It depends of the use… Would you like to build a garage attached to your house, a garage in your backyard, or even a garden shed? We carry garage door models from 4 to 20 feet wide, to the nearest inch, so you will find the size you want.

Let’s start with the different options:

Single garage door:
  • For an approximately 12’ x 22’ detached garage or one attached to your house, the most common width is 8 or 9 feet. As for the height, it is 7 or 8 feet. However, in terms of height, it can go up to 12 feet to accommodate an RV.
  • The ideal size for an 8’ x 14’ garden shed is a 6’ x 6’6″ garage door.
Double garage door:
  • For an approximately 18’ x 24’ detached garage or one attached to your house, the most common width is 16 feet. For height, we are talking about 7 or 8 feet. Depending on your needs, the height can go up to 10 feet.
A question of DESIGN:
  • When you have a double garage door and it is on the front of your home, the door becomes a major element of your home’s design. By putting 2 doors, you put less emphasis on them, giving more balance between the garage doors and the rest of the house. It is all a question of taste.
A question of PRATICALITY:
  • If your 16-foot-wide door cannot open, two cars could be stuck in your garage. It’s almost impossible for the same situation to arise if there are 2 doors.
  • If you live in a place where winters are frigid, opening a double garage door lets more cold air into the garage, quickly dropping the interior temperature. Less cold air enters if you only open a single door.
A difference in COST:
  • The price for two single doors comes to practically the same as for a double door. This being said, if you want electric openers on both doors, obviously two openers will cost more than a single one.

Before we get down to talking about the price per square foot for a commercial garage door, it’s important to determine your needs. If the lowest price is foremost, you risk paying for many service calls by underestimating your actual needs.

To assist you, here are the points you need to analyze before going any further with your project.

Clearly identify your needs

For your construction or renovation project to be a success, clearly identify your needs. What you are looking for above all else based on your purchasing criteria:

  • A product that combines strength and durability and that won’t break down every 3 months?
  • Better insulation and weather-tightness of your whole garage door system?
  • A product that needs the least possible maintenance, especially one that doesn’t need painting?
  • A very functional and economical door that fits the budget you’ve set?
The door itself:
  • Is your building insulated? Almost 95% of commercial garage doors are 1 ¾” thick and insulated with polyurethane foam, ensuring an R-16 thermal resistance factor.
The windows:
  • Are you looking to maximize natural lighting as much as possible?
  • Or instead, just a small opening (ex.: 21″ x 8″) because security is important?
The hardware:
  • The more use your door will get, the stronger and more durable your hardware should be.
  • Spring system: most spring systems carried by garage door dealers are rated for 10,000 cycles (1 cycle = 1 opening + 1 closing). If you think you’ll be using your garage door over 25 times a day, opt for spring rated for more cycles, like between 25,000 and 100,000 cycles.
  • Lift type: it is very important to have the garage door open as close as possible to the ceiling, freeing up space so you avoid having the track system interfere with your daily operations.
  • Accessories: there is an extensive choice depending on your application. However, one of them can prove invaluable. For your loading dock doors (ex.: 8′ x 8′ 6″), that are manually operated, an investment that you’ll never regret is to install C-shaped bumpers at the end of vertical tracks. How many times has someone opened the door with a little too much muscle, just to have the rollers come off the track…

Electric garage door openers

  • If there is one item where the price varies from one quote to another, it has to be the door openers .
  • First of all, the voltage: 115, 220, 550 volts? Here is our advice: the more use your door gets, the higher the voltage should be. Between a 115 or 220 V, take the 220 V.
  • Horsepower: ½, ¾ or 1 HP? A door opener only replaces manual effort, meaning ½ HP is sufficient for small doors while ¾ HP is recommended for larger ones (ex.: 14’ x 14’).
  • Central or side located opener? All high-lift or full vertical-lift types require Jackshaft (on the side) openers. If you select a Jackshaft opener, equip it with a chain hoist.
  • The accessories: once again, the choice is varied, as is the price! Your safety and that of your employees comes first. For the rest, clearly explain your situation to a garage door expert to get the best advice.

To begin with, it is important to understand that since 1993 in the US, and 1994 in Canada, all residential door openers have come with two reversal systems for your increased safety.

  • The first one is mechanical: if the bottom section of descending door hits an object, the motor detects the resistance and the door reverses.
  • The second is photoelectric: it consists of two units installed about 4 inches from the floor, on each side of the door. One unit emits an infrared beam, invisible to the naked eye. The other unit is a reflector. If something breaks the beam while the door is closing, the opener motor automatically reverses direction and opens the door.

It could be the case that your current door opener doesn’t have a photoelectric reversal system based on when you bought it. You cannot add one to it because it wasn’t designed to have this option added.

It all depends on the thickness of the steel. This point deserves special attention. If we express the thickness in thousandths of an inch, higher is better. If expressed in gauge, the lower the number, the thicker the steel. For instance, 20 gauge steel is thicker than 24 gauge. Ask for the thickness of the steel on both sides, exterior and interior.

Another important consideration is the type of impact. If a car hits a garage door at 6 mph, it will heavily damage the door, whether it is covered in steel or aluminum.

We carry several wireless exterior keypads ( 377LM, 387LM, 877LM, 877MAX) meant to simplify your life. No longer will you need to enter your house in order to operate the door from the wall control panel.

A keypad works just like a remote control transmitter (remote control).

This type of keypad is very useful if you have a shed or a detached garage where you cannot install an access door (width of 36″ / 91 cm).

For LiftMaster, Chamberlain and Craftsman (Sears) electric garage door openers, we can supply you with the exterior keypad that corresponds to the model of motor you have.

For peace of mind and to learn which keypad is compatible with which model of door opener, contact us.

Temporary password, exterior keypad, wireless, 377LM

Access your garage and house without needing to use a key or remote control.

Keypad, exterior, 877LM

Our universal wireless entry is designed to work with a wide range of garage door opener brands to enable convenient and safe access to your garage and your home.

Keypad, exterior, 877LM

Open or close your garage door without using a remote control or key. This keyless entry opens the door using a private 4-digit code you directly program into the device.

Exterior keypad, digital, 4-digit code, PIN, 877MAX

This exterior keypad enables you to open or close your garage door without using a remote control or key. Plus, it works with all LiftMaster garage door openers made since 1993.

Programming is easy, just like your remote control transmitter (remote control). 

Replacement Batteries

If you have a LiftMaster, Chamberlain or Mastercraft keypad, you need a 9-volt, rectangular battery. We have these batteries in inventory at our store.

If your door opener is from Stanley, Genie, Linear, or Wayne-Dalton, there is a way to install a “universal” wireless keypad, the 387LM. If you have another brand of door opener, LiftMaster products are not compatible. If you are at all unsure, bring your remote control with a photo of your door opener to us at our store. We will then be able to evaluate whether a wireless exterior keypad can be added to your system.

Yes… if you have a LiftMaster brand door opener. The KPW250 keypad is compatible with Security+ 2.0, Security+ and Linear Multi-Code 300 MHz technologies, up to 25 activations per day. It is powered by a 9-volt lithium battery and can keep up to 250 codes in memory. It has a blue back-lit keypad that is easy to read in low light conditions. With its electronics fully sealed and meeting NEMA 4X water protection requirements, it is an excellent choice for damp locations.

When speaking about sectional garage doors for residential use, we picture doors with widths varying between 8 and 16 feet (2.4 and 4.9 m) and a height between 6 ½ and 8 feet (2.0 and 2.4 m). We also have a pretty good idea of how many times they’re used a day.

When comparing those to commercial or industrial doors, it’s more than just the size that is different; it’s how they are used that really separates the two types of doors. For instance, a loading dock door, 8’ 6’’ by 8’ 6’’ (2.6 x 2.6 m) may open 50 times a day and be surrounded by heavy forklift traffic. As well, It goes without saying that it may be hit much more easily than a residential door of the same size. So let’s go over the major areas where commercial doors and residential doors differ.

In terms of the door itself

Whether or not residential garage doors are insulated, their thickness is most often between 1 3/8″ and 2″ (35 and 51 mm). Based on the level of insulation a homeowner is looking for, insulated garage doors use either polystyrene or polyurethane insulation.

For commercial doors, their thicknesses range between 1 3/8″ and 3″ (35 and 76 mm), and most of them are insulated (polystyrene or polyurethane). As to what building owners are first and foremost looking for, “strength and energy efficiency” are most often mentioned. Additionally, polyurethane has the property of strongly adhering to the door walls, making sections stiffer and resistant to bending, opposed to a non-insulated door.

As for door designs, clearly residential doors provide consumers with the most choices, both in wood and in metal. For commercials doors, door design isn’t as important, hence the number of designs is rather limited. Lastly, there are all-glass doors, with panoramic windows, such as those found at car dealerships, service stations and vehicle repair shops.

The hardware

This is where a greater difference is seen. The more a sectional door is used, the more the mechanism behind the door has to be powerful and efficient. Certainly, the size of the door affects this. A bigger and hence heavier door requires hardware to hold it that is stronger and more solid.

One area where this is demonstrated is in the tracks. Residential doors use 2-inch (51-mm) hardware, meaning the tracks and the rollers that fit in them are this size. For commercial doors, either 2- or 3-inch (51- or 76 mm) hardware is used. As for the thickness of the steel used in the tracks, since residential doors are used less often, the metal is not as thick as that used for commercial doors.

A difference is also apparent in the spring system (also known as counterbalance system). For this component, along with the size, hence weight difference, of a door, there is also the number of open and close cycles per day to consider. For instance, a loading dock door may be used between 25 and 50 times a day, justifying a heavier duty spring (25 to 100,000 cycles) than for a residential door (10,000 cycles) that may only be used twice a day.

Another difference is found when we talk about the lift type of the door. The vast majority of residential doors use standard or low-headroom lift types. On the other hand, for commercial doors, depending on door height and the total clearance over the door, we find not only standard lift, but high lift and full vertical lift types.

There are other components for commercial doors that are related to frequency of use, but very often this is based on the business avoiding both downtime from malfunctioning doors and expensive repairs from prematurely worn hardware parts.

The electric garage door opener

Another significant difference is based on the effectiveness of the frequent openings and closings of commercial doors. So while the size for residential openers is either ½ or ¾ HP, commercial openers vary between ½ and 1 HP.

In addition, in North America, in terms of electrical power, commercial door openers are connected to 115, 220 or 575-volt systems while residential openers are exclusively powered by 115 volts.

There are also several accessories that commercial garage doors may need, especially to ensure safe operation.

Are there other types of commercial or industrial doors?

Although sectional doors account for more than 75% of the commercial and industrial garage door market, there are also rolling steel doors, that can be used as fire doors to separate two interior areas of a building, and high speed doors in PVC. Sectional doors are notably used for their thermal insulating properties.

The cost…

Certainly, when we require a high level of performance from a commercial door, this affects the initial cost of the door. Commercial and industrial garage doors must be designed to stand the test of time. Their durability depends in large part on the quality of the hardware and other components, as well as the electric garage door opener and any of its accessories. 

The choice is then left to the building owner when the time comes to buy a door. Solid and sturdy components may have a higher initial cost, yet lower priced ones may require more maintenance and repairs over the lifetime of the door. Paying a little more to get reliable operation versus risking downtime due to an out of order door are the situations to evaluate.

Yes, and it’s much better than having a magnetic card or key system. We recommend the KPW250 keypad.

Not if you have a LiftMaster, Chamberlain or Mastercraft brand keypad. These keypads come with rolling codes .

Recently, LiftMaster / Chamberlain has offered the MyQ system which is very safe, allowing you to open or close your garage door by using an Internet application (IOS, Google Play or Android) on your computer, tablet or smart phone.

Window FAQs

Ask the installer to provide you with the owner’s manual for the door, and for the electric operator, if applicable. Keep them safe for future reference. Take the time to read them to find out more about your new equipment and the maintenance it requires. Have questions? Contact Environmental Door at 616-453-0164

Yes you can.

To get started, you need to determine the type of door you have:

  • A sandwich-type with polyurethane foam insulation?
  • A sandwich-type with polystyrene insulation?
  • Non-insulated?

Based on the type of door you have, certain window models and sizes are available.

Depending on why you want to add windows, here are some tips for choosing their location.

  • If you are looking to maintain a level of privacy or security while letting in daylight, the top section is the best location.
  • If you want windows for looking outside or inside the garage, the 3rd section if the right spot. If this location is what you prefer but you also want privacy, request mirror or dark gray tinted panes, as with these you can see outside well but it is difficult to look in.

Certainly. Homeowners often want to coordinate the window model of their house and entry door with that of their garage door, particularly when the garage door is on the front of the house. As an example, if the windows in your entry door have Georgian-style grids, you can match them with those in your garage door.

Based on the quantity and type of windows you select, you need to know that this addition will disrupt your spring system which acts as a counterweight. We calibrate all spring systems with a maximum variation of +/- 5% of the total weight of the door, meaning you should plan for the additional cost of readjusting your spring system.

If your door weighs around 125 lb. (57 kg) and you add a row of windows to the top section, say four 21″ x 13″ (53 x 33 cm) windows, the door will become unbalanced and the spring system must be readjusted. Don’t tell yourself this isn’t important, and it’s the opener that opens and closes the door.A door opener only replaces human strength. A well-balanced door weighs only about 8 to 10 lb. (approx. 4 kg), easy enough to be lifted with one hand.

In addition, in order to not weaken the structure of the door sections, there are some limitations regarding window size. Last, when a complete row of windows is installed in the top section, this section must be reinforced when an electric door opener is connected there. We add a reinforcement bar along the entire width of the door.

It happens, when a garage is very humid and in cold weather, that condensation can form on the windows.

What are the reasons?

  • Garaga garage doors are very well insulated and weathertight because of their effective weatherstripping at the bottom, between sections, and around the perimeter of the door.
  • If there is condensation on the windows and at the intersection of the sections, it’s a sign that the level of humidity is very high in your garage. To see for yourself, place a hygrometer (an instrument for measuring humidity in the air) in the garage for 24 hours and you will see that the humidity is at least 50%, maybe more.
  • It is also clear that in winter, when you park your car in the garage, any snow that has accumulated in and around the fenders will raise the humidity in your garage.

How can I lower the humidity?

  • If you have a heating system in operation, stop it.
  • Open your garage door about 2 inches (60 cm) or more, depending on the weather.
  • The lower the outside humidity, the faster the interior humidity will draw out. Ideally, based on the exterior temperature, leave the door open about an hour.
  • Examine other sources that could cause humidity (ex.: heating wood, washing machine).

Maintenance FAQs

Winter has its own unique problems that can occasionally cause our garage door systems to malfunction. The garage doors that Environmental Door installs are the highest quality, most resistant materials, but even these systems are not immune to the effects of extreme temperatures.

The metal components of garage door systems contract when freezing which overtaxes the opener especially if your garage isn’t insulated. Your electric door opener is under even more stress if it is confronted with a garage door stuck in the ice.

Another contributing factor to a door frozen shut is a high level of humidity in the garage.

How to prevent this situation

  • Open and close your garage door at least once a day. This helps keep the door from sticking to the threshold and ice from forming between any metal components.
  • Shovel or sweep away any snow that builds up in front of your garage door. Do this as soon as there is any precipitation, so that snow doesn’t accumulate or ice form.
  • Make sure winter has no unpleasant surprises in store for you by having regular maintenance performed on your garage door throughout the year.
  • Apply a silicon-based lubricant to the weather seal at the bottom of your door to stop it from sticking to the cold ground.

And what if my door is stuck in ice?

Most definitely DO NOT use your electric garage door opener to operate your door if it is stuck in ice. This can seriously damage the motor and require the replacement of several parts of the door opener. Here is what you should do:

  • Disengage the opener from the garage door by pulling down on the red emergency release cord.
  • If applicable, remember to unlock the side lock attached to the inside of the door.
  • Also, where necessary, deactivate the lock button found on the wall control panel located near the access door to your house.
  • Take a look around the interior of your garage and inspect your garage door system to assure yourself that no metal components are broken or frozen together.
  • Carefully try to open your garage door by hand to check if you can free it from the ice.

How to get rid of the ice

  • If the door is really stuck in the ice, use a hammer along with a piece of 2X4 to tap the bottom of the door gently to loosen it from the ice. Once free, lift the door so it stays open by itself at about 4 feet (1.2 m) from the ground.
  • Use a scraper to remove any patches or lumps of ice remaining on the threshold of the door.
  • If needed, use a hairdryer to help melt the ice faster. Be careful not to hold the dryer in the same place for an extended period. Another possibility is to drizzle hot water on the ice. Once the ice has melted, quickly dry the threshold with a clean rag.

The required number of cycles is calculated by determining the average number of operating cycles per day, multiplying this figure by 250 days, and then multiplying the result by 10 years (the useful life of a garage door).

The choice of the torsion spring is made according to the number of cycles thus obtained. You can choose from 25 000, 50 000, 75 000, or 100 000 cycles. It is good to note, however, that door width may limit this choice. So ask that the springs have a maximum number of cycles based on the movement type of the door.

It often happens that the garage is below a room in a condo or apartment building where the noise of the door opening and closing may cause a problem.

What can you do?

Here are some basic tips if the building is constructed in wood.

  • Change the steel rollers for nylon rollers
  • Choose an opener with a belt drive instead of a chain drive
  • If you already have an opener with a chain drive, you can get a vibration isolator kit.
  • A torsion-type spring will be less noisy and the choice of an aluminum door (lighter door) will reduce the noise.

Finally we advise you to do regular lubrication of the rollers and the tracks. If the building is concrete-based, noise transmission is even more significant. Here is a text from the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) that proposes a practical solution: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/publications/en/rh-pr/tech/99110.htm

This is an obvious sign that beam of your photoelectric reversal system is out of alignment. Simply reposition one of the two units. If you have a wall control panel (and not a door bell), you will notice a flashing indicator light. By repositioning one of the two units, this light will stop flashing.

Also, it could happen that, based on the orientation of your garage door compared to the sun, this could affect the correct operation of the photoelectric system. For a short period of time, when the sun’s rays hit the receptor unit of the photoelectric system, the system will be affected so that it reacts like an object is passing in the beam. In this case, your door will not close. The solution: reverse the two units so that the receptor isn’t in the sun, or install a shield to stop the sun from interfering with the operation of the beam.

Read more about the maintenance to perform on your door opener.

Ask the installer to provide you with the owner’s manual for the door, and for the electric operator, if applicable. Keep them safe for future reference. Take the time to read them to find out more about your new equipment and the maintenance it requires. Make sure you keep the Environmental Door’s phone number handy – 616-453-0164.

Maybe. Whether what you currently have on your door is made in one piece (base + U‑shaped weatherstripping) or in two (PVC or aluminum base + U‑shaped weatherstripping), we have the replacement parts you need. In addition, it would be our pleasure to give you some tips to make the installation easier.

We carry different types of high quality and effective bottom weatherstripping for whatever type of garage door you have: residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural.

Bottom weatherstripping with PVC retainer

We have a U-shaped bottom weather seal mounted in an extruded PVC retainer. The weather seal is made of T.P.E. (thermoplastic elastomer) and it ensures the water-tightness of the threshold. It remains flexible and watertight in the coldest weather, down to -62°F (-52°C).

Bottom weatherstripping with aluminum retainer

We also have a U-shaped bottom weather seal mounted in an aluminum retainer for heavy-duty use. The weather seal is made of T.P.E. (thermoplastic elastomer) and it ensures the water-tightness of the threshold. It remains flexible and watertight in the coldest weather, down to -62°F (-52°C).

Not all U‑shaped weatherstripping models are the same

We use products that stand up to harsh Michigan winters. To convince you of this, ask for a sample of weatherstripping that is more economic than what we carry, and put it in your freezer for 48 hours. Then take it out and examine the elasticity of the strip.

Perimeter weatherstripping care

We recommend reading the general instructions for maintenance of your garage door. Don’t forget an important point: U-shaped weatherstripping is made of PVC. Applying a petroleum-based lubricant will impair the effectiveness and elasticity of the weatherstripping. The petroleum affects the PVC by hardening it over time. Always use a silicone-based lubricant, like the one we carry in our store.

In all cases, it is best to equip the door with an electric garage door operator instead of pull cord or pull chain.

There are basically two categories of electric garage door operators: trolley (central) and jackshaft (wall-mounted). Since mid-2014, some operators come with the latest technology and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Additionally, when at all possible, install a three-phase motor with the highest voltage available.

If you choose to manually open and close your garage door, ask for a chain hoist when the height of the door exceeds 12 ft. (3.7 m).

Let’s approach this in 2 steps: first the window frame and then the glass surface itself.

Step 1: Window frames

  • This one-piece, seamless frame is made of polypropylene which doesn’t fade over time.
  • You can use the same product you use to clean the glass surface.
  • Use a soft cloth or a sponge.
  • Wash with a non-abrasive cleaner. Don’t use gas or paint thinner.

Step 2: Glass Surface

Regular glass, single or thermo-pane.
  • Use a mild detergent such as dishwashing detergent or the one you use to wash your car.
  • Alternately you can use a homemade water and vinegar mixture for cleaning.
  • Apply with a clean, soft cloth, a paper towel or a non-scouring sponge (nothing with an abrasive surface).
  • Do not use an abrasive cleaner as you risk scratching the glass.
Acrylic glass
  • Use the same instructions as for regular glass (above).
Window models with Decorative Inserts
  • A Decorative Insert is installed on the interior side of the window. It fits in a slot in the window frame.
  • Gently lift the insert, starting in one corner. There are 4 fasteners that hold it in place.
  • Clean the glass surface as for regular glass.
  • As for the insert itself, it is made of plastic. Clean it the same way as the window frame.
Polycarbonate (LEXAN)
  • Use a sponge with lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
  • Do not use abrasive or highly alkaline cleaners.
  • Never use a scraper, razor blade or other sharp instrument on the polycarbonate.
  • Don’t use gas or acetone.
  • Avoid cleaning in full sun or hot weather.
  • Rinse everything well, using a garden hose for large surfaces.

Very important:

Do not wash your garage door or its windows with pressure washer. Instead, use a garden hose. If you use a spray nozzle on your hose, use the light shower setting, not the strong direct jet.

Rollers, hinges, and all moving hardware should be lubricated with a metal lubricant.

For the tracks, you can also use a metal lubricant, mainly where the tracks curve. The same goes for the springs. Apply a metal lubricant and wipe off the excess with a cloth, thus lengthening the lifespan of your springs.

Never put grease on the tracks. Remember that rollers must “roll” and not slide in the tracks.

New technology has made it possible to open and close your garage door from your smartphone. Sounds interesting? Let us clear up some of the details.

Not all door openers can be controlled with a smartphone

First, you need to know that not every brand of garage door opener has this option. We’ll start by examining the most popular ones, LiftMaster, Chamberlain and Craftsman openers.

Keep one year in mind–1998. Why? That was the year the Chamberlain company and its trademarked LiftMaster and Craftsman brands, started offering its Security+ system.

How do know when a garage door opener was made? That’s easy to solve. Look on the metal housing of the motor and see written Security+, Security+ 2.0 and if it was manufactured after 2012, the MyQ logo. Alternatively, you can make sure by looking for the “Learn” button. It should be a yellow square, a purple square or a yellow circle. There should also be a sticker on the motor that will give you the opener model number and its date of manufacture.

If your opener isn’t one of the three brands mentioned previously, happily they design the MyQ application to be compatible with several brands of garage door openers that use rolling code technology. MyQ technology doesn’t work with garage door openers whose remotes use DIP switches (in +, 0 and –positions).

Here are the other brands of door openers that are compatible with MyQ:

  • Genie/Overhead Door: 315/390MHz – Intellicode 1 and Intellicode 2
  • Stanley: 310MHz – SecureCode
  • Wayne‑Dalton: 372.5MHz – KeeLoq
  • Linear: 318MHz – Megacode

Done! I can confirm my door opener was made after 1998

Here, we are still referring to the Chamberlain, LiftMaster and Craftsman brands. Take a step ladder and climb up and check the colour of the Learn button. Take off the plastic cap that protects the lightbulb and see if the button is:

  • Orange: then it’s a door opener made between 1996 and 2005, equipped with the Security+ system
  • Purple: a door opener made between 2006 and 2014, equipped with the Security+ system
  • After August 2012, the button is Yellow, and is equipped with the Security+ 2.0 system
  • And since August 2017, Wi-Fi (the logo is seen on the motor chassis) has been integrated into door openers in addition to having the Security+ 2.0 system. This button is also Yellow.

Note that the dates mentioned about are approximate. There could be a difference of a few months and they could superimpose one year over another.

Next, what else do I need?

Based on the model you have, here is how you can connect your garage door opener with the MyQ™ app. If you have a:

Door opener with only “Security+” mentioned:

You will need two accessories to be able to link your door opener to the MyQ app. One 888LM wall control panel. Be aware that this comes standard with the 8500C model, and one Internet Gateway (828LM).

Door opener with Security+ 2.0 and MyQ:

You will only need the Internet Gateway (828LM).

So, no more wondering, and now with MyQ technology, you will know if your garage door is open or not.

For your information, be aware that since August 2017, Chamberlain and LiftMaster door opener come equipped with MyQ technology and integrated Wi-Fi. With the Wi-Fi system, you can add peripheral devices like home lighting and also interact with the biggest name in integrated home technologies like Apple HomeKit and Google Home.

At the beginning of each season, give your door opener a checkup. First, make sure that your door opens and closes completely. If it cannot do this satisfactorily, refer to the instructions in the user’s manual or contact your Garaga dealer.

Next, disengage the door opener by pulling on the red cord. Open and close the door manually. The door must be balanced correctly. You should be able to operate it with only one hand. If excessive force is needed, either it is unbalanced or your spring no longer works. Here, contact us immediately to correct the situation.

Finally, check your automatic reverse safety system that uses photo sensor eyes located on each side of the door. Your door should automatically reverse direction if an object or a person comes between the sensors.

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Our generations of experience make us the premier garage door installers. Click here for more details.

We have over 50 years of experience to make us garage door experts! Click here for more details.

Our family garage door installation company has the generational experience to serve you! Click here for more details.

We are a family business that treats our employees as if they were a part of our family. Click here for more details.

Our team of professionals would love to help you before your garage door is beyond repair. Click here for more details.

Call us today or visit our showroom so we can start the process of installing your new garage door. Click here for more details.

We serve a wide area in West Michigan, north to Traverse City, and all the way south to Kalamazoo. Click here for more details.

Our garage door maintenance checklist will ensure that your door will last a long time. Click here for more details.

Our experienced technicians are here for your garage door repair and service. Click here for more details.

Environmental Door is the expert for a broken garage door spring repair. We are here to help! Click here for more details.

Springs are essential for a garage door to operate properly, and not have any issues. Click here for more details.

If you don’t have an electric opener then you will need to know how to manually open a garage door. Click here for more details.

We want to help you through the garage door process by starting with a garage door outline. Click here for more details.

Explore different sizes, styles, and colors of doors in our garage door showroom. Click here for more details.

A wide variety of garage door brands, for a wide variety of styles. Click here for more details.

A garage door designer to help you create your dream garage door by exploring different styles and colors. Click here for more details.

NEED HELP?

Do you have more garage door questions not on this page? Contacting us so we can evaluate your current situation. We can also provide you with a free written quote.

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IS THIS A DIY PROJECT?

If even one word doesn't make sense, do not do any installations by yourself. Cutting holes in your current garage door and ensuring it balances correctly requires expertise in this field.

Whether it’s enhancing the look of your garage door or simply to be practical by letting daylight in, contact us.

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Have you made up your mind?

Contact us now to set up an appointment so we can help you plan your project. We can supply you with a precise plan showing how to prepare your door frame and the overhead space needed for your new garage door to work correctly. We also carry electric garage door openers and their accessories for sheds.

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$500 bonus to those who stay on past 90 days! Join our team!