Whether you are interested in a garage door replacement or in knowing which electric garage door motor to choose, you have definitely found the right place. Our home is our castle, where we like to feel safe and where comfort is essential. And while we sometimes even forget about its existence, the garage is an integral part of our habitat. In addition to protecting vehicles, it is a gateway to your home, making it a very busy passageway. Its access must be practical and secure. With a direct connection to the outside, the insulation of your garage is also an important consideration.
Here are some steps to follow to achieve the perfect choice:
The popular sectional garage door consists of large horizontal panels. When opened, the door slides panel by panel to ceiling level. This option avoids any encroachment on the interior. It offers a wide choice in terms of finishes and good thermal performance.
This type of garage door is made up of a single panel which lifts and lies under the ceiling. The up-and-over garage door can be overhanging or on the outside. This model has the advantage of being easily adaptable to possess a garage door motor.
The roll-up door is made up of slats that roll up like a roller shutter. The housing containing the electric roller shutter garage motor is installed behind the lintel. This allows a minimum footprint and thus saves space. This option is ideal for small garages or those that open on to the roadway.
The swing garage door has a specific design with 2 or 4 leaves, depending on the width of the opening. Wall mounted hinges hold the panels in place which can be independently opened to the outside. It requires space in front but has the advantage of completely freeing the interior surface.
Also called a side sectional garage door, it consists of several vertical panels that slide along the wall. It is ideal for garages with wide openings and if the ceiling is low or obstructed. This installation occupies a section of wall but completely frees the ceiling. The first panel serves as a pedestrian access door to the garage.
The types of garage doors will influence the choice of material since certain materials are specific to certain models of doors. Indeed, the material depends on the model chosen, but also on your wishes in terms of insulation and aesthetics. Check the advantages of the different garage door materials for your new home or garage door replacement :
Wooden garage doors are suitable for side openings. They are long-lasting but require regular maintenance. This material offers a real thermal barrier to your garage, wood being a very good insulator.
Steel garage doors require much less maintenance than wood, they are resistant and particularly suitable for vertical openings. On the thermal side, the insulation is less efficient than with wood, especially for sectional garage doors, due to the space between the panels. To overcome this, for this material it is possible to include an insulation of 20 mm to 60 mm.
This material is light, easy to handle and durable. The weak point of an aluminium garage doors is also the insulation, as it is a strong thermal conductor. However, as with steel garage doors, insulation solutions exist to get around this inconvenience.
PVC garage doors are light and particularly economical, and adaptable to all configurations. PVC offers better thermal performance than steel or aluminium garage doors. However, it is not very resistant in the event of an attempted break-in.
You have the choice between panels with grooves or cassettes. In terms of finishes, these panels can be smooth, rough, veined or paintable. A wide range of colours are available, modern or classic, to provide a harmonious aesthetic!
Before taking measurements, be aware that it is recommended to seek professional help. Previously to the different steps that follow, make sure to provide a space specifically for the electric garage door motor. Allow at least 20 cm above the opening to secure the rails and the motor.
Once these measurements have been taken, you can order your garage door. If the measurements are not standard, choose a tailor-made manufacture.
No need to get out of your car to open the garage door. It opens automatically and remotely with your smartphone via the TaHoma® mobile app. Best of all, your electric garage door motor is compatible with voice assistants for voice control.
Comings and goings are made safe with obstacle detection. The electric garage door motor will stop automatically. And with the app you have peace of mind, you can check that your Somfy garage door motor is properly closed.
The Somfy garage door motor allows smooth movements. Do you wonder how long do a garage motor last? Somfy smart solutions will definitely reassure you by offering extends of life to your garage door.
RTS
RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) is a one-way operation technology, it allows a directive to be sent to your motor from a remote control. If you are looking to motorise just a garage door and do not have a long-term automation project, this technology is probably what you are searching for. This technology allows you to open and close your electric garage door motor from a wireless remote control.
io-homecontrol
The io-homecontrol technology, unlike the RTS, allows you to go further in your home automation project. This technology is a two-way system, it allows you to connect and manage your smart home devices from anywhere. Thanks to this system, you are able to manage your electric garage door motor, your lights and your roller shutters motors included. The io-homecontrol technology is able to give you real-time feedback on what is occurring, if an obstacle was detected during the run or if the run was completed successfully.
If you want to centralise and connect other equipment, then choose io-homecontrol technology. You can then simultaneously open your gate and garage door by voice.
Ideal for people who intend to do the installation themselves. It operates with manual remote control and can be connected to the TaHoma® switch for remote control.
Easy to install, all settings and remote controls are pre-programmed. The automatic obstacle detection and burglar-proof lock enhance your security.
The GDK 700 remote controls are compatible with Somfy RTS engines. Once installed, you can access your garage without having to get out of your vehicle thanks to the remote control or your smartphone via TaHoma switch.
It warns motorists that your vehicle is entering or exiting. It is positioned outside on one of the pillars or near your garage door. It is compulsory if your access is directly onto the public road.
Any garage door fitted with automatic or remote control must be fitted with photoelectric cells. They make it possible to instantly stop the motor in the event an obstacle is detected.
It is recommended a manual opening and closing system be installed. It will allow the door to be opened from the outside in the event of a power failure.
You can also opt for the installation of a backup battery. It is designed to manage ten opening and closing cycles.
Installing a garage door cannot be improvised. Calling a professional is strongly recommended to ensure a problem-free installation without nasty surprises. Your garage door will be installed safely and ready to use! However, if you are a manual person, it is definitely possible to install an electric garage door motor by yourself, thanks to various kits available in the shop.
Are you unsure? Contact us. We’ll help you find the best solution for your project!
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