Discussions

I need new garage door, I am hovering between automatic door opener type or new door that I open and close myself. I wonder how reliable the mechanism of of the auto door opener is. Obviously it relies on the installer doing a good job, but the more gazmos the greater the risk. Any one with thoughts on this,? thankyou

Having only had manual doors myself in my whole life (when I was fortunate to have a garage). If given the choice, I would do automatic - hands down, no debate.… I am soooooo tired of having to climb in and out of my car to close or open the darn door. But I might just be feeling salty as I strongly dislike winter and it’s intrusiveness that i brings into my life. If it was warm all year I don’t think I would care too much. But all the cold and wind?? Nah… let me push a button and stay in the warmth!!!!

Garage door openers are pretty reliable, even the cheaper ones.

I absolutely cannot imagine having a manual one. Have had an automatic for 30 years. I think we had it repaired once which wasn't a big deal. No different than maintaining anything else in your home.  
 
I just can't imagine getting in and out of your car to open it (I imagine you would have to enter your garage to open it so for me my garage is attached and doesn't have an access door so I would have to go in through my front door to enter my garage to even open it. Then repeat the process to close it.

My parents opener is from 1980. Still in use. They rarely die, and they aren’t expensive to buy or fix. I had gears in one that was likely 25 years old die and parts to fix were 25 bucks.