Your garage door opener has reached its final stages and you are now shopping for a new system. But, where should you start? The best and highest quality garage door opener is quick, quiet, comes with modern features, and is compatible with your existing home network.

Modern garage doors are keeping up with the standard home features through adopting state of the art technology. Since light bulbs and even home thermostats are already equipped with smart technology, there is no reason why your garage door shouldn’t, either. Here are the top garage door openers of 2018 that will look perfect in all smart homes.

1. Chamberlain WD832KEV

This is a type of steel-reinforced belt-drive opener for garage doors featuring a ½ HP motor, Motor Vibration Isolation System of Chamberlain, and a quick install rail system. It is not just an ultra quiet opener as this device also uses MyQ enabled technology. It means you can use your smartphone to control this opener. Safety features include the protector system safety sensor and a time to close feature which can automatically close the door in a matter of 1/5/10 minutes in the event you forget to do so.

2. LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series

This jackshaft garage door opener has a keyless entry keypad which is useful for opening and closing several doors. Safety features include the safety system beam, power lock, and rolling code technology. If power suddenly goes out, there is a backup battery to let you out and in your garage. It is an extremely quiet opener with a very fast and smooth operation.

3. Sommer Direct Drive 1042V001

This is the ideal option for heavy garage doors as it can lift as much as 550 pounds. This comes with a rail which can fit doors of 7 to 8 feet and a ¾ HP motor. There is a full installation kit included making things easier for DIYers. You will also get two 2-button transmitters and interior wall station.

4. Genie SilentMax 1200

It is by far among the most budget-friendly garage door openers of belt-drive style that you can find in the market. This features a steel-reinforced belt, soft start and stop ¾ HP DC motor, and with dual frequency. It is a useful feature if you are living in an area with many garages. You don’t have to worry that the remote of your neighbor interferes with your garage door.

5. Genie 2042-TKC QuietLift 800

This has a ½+ HP DC motor complete with belt-driven mechanism which opens sectional garage doors reaching as much as 500 pounds. This makes use of Safe-T-Beam system which triggers automatic reverse when the beam is obstructed. This has a wall console, two 3-button remotes, and wireless keypad.

6. Chamberlain PD510

It is a popular option for many consumers as this is very effective and affordable. This has industrial strength chain, ½ HP motor, wall control, and 1-button remote. This remote is among the highlights of the device since this comes with tri-band frequency and a long range. The unit’s safety features include a patented security + 2.0 rolling code tech, PosiLock anti-theft protection, and invisible beam.

This post first appeared on https://triplebgaragedoors.com/

 You, Me, & Insulation: Part I

Head to Head: Polystyrene versus Polyurethane

Now that winter is on its way, it’s time to talk shop. There are two important questions you need to ask yourself. First, what is the relationship between your garage door and your home? Second, what is your relationship with insulation?

If your garage and your home have a close relationship i.e. they share a wall, you should seriously consider getting an insulated garage door. Insulating your garage door will keep your garage warmer in the winter. It will make your door more rigid and strong. The insulation can also quiet your door during the opening and closing process. There really is no down side.

Now, let’s talk about insulation and you. Garage door insulation is measured in R-Value. The higher the number, the better the insulation factor. The most common insulation materials are polystyrene and polyurethane.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance broad, polystyrene’s ease of manufacturing makes it the less expensive option. However, the thickness of the polystyrene will directly affect the insulation value in your door. You can usually expect to see an R-value of 10 on a two-inch-thick garage door. If your budget is a limiting factor, polystyrene can be a good choice at its price point.

When it comes to being a lady, polyurethane comes at a higher density and a higher price point, but its worth every penny. Since polyurethane bonds directly to your garage door, it increases the door’s stiffness and makes it much more resistant. Since it fills all the cracks and crevices like Botox, it also works to quiet the metal-on-metal rattling of the door. Comparatively, on a two-inch-thick polyurethane door, you can expect to see an R-value of 18 which is an 80% percent increase.

No matter what kind of relationship you’re looking to have with your garage door, A.B.E. Doors and Windows has got you covered.

This post first appeared on https://www.abedoors.com