The History of Garage Door Openers

INVENTION

In 1926, a mechanic named CG Johnson who lived in a small town in Indiana invented the garage door opener. An earlier version, the electric overhead garage door opener, had been invented long before but it only gained popularity in the states after the Second World War. It was time when every resource, especially metal, was dedicated towards the war. Also, many people did not have cars and barely saw the need to have a garage, leave alone the door opener. Much of the metal present in both the US and Europe was used to aid the war, and it was so much in demand that they changed the composition of the coins to salvage any available durable metal.

The middle of the twentieth century was characterized by immense prosperity and wealth in the US. The world war was over, and the soldiers, together with their generals, came back home. The economy was booming as there were so many resources back home, distributed among the citizens with not so much as a scramble. The living standards improved drastically and along with new home appliances, many cars were bought. The need for garages was realized immediately, and so the door opener became quite a useful tool.

OPERATION

There are different types of garage door openers. They all, however, operate the same way and perform the same function; opening and closing a garage door. After installation, they can either be motorised opening system (using a remote control). The latter works on signals sent to an electric motor that controls it.

SAFETY

While a garage door opener may seem harmless, it would be essential to remember that it lifts and lowers over seven kilograms of power. It may be among the most natural things to operate at home but is also, sadly, one of the most dangerous. The lifting and lower power can be regulated at the operator where you can increase it or reduce it according to necessity. While you are at it, however, exercise extreme caution. Such large amounts of power can be very dangerous to any life around and your property.

During the door installation, the contractor usually explains clearly what should be done and what should be avoided. The risks and instructions should be clear to prevent any injuries. Regarding such danger, children should not be let into the garage without supervision. If supervision is not possible, then it should be child-proofed with dangerous controls and tools such as the door opener as far out of reach as possible.

TYPES

There are two important types of garage door openers in the market today; the traditional, and the JackShaft opener. Differences are in appearance and make, but they both perform the same function; opening and closing the garage door. The latter, however, is more efficient, smaller, less noisy and ultimately, more popular.

Conclusively, one thing that should be emphasized about garage door openers is safety. Operate it only if you know how to, and get some regular maintenance to prevent expensive replacements or accidents.