Same-Day Free Estimates with 30-Minute Arrival Windows for Collin and Dallas County areas Since 1977.

August 8, 2019

Upgrade to an Automatic Garage Door | Plano Overhead Garage Door

6 Great Reasons to Upgrade Your Non-Automatic Garage Door

An older garage door can make big problems for homeowners, especially if the door does not connect to an automatic opener. Older garage doors can be difficult to use, unsafe for little ones, and old-fashioned in appearance.

If your home has an older, non-automatic garage door, this summer is a good time to upgrade to a modern, automatic garage door and opener. If you are thinking about the possibility but need some convincing, consider the following reasons to upgrade.

1. Convenience

Automatic garage doors are convenient in ways that people without them may not realize. For example, backup batteries can operate automatic garage doors even when the power goes out so the car is never trapped in the garage.

You can control many modern garage doors by cell phone, and modern garage doors do not require a radio signal from an opener to begin the opening sequence. If you want, you can open your garage from blocks or even miles away.

In addition, many automatic garage door openers come with motion-activated lighting so you will never again find yourself wandering around your garage in the murky dark. 

Also, many garage door companies have also discovered ways to make their products quiet. At one time, garage doors were relatively loud so that people all over the home could tell when the garage door opened or closed. Modern doors have special insulation and strategic construction to ensure opening the door is as quiet as possible.

2. Safety

Garage doors typically weigh hundreds of pounds, and when the door closes on a person, it can do fatal damage. In the 10-year span between 1982 and 1992,  54  children died when they became trapped under their garage door. As of January 1991, all automatic garage door openers must have specific safety features that prevent the garage door from closing on a person or object.

Some of these safety features rely on sensors to tell the garage door when an object is laying in the doorway (such as a sleeping cat or a person laying on their back repairing a car). Garage door sensors also monitor movement in the path of the garage door. If something enters the space of the closing door, it will reverse course.

In some cases, mounted garage door openers also need to have a constant contact requirement, meaning that a finger must push the button to close the garage door. If the button is released before the garage door has finished closing, the door will reverse course and open again.

Needless to say, non-automatic garage doors typically do not have these safety features. If your garage door is not an automatic one, this could be dangerous for your family and people in your household. To find out more about modern garage door safety features, talk to your garage door installation professional.

3. Security

Old, non-automatic garage doors are not usually very secure. In fact, most people who walk by could potentially open and close these garage doors. Modern automatic garage door openers prevent this from happening. Unless the garage door is disengaged from the automatic system, only the person who has the opener button can open it.

This makes it easier for homeowners to keep their garage, and all of its contents, safe and secure. If you live in a location where thefts and burglaries are common, an automatic garage door opener could prevent a break-in.

4. Appearances

Garage door styles have changed over the years, and many people find that installing a new door can make their home appear more modern and even more attractive. Whether you want an all-glass door for your ultra-modern home or a more traditional carriage-style door, you can find a model to suit your tastes.

5. ROI

ROI, or  return on investment , is important to many homeowners. New garage doors can have an ROI of as much as  97%. For homeowners who would like to sell their property sometime in the next five years, installation of a new garage door with an automatic opener could boost their home’s value considerably.

6. Comfort

New garage doors tend to be well-insulated to conform to modern energy-efficiency expectations. If your garage is also a workshop or if you use your garage for storing heat-sensitive items, a new door could help make your garage a more comfortable temperature year-round. Talk to your garage door contractor before choosing a model that is right for you. 

Your garage door contractor can help you decide which type of door will meet your specific needs. For more information about how you can benefit from installation of an automatic garage door and opener,  contact Plano Overhead Garage Door. We will be happy to answer your questions and give you information about modern automatic door openers and garage doors. Get in touch with us today.

Share this article

Recent Posts

February 23, 2026
Garage doors are among the biggest moving parts in your home. When something goes wrong, it can disrupt your entire day and pose safety hazards. Homeowners searching for residential garage door repair in Dallas, TX , often notice problems during harsh weather changes or after years of everyday use. At Plano Overhead Garage Door, we want to help you spot issues early and keep your garage door working safely and smoothly. Common Signs Your Garage Door Needs Attention Knowing when residential garage door repair is needed can save money and prevent accidents. Some warning signs are easy to spot once you know what to look for. If your door makes loud noises, sticks, or doesn’t open and close easily, repairs are likely needed. Unusual sounds like grinding or squeaking often mean that residential garage door repair is required for parts such as rollers, springs, or hinges. Doors that wobble or move unevenly may be off track. These and similar signs all suggest it’s time for a careful inspection. Broken Springs: A Frequent Problem Springs do the heavy lifting in residential garage door repair. They help your door open and close smoothly. Over time, Texas heat and humidity make springs break down faster. If your garage door feels very heavy or won’t open, a broken spring may be the cause. Trying to fix springs without proper tools can be dangerous. A snapped spring can cause serious injuries. It’s best to contact a pro who understands residential garage door repair and can replace springs safely. Off-Track Doors and Their Dangers Bent or blocked tracks easily lead to doors coming off track. A door that leaves its track won’t move right and could collapse. Hot Dallas summers cause metal tracks to expand, making the problem worse. If you notice your door is crooked or stuck, residential garage door repair is needed. Don’t try to force the door, as this risks further damage and injury. Opener Problems and Sensor Issues Garage door openers make modern life easier but often need repairs. When the remote or wall button stops working, or the motor grinds but the door doesn’t move, you may have an opener problem. Sensors play a crucial safety role in residential garage door repair. Texas storms or high humidity can affect sensor alignment. If the door won’t close or reverses unexpectedly, check for dirty or misaligned sensors. Professional help ensures correct repair and keeps your family safe. The Impact of Texas Weather Dallas weather is tough on garage doors. High heat, fast temperature swings, heavy rain, and storms all speed up wear. Metal parts rust faster, springs lose tension, and wooden doors swell or crack. These conditions increase the need for residential garage door repair and regular inspection. As the weather changes, inspect your garage door for signs of damage or excess noise. Routine checks and early maintenance help avoid bigger repairs. DIY Risks: Why Professional Help Matters Watching online videos might make residential garage door repair seem easy, but it’s often unsafe. Springs, cables, and heavy doors involve serious risks. Homeowners without special tools or training could cause more damage or get hurt. Hiring a licensed expert ensures garage door repair is done safely and correctly. Professional work prevents later breakdowns and extends your door’s life. How Timely Repairs Save Money Small problems become expensive if ignored. Fixing minor track issues or replacing a worn roller is much cheaper than installing a whole new garage door. Routine care and residential garage door repair protect your equipment and keep things running easily. A trusted professional catches small issues early, often before you even notice a problem. This proactive approach limits downtime and prevents your day from being disrupted by unexpected garage door failures. By addressing problems quickly, you save money and avoid sudden, costly emergencies that could impact your home and family. Choose Local Expertise for Peace of Mind Dallas homeowners benefit from working with local professionals for residential garage door repair. A trusted provider understands Texas conditions and knows how to fix problems unique to this area. Experts use the right parts and offer dependable service. Using a local company also ensures a fast response when emergencies happen, giving you peace of mind during stressful situations. Local professionals are familiar with Dallas neighborhoods, so they can arrive quickly and address your concerns without delay. Good customer support and expert repair help keep your home secure, and having someone nearby makes future maintenance and follow-up even more convenient. Get Reliable Garage Door Solutions in Dallas! For fast, safe, and affordable garage door repair in Dallas, TX, call on professionals who care about your family’s safety. Plano Overhead Garage Door has years of experience with residential garage door repair and offers local expertise Dallas homeowners can trust. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a disaster. Contact us today and protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind!
Brick garage with white garage door and concrete driveway.
December 3, 2025
Plano Overhead Garage Door provides expert garage door installation services for Murphy, TX. Call 972-422-1695 for custom designs and quality services.
Hand in red sleeve using remote to open a white garage door.
December 2, 2025
Residential garage door repair in Murphy, TX, made simple. Call Plano Overhead Garage Door today at 972-422-1695 for fast service.