How to Convert a Manual Door to an Automatic Garage Door

These days, electric garage doors are all the rage and have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use. 

The majority of properties will have automatic garage doors in place, and if you’re looking to convert your old manual door into something more modern, then Rollerdor is here to help.

In this article, we’ll explain how you can convert your old manual garage door into a modern, automatic alternative. 

How to convert a manual door to an automatic garage door

Converting an existing manual door isn’t a simple job, but if you are considering it there are a few questions you need to ask yourself first. 

What is the condition of your existing door?

The first thing you need to do is assess the condition of your current garage door. This will determine whether you will be able to convert the current door, or whether it will need to be replaced with an automated option. 

The questions you need to ask yourself are:

• Does the door open and close?
• Is the door well balanced?
• Does the door stop when opening and closing?
• Are all springs, tracks and other components in good working order?

If there are problems with the door, you will need to have them professionally fixed first before attempting a conversion.

What type of door do you have?

It is also important to note that different door types will be converted in different ways. 

There are several types of garage door, and some are easier than others to convert to an electric version.

Some of the most popular types include:

• Sectional garage doors
• Roller garage doors
• Up and over garage doors
• Side-hinge garage doors

Sectional garage doors 

Probably the easiest doors to convert to electric, sectional garage doors require the addition of a centre motor. 

The main thing you’ll need to check is the amount of clearance at the back of the garage and between the roof and door when it is open. This is because the motor is fitted to the roof in the centre of the garage and will pull the door open. 

The only other thing to consider is the manual handle and locking mechanism that you already have. 

Roller garage doors 

Roller garage doors are split into two different types, a single skin and an insulated version. 

The single skin version is usually easier to convert. This is because of the large top box and the motor that is attached to the side of the door. You should check there is room at the side for the motor to be installed. Also, check there is room for the manual handle and lock of the door.

The insulated version will have a spring system in the centre barrel. This will need to be replaced, potentially along with header plates, to automate the door making the process harder. 

Up and over garage doors 

These garage doors are similar to roller doors when it comes to automation, and are split into two types – canopy and retractable doors. 

Both types have the same type of motor which is also used for sectional doors. This means you can keep an eye out for the same things outlined above. With the canopy door, you would also need an extra arm attachment to help it open. This is called a bow arm and can infringe into the height of the opening when the door is opened. 

Side-hinged garage doors

Side-hinged garage doors are notoriously difficult to automate. This is because it needs two motors, one for each side, which works a lot like a gate automation. 

With these doors, there are so many things you would need to consider that we would always recommend consulting a professional. 

Install a new door

In some cases, it may be better to simply replace your old manual garage door with a brand new automatic option – especially if you want to change the type or your old door is particularly worse for wear.

At Rollerdor, we supply quality electric roller garage doors to homeowners and businesses across the country. 

Our products include:

• RD55 electric roller garage doors – the perfect compact option for smaller properties.

• RD77 electric roller garage doors – With single and large options available, this door offers enhanced security and insulation. 

Once you’ve decided what option is best for you and placed an order, we can then deliver our DIY roller garage door kits directly to your property. They will come with easy-to-understand instructions and video tutorials and our friendly team is always available to offer aftercare support and answer any questions you may have. 

Benefits of an automatic garage door 

There are a whole host of benefits to having an automatic garage door, including:

• • Convenience – With remote access, you can operate your door with just a click of a button – making it extremely easy to open and close. 
  • Enhanced security – Automatic garage doors come with advanced locking systems that make it harder for intruders to break in, and by using fobs and codes you can have greater control over who has access to your garage space. 
  • Safety – Electric garage doors are extremely safe and can detect obstructions and automatically reverse the operation to prevent injury to people, children and pets as well as protect vehicles from damage.   
  • Durable – All our electric garage door products are made from the finest materials which make them extremely durable. They are also more low maintenance than other options so there is no need to worry about wear and tear. 

Here at Rollerdor, we supply quality automatic roller garage doors to customers across the UK, helping you to enhance the appearance of your home while also keeping it better protected thanks to the premium materials used to manufacture our products. To get a free quote, contact our expert team today.