There are many pros and cons to consider when deciding between automatic and manual garage doors. Both are beneficial in different ways, so the decision you make depends on the needs you have for your garage doors. We’ve put together a list of the pros and cons of each option so that you can make a fully informed decision with ease. 

The Benefits of Automatic Garage Doors

If you want a convenient solution for your home, automatic garage doors may be the right choice for you. Let’s break down the key benefits of choosing an automated garage door. 

Convenience

With high performance motors fitted by our experts, your garage door will open smoothly with the push of a button on the remote control or the wall-mounted panel. You won’t need to leave your car to open and close your garage door, saving you time every time you need garage access. If rain is coming down or the ground is frosty, you can relax in the comfort of your car while you operate the garage door remotely. 

Safety

Our automated garage doors are a safer option than manual operation because they remove the possibility of human error when opening or closing your garage door. There is no risk of the door not being fully open or shut, so you don’t have to worry about the door not quite catching safely. 

Security

One of the greatest practical benefits of automated garage doors is the levels of security you get to enjoy. You don’t need to worry about leaving your car every time you want to operate your garage door, and it only stays open as long as you are driving through it. Keeping it from being left open for those extra couple of minutes can make all the difference in protecting against opportunistic thieves. 

The Benefits of Manual Doors

Manual doors may not be as convenient as electronic doors, but they do offer their fair share of advantages for your home. These are the top benefits you get from manual garage doors. 

No Power Supply Needed

Without automation, you don’t need to worry about hooking up an electric supply. This means that your garage door will always be functional in the event of a power cut or electrical faults. 

Cheaper Option

With no connection to electricity, there are no operation costs for your garage door. You will have no addition to your electricity bills, cutting out an ongoing cost that comes with automatic garage doors. 

Less Maintenance

Without several automated components, there are fewer parts of your garage door that can go wrong. You will need to perform less maintenance to keep your garage door functional, bringing less risk that your door will become faulty. 

The Downsides of Electric Garage Door Motors

There are many benefits to automatic garage doors, but there are weaknesses too. The biggest of these is the risk of malfunctions, which is much higher than manual garage doors. With so many complex mechanical components, it’s very easy for something to go wrong with your garage door. Our motors are highly specialised to remain secure and functional, but there are still more risks than you have with the manual variety. 

The initial cost is also a significant difference between the two. Due to the far more complex nature of the operating mechanism, the upfront cost of automated garage doors is considerably higher than the alternative. Especially with the current cost of living crisis, it’s easy to see why some are opting for manual garage doors lately. 

The Downsides of Manual Door Operation

The largest downside to manual garage doors is the lack of convenience. Depending on the style of the door, they can be heavy to initially get the hinges moving. You also have to park your car before entering your garage, getting out to open the door and then stopping to close it again once you’re inside. If you have a busy life, these few lost moments can soon add up and become tedious. This can also be irritating if the rain is coming down, forcing you out into the downpour just to get into your garage. An automatic door eliminates this problem, making your life more convenient. 

Which Garage Door Style is Right for You?

When weighing up the pros and cons, it’s impossible to choose one that is better across the board for every homeowner. People have different preferences and requirements for their homes, so the ultimate choice will come down to what you want from your garage door. But whichever option you prefer, you can find the perfect solution at The Garage Door Company. 

Get in touch with our team today for more information, and our experts will be happy to help you find the perfect option for your home.