Before selecting your motorised system, consider the type of garage door you have: 1. Up-and-over garage door. Consists of a single panel that tilts upwards when opening. 2. Sliding garage door. Consists of multiple panels that open to the side. For this model, the motorised system is selected based on the size and weight of the door. For this type of door, Somfy recommends you use the GDK or Dexxo range. 3. Sectional garage door. Consists of multiple articulated panels that open towards the ceiling. 4. Roller garage door. Consisting of a curtain of roll-up slats, it coils into a box installed above the garage opening. For this type of door, we propose you use motorised systems especially designed for roller garage doors. 5. Swing garage door. Consists of two panels that open outwards. Swing-out garage doors most often use motorised systems with arms.
The points to check before selecting a motorised system: 1. Is there a power supply where the spot you wish to install the motor? 2. Does the door work properly? Is it in good mechanical condition and correctly balanced? 3. Is the structure of the garage (walls, lintel, partitions, etc.) in good enough shape to install a motorised system? 4. Does the garage open and close properly? 5. How much space is available to install the motor?
Certainly. All garage doors, new or old, can be upgraded for home automation with a Somfy power unit.
Somfy offers a wide range of safety accessories so you can respect regulations in force (for example, an orange warning light). If your door operates in automatic mode, you should also add photoelectric cells which will halt the movement of the door as soon as presence is detected in the range of their infrared rays.