Garage doors are an important part of homes, but the way they exist has changed a lot over time. Homes used to not have cars, so garage doors weren’t a necessity. As cars became more prevalent, so did garage doors, and as cars and homes changed over time, so have these doors. Technology is continuing to evolve, and the future of garage doors is getting nearer and nearer. If you want to keep up with this technology and make your modern dream home a reality, learn what garage doors will look like in the future.

Smartphone Integration

One of the coolest ways garage doors are changing is through smartphone integration. Smartphones can do a lot of interesting things, as they are computers you can carry in your pocket, but the extent of their ever-changing capabilities is still quite impressive. There are new smartphone apps every day, and they’re revolutionizing the way people interact with everything in their homes, including their garage doors.

With a simple app, you can monitor your garage door status, opening and closing it from anywhere in the world. This is convenient, as you can access your home’s network with your phone instead of relying on a control that activates the garage door opening mechanism.

With this app, if you’re inside or away from home and worried whether you’ve closed your door, you can check remotely. Similarly, if you need to provide access to friends, family, or workers while you’re away, you can easily open the door for them from anywhere.

Real-Time Monitoring

With newer apps, you can control the door opening and closing, but there are also real-time monitoring capabilities as well. Security is something every homeowner wants, but it’s not always the easiest to achieve.

Thankfully, if you can pair your smartphone with your garage door opening system, you can take your home security to the next level. Opening and closing your door from a distance is one benefit, but you can also turn on notifications to see any garage door activity. Notification of any activity, whether it’s your garage door opening or closing, can indicate that something is out of the ordinary and needs your immediate attention. Real-time monitoring and complete control like this is a great way to ensure you have peace of mind with your home security, especially when you’re away.

Security Cameras

In addition to monitoring through notifications, you can invest in security camera integration. It’s easy to install security cameras with your garage door for additional protection. These cameras help you see what’s going on outside of your garage and deter potential intruders.

This safety measure is a great thing to have when you’re away from your home, but it can also help when you’re at home too. You’re not always by a window where you can see everything moving in and around your home. But with a security camera and monitoring app, you can keep your home safe and secure from anywhere.

Customization Options

In addition to having newer capabilities, the technology behind the construction of garage doors has also changed significantly. There are newer customizations now, many more than ever before! For example, more aesthetic changes are available, such as various color and finish options.

Additionally, you can now choose from many kinds of materials. Many garage doors in the past relied on the same materials, as those were all the manufacturers could work with. Nowadays, however, you can select from numerous options, such as the following:
  • Steel
  • Wood
  • Wood composite
  • Aluminum frame
  • Fiberglass
  • Vinyl
Manufacturers can make your garage door out of any of these materials, catering the specifications to your specific wants and needs. Some of these materials have been garage door staples for many years, but others are newer and boast greater durability and efficiency, such as steel and vinyl.

These materials are what technology grants at the moment, but as developments continue, the garage doors of the future may become even more long lasting and energy efficient.

Motion Sensors

One of the biggest safety features that garage doors come with now is a sensor detecting if something is in the way of the door. This is a great way to ensure the door doesn’t hit something and crush it, automatically reversing the door if it detects an object. The sensor also makes it so the door won’t close if there’s an object in the way. This sensor is important for safety, but manufacturers working with newer technology have come up with a new garage door luxury: motion sensors.

Modern motion sensors can detect your vehicle and open the door for you, so you don’t even need to worry about a button or app. Motion sensors like this have existed in gated communities for a while as a way to open the gate when someone is leaving. But now, garage door manufacturers have found a way to tailor these sensors to homes.

A sensor can detect that it’s your car pulling up in the driveway and open the door for you—not for any car that tries to get in. This technology may be in its infancy, but it’s sure to progress and make an impact on the future of many home garages.

Automated Lighting Systems

Similar to the motion detectors opening the garage door as you drive up, devices exist that light up your garage as you enter. These automated lighting systems can turn on as your vehicle approaches, ensuring you can easily navigate your driveway and garage space in even the worst conditions. Light like this is certainly a luxury that you won’t want to lose once you experience it.

The technology of garage doors is evolving, and it will only continue to evolve. While a lot of the future is unpredictable, there are some clear future garage door trends, and some may be closer than you think.

If you’re ready to capitalize on some of these trends, then work with us at Steel City Garage Doors. We’re the Pittsburgh garage door service company you can count on for all your garage door needs, whether maintenance, installation, repairs, or anything else you can think of. Day or night, Steel City Garage Doors is here to help you!

The Future Of Garage Doors: How The Technology Is Evolving The Future Of Garage Doors: How The Technology Is Evolving[/caption]