(Part 2) Best household doors according to redditors

I would recommend a mid-range Chamberlain. E.g. something like this B970 for $250 which has a lot of nice features (quiet belt drive, battery backup for use during power outages, and wifi control if you want it). Installation is pretty straightforward (couple hours DIY, depending on how handy you are and whether you have a 2nd person to help).

You can get basic garage door openers for more like $150 but I think the extra $100 gets you some nice features.

No reason to spend any more IMO, and no reason to pay for someone to install it if you are just slightly handy.

Door Devil is a must.

A deadbolt into a wood frame makes the wood at the point extremely thin.

Next I like 3M window security film.

Here's a video of it in action.

You can get cheap security film off Amazon. But I personally tested what's sold from China, and the cheaper American made stuff. And I'm telling you, find a retailer, and spend the money on the 3M.

Battery operated cameras are also good. I like Arlo wireless cameras. No drilling or wires. And while yes, you have to use their cloud for storage, there's scripts you can either write yourself or download online, which will log in, download your videos local and delete them from the cloud every 24 hours, or 1 hour. Whatever you want.

If you set them to motion detection the batteries last around 6 months.

The display only shows the camera but it also includes sensors... Still way over priced.

https://www.amazon.ca/iSmartAlarm-Security-Wireless-Compatible-iSA9/dp/B06W2J2YSC

I "rolled my own" garage door button with a wireless relay.

Luckily, garage door openers have already thought of this.

There are cheaper models with battery backup available, but this is the one I got.

Sorry this happened to you. We installed Door Devil's for some peace of mind. Makes kicking in the door about 1000x harder

https://www.amazon.com/Door-Devil-Home-Doorframe-Reinforcement/dp/B00ZGUMLZQ

Worth a shot. Those things do go bad from time to time. Replacement sensors are available.

So one thing to keep in mind is that the weak point of a door lock is actually the door jamb. When someone kicks in the the door, they usually don't break the door, they break the strike plate out of the door jamb. The deadbolt is then blasted out of the strike plate.

I am not a locksmith nor have I used this specific product. But after looking at it and the install video, I am not sure how this lock will prevent a break-in via kicking in the door. This lock is secured into the door jamb and therefore it is only as strong as the door jamb. It uses 3 inch screws into the jamb so that is better than normal, but if the jamb is made out of cheaper wood, the screws will probably blast out of the jamb if kicked in repeatedly.

If you wanted to go the cheapest route to increase your door security, reinforcing your door jamb is probably the way to go. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Door-Devil-Home-Doorframe-Reinforcement/dp/B00ZGUMLZQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1478113478&sr=1-1&keywords=door+devil

The advantage of Haven Mech is that it is secured into floor. So it uses the strength of the foundation to secure the door. It also has been designed from scratch to take dozens of kicks. What we found in our R&D is that a lock that doesn't have any give will fail quickly. Our original design was a steel bottom and steel top. It had no give, and it failed after about 10 kicks. Once we redesigned the lock out of hard plastic and the insides were woven nylon, the lock gives and bends a bit every time someone kicks it. That give allows for the door to take kick and kick without major damage.

I use this one. Works with the Ewelink app plus comes with the open and closed trigger. I have it set within Alexa on Geofence so when my wife or myself arrives home it opens garage. My daughter uses it within the app to open when she arrives home. I also have it set at a specific time to turn off power to garage so it can not be opened afterhours.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWXC489/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_qYu1DbCBY8B2M

The garage door opener can be found here
ismartgate garage door opener

Others have mentioned it, but I'll itemize it:

• Garage door openers systems have a "manual release" that disconnects the door from the trolley that pulls it open and pushes it shut. This allows the door to be used manually as if there was no opener. This is usually a rope with a red handle that hangs down from the center rail near the top of the garage door.

• Manufacturers have a key-device which mounts in a hole high on the center of the door. When you unlock this handle, it allows you to pull out the handle which is attached to a wire-rope which is attached to the manual release on the door.

Demonstration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAXaB5srdr8

That said, a certain member of my extended family managed to leave her car such that the open hatchback was in the way of the door closing, and forgot that the hatch was open when she closed the garage door -- the garage door pushed the car hatch down far enough to close fully, but the partially open hatch was still pressing against the inside of the garage-door, and when she attempted to open the garage door the hatchback edge caught on one of the hinges and stopped the door from opening more than about 10-inches.

Not remembering that there were 8 and 6 year old children next door, my octogenarian MIL lay on the ground and crawled into the garage via the 10 inch gap, and closed the boot-lid so that the door would open properly. After this, she had a contractor add a "person door" to the side of the garage.

Check out iSmartGate it’s HomeKit enabled. Just check compatibility with your opener first.

This is the pro version that allows it to open 2 doors
ISMARTGATE PRO Garage (aka. New Gogogate2) - HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa and iFTTT Compatible Controller to remotely Open, Close and Monitor from Anywhere with Smartphone. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PZDKMZ9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x8DjDbCJK1P70

This one allows one door
ISMARTGATE LITE Garage (aka. New Gogogate2) - HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa and iFTTT Compatible Controller to remotely Open, Close and Monitor from Anywhere with Smartphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PX311B3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_f9DjDb4AWF7MW

These are great EACHEN WiFi Wireless Inching Relay Monentary/Self-Locking Switch Module DIY Smart Home Remote Control DC 5-32V AC90-260V Ewelink App iOS/Andriod Compatible with Alexa Echo Google Home IFTTT (ST-DC1)

relay board with Wi-Fi

We've had this issue about twice a year for the past 4 years. One part of the year in the morning, the other part at sunset. I've done the TP roll fix and it barely worked, most of the time it didn't. Liftmaster sells a kit for this that is essentially a custom cardboard shade, but it does work. I think I found mine on Amazon.
If the shade kit doesn't take care of it, then the sensors are weak and need to be replaced. I replaced the sensors on ours and have never had the sun issue since. If your door opener / sensors are older, I would go straight to replacing the sensors. I bought this kit for my Liftmaster door. It has everything you need to replace the sensors. https://smile.amazon.com/Chamberlain-LiftMaster-Craftsman-Replacement-G801CB-P/dp/B001JDG1KU/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=garage+door+sensor&qid=1566414013&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I replaced the sensors last May and the sun no longer interferes with them.

Oh absolutely. If you're willing to run wires that's the best course of action. When they run the wires have them leave at least foot of slack at the door/windows in case you want to switch out the sensors to something else.
https://www.amazon.com/Recessed-Security-Window-Contact-Magnetic/dp/B07G5NBS9M

https://www.amazon.com/Tailwind-Smart-WiFi-Garage-Opener/dp/B07FVDCBFB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1GMFOPX67XLY2&keywords=tailwind&qid=1574456392&sprefix=tailwin%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-2 50% off right now!

Check out the Homekit subreddit: https://old.reddit.com/r/HomeKit/

There is a website called https://homekitnews.com/ that has reviews of a lot of products controlled by IOS devices.

For your garage try this product:

https://www.amazon.com/ISMARTGATE-PRO-Garage-aka-Gogogate2/dp/B07PZDKMZ9/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=394T3QH2I1N7&keywords=ismartgate&qid=1573604123&sprefix=ismart%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExR0hZQzdXWjc0VkVLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjg0NzUyMkI3WDBGNEwwREE0SCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTQwMTUwMUpISVYzRE5GMDdKQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Check out the Homekitnews website to get other recommendations for other products.

I have one of these for my garage door. Works well so far.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07GGRCH23/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_az5kDb7J6C6MV

pet screen

So you're in a bit of trouble.

First things first, check the breaker to the garage to make sure that you have power. Cycle the breaker just in case since some don't show they are tripped very well.

If you have power, you're going to need to grab the manual release. Doing this from the inside is the easiest. You can break a window to get in if you have one. Grabbing it from the outside is possible but challenging. A locksmith may be able to help since they have tools to open car door locks that work well for 'picking' the door. Remember the point of the door is to protect what is in your garage so anything that allows you to easily open it defeats that.

Once you get it open, install one of these. It lets you use a key to remove the lock which exposes the cable to pull the release from the outside.

If you know you're going to go down that route, then you have another option. If you can see into the garage from a window, take note of where you can drill a hole in the center of the door towards one of the top panels without hitting anything. You can drill the hole and then use a coat hanger to grab the release. Install the release lock into the hole you made. If you're going to do that, download the installation instructions before you get the lock to make sure you're drilling a hole that you can use (right height, position in panel, size, etc).

Hello and thanks /u/yosoyreddito for tagging me in this post. Chances are that your gears SHOULD still be fine however there are a few things that may be happening.

1)The lack of grease on the newer gears may have caused premature wearing of the gear(however that soon is almost impossible).

2)The door is not balanced. What kind of springs do you have on the door? Torsion springs(on a bar above the door) or extension springs(the ones that stretch on both sides of the door). If you have torsion springs, your rollers or other issues may be causing the door to not work properly. However EXTENSION springs are knows to cause multiple issues as they get older. They can have stretches in one and not the other, causing one side to be weaker causing the door to roll poorly. Also the pulleys. These pulleys are the number one cause of a garage door becoming really unbalanced and a very shaky operation.

3)The worm gear/drive shaft on the operator may be bent, causing gears to wear out extremely fast(also very rare but I have seen it happen).

Let me know more info about your operator(brand, make, model) and I will try to help you find exact parts. If it is a Liftmaster/Chamberlain operator is sounds like you would rather get the entire assembly rather than just the actual gear, mainly because all the bearing will be brand new and will prevent the sprocket from eventually shearing off(if your gears even last that long). Keep me posted!

Something like this is a lot cheaper and most people have their phone on them more often than they're in their car. You can still do geofencing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PM59X4J/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yes you can. Its attached to a shaft that goes down into the unit. I had to replace mine about 6 months ago.

Edit: You may want to double check the applicability, but this is the kit.
https://www.amazon.com/Liftmaster-41c4220a-Chamberlain-Craftsman-LiftMaster/dp/B006L8CZKI

The part on the left is what broke. Once the bushing wears out it eats up the shaft.

Something like this will work with older motors.


https://www.amazon.com/Garage-NXG-100-Remote-Compatible-Openers/dp/B01J8JI9HY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1542736625&sr=8-4&keywords=alexa+compatible+garage+door+opener

​

I have a new motor, and it came with wifi and app access built in.


https://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-B970-Smartphone-Controlled-Ultra-Quiet-Battery/dp/B075CQ86ZV/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1542736729&sr=1-4&keywords=garage+door+opener

I would prefer some Tuya (wi-fi) hardware, since I have others. In fact, I am in the process of buying two of the following for my garages. Could they also work with the gate? I could buy a third if necessary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07GGRCH23

I have 4 of these and recommend them: NEXX Garage NXG-100b Smart WiFi Remotely Control Existing Garage Opener with App, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, No Hub Required, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H57NPRV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_aeAVDbYW2HPH6
You wire them to the two wires and they can tell if the door is open or closed if you install the included sensor.

You can use Nexx Garage but you have to ask Google, "Ask Nexx Home to open [name of garage]." I just set-up a routine to ask that when I ask open my garage door.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H57NPRV/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_coz3DbQV4YWTS

If you use the meross one you have to tell it your pin number to open. I have both installed and Nexx is by far better for my use case.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PV84NCR

Install by tapping in to the wires going to your PC switch. Set for momentary, download the app and your all set. FYI, you use the app to configure it, but you can use a smart speaker to control after it's configured. You can also turn it off and on via voice if you have a smart speaker like an Echo. BTW, when you activate it, if the PC is already on it will turn it off. For just a phone without a smart speaker, just search for wake on lan.

We have a cheap solution to the problem of forgetting to close the garage door. We get a Chamberlain garage door monitor and put the receiver in a prominent area of the house.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YX7MM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Look at this, I just got one for my old genie garage door and it now is an app enabled garage door that I can open from anywhere with my phone, super easy install (30 min). Refoss
"Smart Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener, APP Control, Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, No Hub Needed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PM59X4J/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_MozUDb30TTY6M"

Well here's a wireless relay.

I replaced this part on both my garage door openers so it’s a simple fix. The part for me was $20:

Liftmaster 41c4220a Gear and Sprocket Kit for Chamberlain, Sears, Craftsman and LiftMaster 1/3 and 1/2 HP Chain Drive Models https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006L8CZKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_R1GPCb10VSFK1

It's a safety sensor for an automatic garage door opener. Similar to, if not exactly, this one.

What about something like this?

I guess it's fiberglass (?)

One area I could see room for improvement on is garage doors and add on equipment. I had my snowblower stolen because I accidentally left the door open over night. Why isn't some kind of indicator in the house telling us the door is open/closed a standard? Why is it that the add on indicator I bought from Chamberlain such an un-reliable POS?

The problems I've experienced with that product seem to be fairly common per the Amazon reviews. It needs to be un-plugged and plugged back in to reset about 4-5 times per week. Recently, my 3 year old unit stopped transmitting for no apparent reason (changed the battery and brought it in the house right next to the receiver, no go). There doesn't seem to be any other significantly better product on the market that isn't hard wired or a true alarm system (which I don't need, I just need something to remind me I forgot to close it. And also, my garage is detached, which makes hard wiring a pain).

As for the doors themselves, it seems crazy to me that you have to really be well read on them to adjust the springs and other 1940s technology that goes into them. It kind of blows my mind that innovation stopped at remote openers. Or even just simple annoyances, like having to get a step ladder to adjust the amount of force needed to pull the door open or push it back down (I occasionally have to adjust when winter gets particularly brutal).

You haven't looked hard or deep enough then. This is absolutely a thing:

https://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-7702CB-Quick-Release-Lock/dp/B00213KWAM

That's what they did on my own detached garage. Appears all over my state.

ISmartgate lite

ISMARTGATE LITE Garage (aka. New Gogogate2) - HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa and iFTTT Compatible Controller to remotely Open, Close and Monitor from Anywhere with Smartphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PX311B3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.O-HDbGFVENY2

Vocolink plug

VOCOlinc Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Mini Outlet Socket, Works with HomeKit (iOS12 or +), Alexa & Google Assistant, Timer, No Hub Required, 15A 1800W, 2.4GHz, Smartbar (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NJRS8TX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_t2-HDbQP800M4

Sorry, I’m pretty new to reddit. I would have posted a picture of it, but they are similar to these and all the wires are run down to our mechanical room.

Recessed Sensor

I also have the TP-link switches throughout the house and they don’t require a hub and work great with Alexa. For the garage I have this from Amazon. Works great with Alexa.
garage door

This is the one I'm looking at:

Tailwind iQ3 Smart WiFi Garage Door Opener - Internet Enabled Garage Door Remote Control Compatible With Your Smartphone, Alexa, and Google Home Assistant. No Hub Needed. Up to 3 Doors.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FVDCBFB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MbS5BbNF04BS3

There aren't many reviews but the reviews that are there are really positive and informative.

Genie Universal Dual Frequency Conversion Kit – Eliminates Frequency Interference and Upgrades Garage Door Openers (Compatible with Most Opener Brands) – Model GIRUD-1T https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RYV05S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_kao3BbKBRH49S

not after a quick search ( ,_,)

seems like all of the "smart home" products are 15amps

off the top of my head, you could accomplish the same goal using a relay board and some RIBs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KFX63R/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEUJU6/

but you're venturing towards a rabbit hole of how complicated/expensive do you want this to be :)

maybe someone else knows of a 20amp smart switch, for an elegant solution.

It’s probably this one.

iSmartAlarm Premier Home Security Package | Wireless DIY No Fee IFTTT & Alexa Compatible iOS & Android App with HD camera included | iSA9, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W2J2YSC/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KFX63R/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_BvSYCb4VT0AE0

Then I purchased this case for it:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F122513958760

I purchased 4 of these cases because they are either $30ea from amazon or $6.50 each on eBay but you have to wait for them to be shipped from China. So if you were going to buy a case let me know and we can work something out.

should have used this instead of a sonoff basic. https://www.amazon.com/WHDTS-Momentary-Inching-Control-Compatible/dp/B071GCDGQB/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1539633155&sr=8-4&keywords=sonoff+relay

I'm pretty sure I got this stuff and it also looks like it's dropped in price because I could have sworn I paid $50 or so at the time

This might be a good investment for you: http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-CLDM1-Clicker-Garage-Monitor/dp/B0002YX7MM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422052513&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-CLDM1-Clicker-Garage-Monitor/dp/B0002YX7MM

We use these. If you looked a little harder, probably at a shop nearby you could find it cheaper.

Negative, that switch will not work as intended with a garage door opener. You need this:


https://www.amazon.com/Genie-GIRUD-1T-Alleviates-Interference-Intellecode/dp/B000RYV05S/