Manual vs Electric Garage Doors: Is Automation Worth It

It is a classic British scenario: you drive home in the pouring rain, pull into your driveway, and then have to get out of your warm car to wrestle with a heavy, wet garage door. It’s an inconvenience we’ve accepted for years—but we don’t have to.

For many homeowners in Andover and Hampshire, the switch to an electric garage door is often seen as a luxury upgrade. However, as technology improves and costs come down, automation is fast becoming a standard expectation for modern homes.

At KJM Group, we have installed lots of doors—both manual and electric. In this guide, we break down the mechanics, the security benefits, and the true cost of automation to help you decide.

Stay dry and secure: Open your door without leaving your vehicle.

1. The Case for Manual Doors

The manual garage door has been a staple for decades. Usually operating on a spring-balanced system, they are designed to be lifted by hand. While they are basic, they still have their place.

Pros

• Lower Initial Cost: Manual doors are cheaper to buy and install as there is no motor, control unit, or complex wiring required.
• Simplicity: Fewer moving parts generally mean fewer things that can go wrong over 20+ years.
• No Power Needed: Ideal for detached garage blocks (common in Andover estates) where there is no electricity supply available.

Cons

• Physical Effort: As doors get older, springs lose tension, making them heavy to lift. This becomes a significant issue for the elderly or those with mobility issues.
• Security Risks: Many older manual doors rely on simple handle latches that are easily forced open by intruders.
• The “Rain Factor”: There is simply no way to avoid getting wet when opening a manual door in bad weather.

2. The Case for Automation

Electric garage doors use a motor (operator) to lift the door at the touch of a button. This isn’t just about laziness; it’s about security and future-proofing your home.

Security: The Hidden Benefit

Most people switch for convenience, but the security upgrade is arguably more important. Unlike manual doors that rely on a latch, an electric motor acts as a positive lock.

When the door is closed, the motor pushes down firmly (or holds the gears locked), making it incredibly difficult for a burglar to force the door up from the outside. High-end models like the SeceuroGlide Excel even feature physical locking clamps that engage automatically when the door hits the floor.

Accessibility & Mobility

For anyone struggling with back pain, arthritis, or reduced mobility, a heavy garage door is a daily hazard. Automation removes the physical strain entirely. Modern motors also feature “safety edge” technology—if the door hits an obstruction (like a child or pet), it reverses instantly.

Smart Home Integration

Modern electric operators (like those from Garador or Somfy) are now “Smart” ready. With a small add-on, you can:

• Open and close your garage door from your smartphone, anywhere in the world.
• Receive alerts if you accidentally leave the door open.
• Grant temporary access to a courier to leave a parcel safely inside.

Retrofitting: Can I Automate My Existing Door?

This is the most common question we get at our showroom. The answer depends entirely on your door’s mechanism.

Cost Comparison

Is the extra cost justified? Here is a rough guide to the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions