A jackshaft garage door opener is an excellent way to make your current opener more reliable and accessible. Jackshaft openers attach to the garage ceiling, providing room for more storage below. There are several reasons to install a jackshaft garage door opener; some are more common than others. Read on and find out which one is right for you.
What to Expect With a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener?
Garage door openers come in two primary variants: the traditional trolley-style openers and the jackshaft openers. Trolley-style openers are installed on the ceiling and along the door, while jackshaft openers have a second shaft installed next to the garage door. You can often use jackshaft openers on taller garage doors (up to 8 feet), but they need at least 24 inches of headroom above the door.
Jackshaft garage door opener provides extra storage space in the garage
The garage is great for storing things you do not need regularly. You free up extra wall space by keeping the garage high by the ceiling. You can use this space for storage cabinets, shelves, or hook systems that can hold items. It is especially useful in a space with a cathedral ceiling. Rather than filling up the basement with belongings or needing a shed, you have extra space in the garage to hold all those items you do not use daily.
A jackshaft opener could be useful when:
You have a low headroom: You can use this type of door opener in places with little headroom above the door but lots of room by the door. It is especially common in older homes with concrete ceilings and walls.
Your window is above the garage entrance: Some home designers prefer to put a window above the garage door rather than including it in the door itself. It is especially true for high-lift tracks, which would otherwise be visible through the window. False panels placed over the door have a similar effect.
You require a higher garage door: This door opener is designed for use with tall garages, and it works best at heights of 14 feet or lower and widths of 18 feet or less. This door opener is the recommended choice for garages that are used about two to four times a day.
Advantages of a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener vs. A Trolley-Type
Quiet Operation
This opener uses direct current (DC), which starts slowly, speeds up while in use, and then slows down again before stopping. It can be beneficial for people who have a bedroom over the garage, as it may reduce the noise and vibration level that the opener makes.
Ideal for Cathedral Ceilings
Cathedral ceilings can present some challenges when installing a trolley-type door opener. The distance from the ceiling to the opener housing is around four feet (1.2 m); therefore, more room is required behind the door. In addition, a triangle bracket may be necessary to install the opener safely.
Increased Safety
The jackshaft opener is installed next to the door, making it less likely that a component will fall and hit your vehicle. In addition, this design makes it more difficult for criminals to break in using a clothes hanger to press the power outage safety mechanism.
Backup Battery
Jackshaft openers have battery backup units, ensuring you can still use your garage door opener even during a power outage. One example is LiftMaster 8500W which comes with an emergency battery backup. This feature allows you to open and close your garage door up to 20 times, even when the power is out. So you can always get in and out of your garage, even in an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a garage door opener is an important decision regarding your garage door’s safety and reliability. Asking questions is key to making the best choice for you. When in doubt, seek expert advice from the Titan Garage Doors NE professionals.
Garage Door Service Near Me
We provide premium garage door service and installation at Titan Garage Doors NE. Our team of expert technicians can help you with everything from garage door opener installation to garage door opener repair.
We know that not everyone is familiar with the mechanics of garage doors. Therefore, our staff is always available to respond to your inquiries. In addition, our extensive LiftMaster garage door opener selection has something for everyone. So call us today at (402) 513-0255, and let us help you find the perfect opener for your home.
