Jackshaft Garage door opener – a Comprehensive Review

A jackshaft garage door opener needs to be installed on the side of your garage door. You can install it on either side of your door.

This garage door opener frees up ceiling space, enabling you to store more items in your garage. We will have a deep look into jackshaft garage door openers.

How a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener Works

A jackshaft opener connects to the door’s torsion bar to lower and raise the door. These openers are quiet and are suitable for various types of garage doors, including high lift, full vertical lift, and standard lift doors.

The door opener can close and lift doors as tall as 14 feet. It is similar to trolley operators regarding the installation process, operation ability, and lifespan.

What You Need to Install a Jackshaft Door Opener

You can find reliable garage door installers, such as Precision Door Service when you search garage door installation near me. Before you opt to install a jackshaft opener, you need to ensure the following things are available:

• A minimum of three inches of headroom above your garage door.

• An electric outlet that is at least six feet from your installation location.

• Eight inches or more of space where you want to install the garage door opener.

• A torsion-type spring lift system.

Situations Where You May Need a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener

Some home designers prefer adding a window above your garage door rather than on the garage door. You may need a jackshaft opener if you have a wide window above your garage door or a false panel over the door.

If you have lots of space by the door, but there is low headroom on top of the door, a garage door installer may recommend door opener is for you. This situation is common when you buy an older home whose walls and ceilings are built using concrete.

This type of garage door opener is also helpful for garages whose height is up to 14 feet, and width is up to 18 feet. You can also consider installing this door opener if you use your garage two to four times per day.

Installing an overhead garage door opener may be difficult if you have a sloped garage ceiling. Therefore, your best bet is to get a jackshaft opener. This door opener may be for you if you have a limited garage door depth. A boiler or a plumbing fixture can limit the garage door depth available.

Benefits of a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener

A jackshaft garage door opener is one of the quietest door openers you will ever come across. Unlike an overhead-mount opener, a jackshaft opener does not use a belt or long chain, eliminating noise in its operation.

A jackshaft opener also creates more storage space for awkwardly shaped items such as canoes, bikes, or other large items. The door opener also offers variable installation options. For instance, if you need to install a trolley garage door opener with rails, you must have 48 inches or more of overhead clearance above the door.

Unfortunately, many homes do not have this allowance. A jackshaft opener comes in as a dependable alternative.

Manufacturers are now equipping modern jackshaft door openers with more convenience features to make the door openers easy and fun to use. The door openers have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control them from your phone. They are also compatible with the MyQ app, enabling you to synchronize the door with other security devices in your house and receive real-time alerts.

Outdated door openers have a single opener frequency code to close and open the garage door. Unfortunately, people with malicious intent can copy this code and access your house when you are away.

On the other hand, modern jackshaft door openers come with upgraded security improvements. The security improvements introduce unique door codes every time you open your door to eliminate the risk of copying.

Jackshaft door openers also have safety features such as sensors and safety reversal systems. These features help to prevent garage door-related harm to yourself, your family, or your pets.

Some models also have a light for more safety and convenience. In addition, some jackshaft door opener models come with a backup battery that enables you to continue operating your garage door when there is a power outage. Read these tips on Care and Maintenance Schedule for Trouble-Free Garage Doors here.