Top Reasons You Should Consider A Jackshaft Garage Door Opener For Your Home

When searching for a fitting garage door opener for your home, you'll find that there are many options to choose from. Sure, you could go for the traditional types like the chain and belt drive, but have you considered getting a jackshaft door opener? This type is different because of its mounting mechanism. Unlike the conventional options, which use the ceiling space above your door, these need a little room to the side. So, if you're looking for a replacement for your outdated garage door opener, jackshafts are steadily growing in popularity — and for good reasons. Benefits like space optimization, versatility, easy installation and maintenance, reduced noise, and security are key reasons that should make you consider this system for your garage door.

While the traditional ceiling-mounted openers use an overhead track with a chain or belt that moves a garage door up or down, jackshaft takes a different approach. This setup forgoes the overhead track and instead connects directly to the door's torsion bar from the side to lift it. Although they were once used in commercial buildings, they're beginning to make their way into residential homes.

Jackshaft garage doors are quite versatile because they lack an overhead mount. They can work with any kind of garage setup, including those with angled, high, or unconventionally shaped ceilings. These doors are also great for garages with low ceilings that have limited headroom to install a traditional overhead track. They're also the preferred option if you have a really tall vehicle or a tractor that requires a high lift garage door. This is because the traditional overhead track wouldn't be good for it since it'll take up some of the ceiling space you're trying to maximize.

Since these garage door openers are side-mounted, they leave you with some extra space up top that you can put to good use. You can try out some smart garage ceiling storage ideas, like pulley-operated ceiling racks, to store seasonal equipment, such as surfboards or skis. Thanks to the absence of a track and all the other moving parts of a traditional garage opener, jackshaft systems are a lot easier to install on your own. So, you can save some money on this installation by whipping out your DIY gloves. This lack of moving parts also means that fewer things can malfunction over time. This increases the lifespan of the unit and makes it easier to maintain than the overhead models. Better yet, you can finally say goodbye to leaking lubricant from the overhead track dropping on your car or garage floor.

If you're used to your garage door making a lot of noise when it's opening, then you'd appreciate a jackshaft opener. Since it has fewer moving parts and a lot of systems rely on a DC (direct current) motor, it doesn't cause a ruckus. This makes it a great choice for garages that are attached to living spaces. After all, there's no need to wake everyone when you come home from work (or a late-night party!).

Moreover, these openers are more secure than the traditional overhead units due to a few reasons. First of all, their emergency release cord is mounted on the side of the door, making it difficult for would-be thieves to tamper with them. This is important because there have been cases of thieves tripping an emergency release cord in overhead tracks with only a coat hanger. Secondly, many jackshaft units come with an automatic deadbolt that locks the garage door into place and prevents break-ins. Finally, these systems usually come fitted with enhanced security features and app support that let you control your garage door remotely. The apps might even have an alert functionality to inform you when your garage door is opened.

Many of these units also support additional battery packs, allowing you to use them during power outages. This would be great in emergencies or for homes in the countryside, where these events might happen more often. Moreover, these units usually have motion sensors that stop or reverse a door's closure when there's an obstruction in the track, or simply turn on the lights when you walk in.

Now, before you rush off to upgrade your garage door, consider a few factors when choosing a jackshaft unit for your home. First, consider the amount of space you have to install it. You'll need about 8 inches of space on either side of your door to install your opener. Keep in mind that some side-mount models are slimmer, so that may affect your decision. You also need headroom of at least 3 inches above the opening and an electric outlet at most 6 feet away from the unit.

Next, check the weight of your garage door. Since jackshaft openers employ gravity to close garage doors, they work best with ones that weigh enough to fall easily. That being said, they shouldn't be too heavy, or they'll put strain on the system. So, it's best to factor in your door's weight and check the HP rating of an operator to make the right decision. Generally, a regular aluminum door requires a motor with ½ HP, whereas an insulated or oversized one requires ¾ to 1 HP.

The next thing to consider is the brand of door opener. Some brands deliver quality consistently, while other brands should be avoided at all costs. While making a decision, consider features like battery backup, motion sensor lights, automatic deadbolt, and Wi-Fi connectivity. For instance, some LiftMaster units like the 8500 don't have inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity and you'll have to separately install a dedicated internet gateway. Later models like the 8500W might cost more initially, but don't require an internet gateway.