which garage door opener is better for you ?
Exploring Side Mount Garage Door Openers: A Complete Guide to Performance and Installation
Jackshaft openers, or side-mount openers, have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their sleek design, quiet operation, and space-saving advantages. If you’re considering upgrading your garage door opener, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of jackshaft openers.
Pros of Jackshaft Garage Door Openers
- Sleek Design: Jackshaft openers are a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to traditional overhead openers, often blending seamlessly with your garage’s interior.
- Quiet Operation: These openers are known for their quiet operation, reducing noise pollution in your home.
- Space-Saving: By mounting on the side of your garage door, jackshaft openers free up ceiling space, allowing for additional storage or overhead lighting.
- Security Features: Many jackshaft openers come with built-in automatic door lock systems, enhancing the security of your home.
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- Capacity: Jackshaft openers can handle garage doors weighing up to 750 lbs, making them suitable for various door materials and styles.
Cons of Jackshaft Garage Door Openers
- Sensitivity to Door Tracking: Jackshaft openers can be more sensitive to door tracking issues compared to overhead openers. If your door goes off track, there might be no support to prevent it from dropping, potentially damaging the opener.
- Shorter Lifespan: Jackshaft openers may have a slightly shorter lifespan compared to overhead openers.
- Higher Cost: Jackshaft openers generally cost more than traditional overhead openers.
- Outlet Requirement: You’ll need an electrical outlet on the side of your garage door for a jackshaft opener, unless you’re willing to use an extension cord.
Conclusion
Jackshaft garage door openers offer a number of benefits, including a sleek design, quiet operation, and enhanced security. However, it’s important to consider their potential drawbacks, such as sensitivity to door tracking issues and higher cost. If you’re looking for a quiet, space-saving opener and are willing to invest in a premium product, a jackshaft opener might be the right choice for you.
PROS AND CONS OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR OPENER
When people think of garage door openers, the overhead opener is often what comes to mind. This tried-and-true system is by far the most popular choice for roll-up overhead doors. While newer options like the jackshaft opener are gaining ground, the traditional overhead garage door opener remains a staple in residential and commercial applications due to its reliability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.
Pros of the Overhead Garage Door Opener
Widespread Popularity and Availability One of the main reasons why the overhead garage door opener is such a common choice is its accessibility. Most models come with a wall-mounted control button, remote controls, and safety sensors. Installation is straightforward, and because of how commonly these openers are used, it’s easy to find replacement parts or technicians who know how to repair them. The widespread availability means that almost any garage door repairman will be familiar with troubleshooting issues or performing maintenance on these openers.
Versatile Mounting Options Overhead openers are typically mounted with a rail system that pulls the garage door from the center. However, they also offer flexibility in installation—if needed, they can be connected from the right or left side of the center, depending on your garage layout. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of garage designs.
Multiple Drive Types Depending on your needs, overhead garage door openers come with three different drive options:
- Belt-driven models are the quietest, making them ideal for homeowners who value low noise, particularly if the garage is attached to the home.
- Chain-driven models are the most affordable, though they can be a bit noisier.
- Screw-driven models are known for their minimal maintenance and durability, making them another viable choice.
Affordable and Cost-Effective The overhead garage door opener tends to be more affordable than its side-mounted (jackshaft) counterpart. For homeowners looking to balance functionality with budget, this is often the go-to option. Its lower initial cost and the fact that most technicians are well-versed in its operation also means that repairs tend to be less expensive.
Safety Feature: Door Stability One of the standout safety advantages of the overhead garage door opener is that if your door ever comes off track, the rail system will hold the door in place, preventing it from collapsing. This can be a critical safety feature if you have a heavy door or if the door comes off track unexpectedly, preventing damage to your car or harm to anyone nearby.
Cons of the Overhead Garage Door Opener
No Built-in Lock System Unlike the side-mounted jackshaft openers, the overhead garage door opener does not come with an automatic locking mechanism. This could be a security concern for some homeowners, as the door may be more vulnerable to forced entry without additional security features.
Louder Operation Even though the belt-driven models are relatively quiet, they can still be louder than jackshaft openers. Chain-driven versions, while budget-friendly, are particularly noisy, which could be an issue for those with attached garages or who value quiet operation.
Aesthetically Intrusive Rail The rail system necessary for the overhead opener to function can take up significant space in your garage. This limits ceiling space and might not look as clean or streamlined as the side-mounted jackshaft opener. If you’re concerned about the aesthetics of your garage or need to preserve overhead space for storage, this could be a disadvantage.
Not Ideal for Low Ceilings If your garage has a low ceiling, you might not have the clearance needed for an overhead garage door opener. While some models offer low-profile designs, this is definitely something to keep in mind when considering your garage’s layout. In such cases, a side-mounted opener like the jackshaft would be a better option.
Fixed Light Bulb The overhead garage door opener typically comes with a built-in light fixture that’s attached directly to the opener itself. While this can be convenient, it does limit where you can place the light. Unlike the wireless LED lighting of jackshaft openers, you’re restricted to where the opener is mounted, which could be less than ideal if you need more targeted lighting in your garage.
We hope this comprehensive review has helped you decide which garage door opener best suits your needs. If you still have questions or need professional assistance with installation, don’t hesitate to give us a call. At Profession-Als Garage Doors, we’re more than happy to assist you with all your garage door needs!
Contact Profession-Als Garage Doors Today
Ready to schedule your garage door service in California? Call us at 888-250-5199 or conveniently book an appointment online through our Schedule Online option. For inquiries, email us at professionalsgaragedrs@gmail.com. Profession-Als Garage Doors is your trusted partner for all your garage door needs!
