Many modern garage spaces today are designed with high ceilings, some of which serve as storage space. This situation renders conventional garage doors inefficient, allowing the jackshaft garage door opener to take its place.
A jackshaft opener is a wall-mounted opener. It is fitted to the torsion bar and uses rotational force to move the garage door up and down.
This type of gate opener has a quiet motor operation and works with lower vibration. Its placement makes jackshaft garage door openers safer than traditional ceiling-mounted garage openers.
Types of Commercial Garage Door Openers
The electric garage door operators for residential and commercial doors are divided into two main categories: trolley type and jackshaft garage door opener. Other least popular types are hoist and slide openers.
Trolley garage door openers are the traditional door openers used for lift doors. They are positioned on the garage ceiling with an operator rail that turns a chain or belt. The chain connects to the trolley, pulling the door arm opener to open the garage.
The jackshaft door opener is installed on either the garage door's right or left side. To raise and lower it, it is connected to the door’s torsion bar. It works for all types of garage doors, particularly in standard lift sectional doors, full vertical lift or high lift doors. However, it is mainly applicable to sectional doors than the single panel and rolling doors.
Do You Need a Jackshaft Door Opener?
Is the jackshaft opener the best for your new garage door or a good replacement for an existing one? Make sure that it meets the minimum requirement for the door opener to function well.
Here are a few garage requirements to consider:
- A minimum of 8-inch space to one side of the door
- A 3-inch minimum headspace above the door
- Electrical outlet within a 6 feet distance
- At least 7-inch space for the jackshaft garage door opener housing
- A torsion spring system above the garage door opening for a standard lift or at the end of a horizontal track
A jackshaft door opener system operates with almost a similar horsepower as the trolley system. But, the jackshaft can open doors up to 14 ft high or about 180 ft in total area.
What to Look for in a Jackshaft Garage Door Opener
Wall-mounted garage door openers are gaining popularity in modern homes and new garages.
Consider the following useful features for the best jackshaft door opener:
Secure Remote Code Technology
Traditional garage doors operate remotely through DIP switches. These switches can be set to a frequency, and the remote control is toggled to a similar frequency. DIP switches are safe but are decreasing in popularity because of customizable remote control garage door openers.
Modern garage door openers use rolling code technology, where the remote opener sends out a new code every time it is triggered. This means only the remote controllers programmed to it can operate the gate opener.
Remote Control Capability
Remote control garage door openers are here to stay and offer homeowners heightened security and convenience. Jackshaft garage door openers may have different remote features, so choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Remote buttons enable you to control the opening, closing, and locking of a door or several doors from the remote button. A designated button can also control a remote LED light for hands-free light switching.
Battery Backup
A jackshaft opener with an integrated battery backup system is the most reliable in case of power failure. An automatic garage door lock mainly uses AC power which can potentially lock you out during a power outage.
Choose wall-mounted door openers with DC motors as an alternative power source to handle power failures. Models like the LiftMaster 8500W already come with an integrated battery backup. The LiftMaster 8500 base model is also battery-capable and ready for a battery you can buy separately.
Timer-to-Close
Jackshaft door openers that intuitively close and lock the garage door when it is unattended are an important safety feature. Some door openers have this programmable option that automatically closes the garage door after a specified time of inactivity. This is useful in case you forget to close the garage door.
Power Lock Deadbolt
In addition to the timer option for a garage door opener, the power lock deadbolt system enhances its security features. Once the gate is closed, this system automatically locks it, making it virtually impossible to pry it open forcefully. If you purchase any LiftMaster product, the safety features of a garage door can be accessed using myQ technology.
Smart Operation
Speaking of technology, a smart jackshaft door opener can show you there is more to a gate controller than operating the gate. Reinforcing it with a smart function takes more work from your hands.
Smart features are possible by installing a smart control panel. You can buy an accessory such as the LiftMaster internet gateway. This smart control panel can be reinforced upon garage door installation or as an upgrade.
Protector System
Sensors like safety beams are necessary for a garage to avoid potential problems. A garage door automatically opening and closing is a potential crushing risk without a meter to stop its operation. Do not overlook the importance of adding safety sensors when installing a garage door.
You can check the door opener's product features, which will likely include a motion sensor. This feature automatically stops or reverses a closing door when it detects an obstruction. If not, you can buy separate sensors for your garage door installation.
Jackshaft Garage Door Openers
If you want reliable products to upgrade your garage to maximize your living space, you can find them at All Security Equipment. We provide solutions for all your door, garage door, and gate security needs to augment homeowners' need for convenience and security.
All Security Equipment has a wide selection of jackshaft door openers from many trusted and popular brands. Contact our customer service today for all your inquiries, and we will gladly assist you.
