Thinking About a High Lift Garage Door Conversion or in Need of Garage Door Repair? Here’s What You Should Know
Have you ever found yourself wishing for more headroom in your garage? Whether you’re planning to install a car lift, need extra storage, or just want to make better use of your space, a high lift garage door conversion could be the perfect solution. Before you jump into this upgrade, here’s a breakdown of who can benefit from it, what to consider, and why professional installation is the best way to go.
Who Might Benefit from a High Lift Garage Door Conversion?
This type of modification is ideal for:
- Homeowners with high ceilings who want to maximize garage space.
- Mechanics and car enthusiasts who need room for a car lift.
- Businesses requiring additional clearance for equipment or storage.
- Anyone frustrated by their current garage door track limiting their vertical space.
Key Considerations Before Converting
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a high lift system, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Ceiling height – Make sure your garage has enough overhead clearance.
- Spring system – High lift doors use specific torsion springs that differ from standard ones.
- Track and hardware adjustments – Your existing setup will need to be modified to accommodate the change.
- Garage door opener – A traditional opener may not work. A wall-mounted jackshaft opener is often the best choice. 👉 Looking for a reliable option? Check out LiftMaster side-mount openers.
Different High Lift Conversion Options
When converting your garage door, you have a few choices:
- Partial high lift conversion – Raises the tracks slightly while keeping some horizontal movement.
- Full high lift conversion – Maximizes vertical clearance by repositioning the entire track system.
- Custom high lift solutions – Designed to match the exact dimensions and needs of your garage.
Why This Isn’t a DIY Job
While a high lift conversion might seem straightforward, it requires careful calculations, proper tools, and technical knowledge. Common DIY mistakes include:
- Misaligning the tracks, leading to poor door performance.
- Incorrect spring tensioning, which can be a serious safety hazard.
- Premature wear and tear on components, resulting in costly repairs.
Hiring a professional ensures everything is done safely and efficiently, extending the lifespan of your system. If you need expert help, check out our garage door conversion services.
How a Professional Completes a High Lift Conversion
Curious about what the process looks like? Here’s a general outline:
- Measure the space – Verify ceiling height and available headroom.
- Choose the right hardware – This includes new tracks, springs, and brackets.
- Remove existing tracks and components – The old system needs to be taken down carefully.
- Install high lift tracks – The new setup is positioned and aligned properly.
- Adjust the spring system – Proper torsion springs are installed for smooth operation.
- Mount the jackshaft opener – Since traditional openers won’t work, a side-mounted jackshaft opener is installed.
- Balance and test the door – Ensuring smooth movement and adjusting where needed.
- Final safety check – Inspecting all parts, lubricating where necessary, and testing safety features.
Additional Things to Keep in Mind
- Cost considerations – Prices vary based on door size, track adjustments, and additional modifications.
- Insulation options – If you live in a climate with temperature extremes, upgrading to an insulated door might be worthwhile.
- Regular maintenance – Like any other mechanical system, garage doors require upkeep to function well over time.
Final Thoughts
A high lift garage door conversion is an excellent way to enhance the functionality of your garage. However, due to the complexity of the installation, it’s highly recommended to hire an expert for the job. If you’re thinking about making this change, consulting a professional ensures a safe and effective upgrade.
Ready to Upgrade Your Garage?
If you want to maximize your garage space, reach out to us for expert high lift garage door conversion services. We offer tailored solutions to ensure a smooth and professional installation.