Benefits of Jackshaft openers vs. overhead central openers

Modern garage designs accommodate for much higher ceilings than what people are traditionally used to. Unlike older models, new garages can be as high as 12‑14 feet or more. However, standard garage doors are still only seven to eight feet high, so what are you supposed to do with all of that extra space?

If you don’t have room for a traditional trolley‑style opener, LiftMaster/Chamberlain has created a solution. This industry‑leading company adapted a commercial opener that they already had for residential installation. This created the new wall‑mounted option that many homeowners prefer: the Jackshaft opener.

What is the Jackshaft opener?

A standard opener is installed in the middle of the door on the ceiling. This allows for easy installation of the electrical wiring and other components. The Jackshaft system, however, includes a second rod that allows it to be installed beside the door. When there is more than 24 inches of headroom over the garage door height, this is usually the preferred option for a garage door opener.

In new construction, where builders are focused on creating extra storage space, higher garage ceilings are common. Cathedral ceilings are also not unheard of, and these openers can be a great asset in those spaces, as well. The idea of offering more garage space means that seasonal items can be kept close by without being in the way.

When you are able to move the garage door closer to the ceiling, you gain valuable wall space for storage and organization. However, if you have the ceiling room for storage, the Jackshaft can create the perfect solution. There are also other instances where the Jackshaft opener can be a desirable choice.

• If there is limited headroom above the garage door for clearance of an overhead system, an opener may be installed beside the door. Of course, this means there has to be sufficient space beside the door for an opener, but in most cases, there is plenty.
• When the garage has a large window over the door or there is a false panel installed, a Jackshaft opener will be the preferred option. High‑lift systems also make it so that you can’t see the tracks through the window, but make it difficult to accommodate an overhead opener.

• These openers are designed for doors that are a maximum of 14 feet high and 18 feet wide. They are most efficient for occasional use, such as an average of 2‑4 times per day. They can be ideal for garages that store recreational vehicles because of this.

Installation requirements

Since this opener goes next to the door, it has different installation requirements than a trolley‑type opener. The requirements for installing this system include:

• Three inches of headroom over the door
• Eight inches of space on one side of the door for the opener
• An electrical outlet within six feet
• A 16 ¼” high space for the opener housing
• A torsion spring system that connects the shaft to the opener directly

The benefits of a Jackshaft compared to trolley‑style openers

1. This opener offers more storage space in the garage by allowing for a higher door installation and increased wall space.
2. This unit also runs on a DC (direct current) motor, which is much quieter to operate than an AC motor. In garages that are attached, this noise can make quite a difference.
3. To attach a standard opener to a cathedral ceiling, it can be nearly impossible. At the very least, it can become unsafe when you need a large bracket or have to extend the wiring to reach everything.
4. The door side installation is safer for everyone. Not only will the opener not risk falling and damaging vehicles or causing injury to people, but it is much harder for thieves to break into garages with these openers. The safety mechanism on overhead openers can be triggered with a coat hanger during a power outage, but that isn’t a risk with the Jackshaft model.
5. There are backup batteries on these openers. The Model 8500W, specifically, comes equipped with an emergency battery that allows continued use of the door during a power outage. Most backup batteries provide about 20 uses.

Other noteworthy items…

Jackshaft openers also have other benefits and features, which are seen on many standard trolley‑style openers systems.

• MyQ technology for smartphone and smart home integration
• Photo‑eye reversal systems for safety
• Emergency disengage cords come standard
• LiftMaster has Security+ 2.0, which means your remote code is impossible to copy
• All systems come with an LED light that can be installed anywhere
• Other accessories and adaptable features are available to add convenience

Learn more today…

If you are in the Niagara Falls area, contact us at 1-800-263-4972. We have everything you need to know about electric garage door openers, including the Jackshaft.