Understanding the 5 Types of Garage Door Lifts & Why They Matter

This mixture of textures and structural elements of this house façade matches perfectly with that beautiful garage door, don't you think! The Chocolate Walnut color compliments the current wood trimming, and the traditional Prestige XL Design of the door is fitted with three beautiful Pinhead windows.

It's a dream come true! You're finally able to build your fantasy home and, with it, the ultimate garage!

A garage is a place of inspiration, where you can spend time doing hobbies and pursuing your ultimate dreams. There are so many world-changing projects that started in a simple garage.

As we've all had to spend time at home, making the most of the space we have, the garage has become an increasingly important part of your home. Instead of just storing your car, they act as places to get together, work-out rooms, or even the new home office. Building a new garage is a great way to invest in your home by adding value to it and can help you make more effective use of your space.

While it's far more thrilling to think about which style of garage door will best fit your home, garage door hardware is a vital part of your new garage. You should understand the differences between the 5 types of garage door lifts. It can be overwhelming, but don't worry! We're here to help.

Number 1: High Lift Hardware

This modern house has 2 single, black Vog garage doors. The windows above them match well with the style of the front door!

If you have windows above your garage, then the high lift operator is the only option for you. This door lift works by making your garage door lift higher up the wall before it begins curving. This system offers to give you more headroom space, 12″-15″ of it, than other door operators do!

Add a modern or industrial look to a room with this contemporary California-style garage door. High Lift operators don't just add more headroom; they can change how your garage feels, whether it's a workplace or a living space!

Use High Lift door hardware when:

• The garage will become more than a place for your car, and you want to enjoy additional headroom that makes the garage feel more open.
• The garage has windows installed directly above the door.
• The garage has limited storage; you can optimize the headspace in your garage to get more items off the floor.
• You need to install a car lift; the High Lift will offer more head clearance.
• The garage may one day be renovated to suit a purpose it doesn't currently fit. By investing in a High Lift door operator, you'll avoid safety concerns and claustrophobia that can occur with a large object, like a garage door, sitting right above your head.

Understanding the Mechanism: In the above drawing, you can get a clear understanding of how a High Lift operator works and get an idea of how it will be installed in your garage. The straight tracks extend above the door instead of being in line with it. They guide the door up with a slight angle.

Identifying High Lift Hardware

The hardware used to install and run a high lift garage door operator is slightly different than that used by traditional garage door openers. This is because of how the door functions. Because the opening tracts will lift the door higher before retracting it into the interior of the building, there is a different amount of strain put on the hardware.

1. Spotting the differences of the tracks:

   Now, installing any garage door opener will look slightly different because garages have inconsistent heights and widths. However, it's easier to understand how the tracks will be different when we use an example. Say you have a garage that has a ceiling that is 10-feet tall, while the garage door is only 8-feet tall. This means that your garage door tracks will have to extend 2-feet above the door.

2. Major differences in the torsion spring:

   The device that opens the garage door, called the garage door opener, is often held responsible for doing all the hard lifting necessary to open the garage door. This is not how the door actually operates, however. The garage door is actually under extreme pressure, as a torsion spring is responsible for lifting the door. This is why having a well-balanced door is essential for its safe operation.

3. The kind of garage door opener you need:

   

   Another beautiful Flush Design garage door with a window to let in more natural light. With this setup, you don't want to ruin all the work you did getting a high lift door by having a ceiling-mounted garage door opener that fills up all that vital headroom! In fact, those operators wouldn't work at all!

The solution? A new wall-mounted garage door opener.

A wall-mounted garage door opener is installed beside the door instead of on the ceiling. If you're looking for a model, we recommend the LiftMaster 8500W. Not only is the belt-driven system quieter than a chain-drive operator, but it also has extra security features you want. Not to mention, it comes with access to the MyQ app. The app allows you to access and operate your garage door from your smart device or computer!

Number 2: Inclined Garage Door Tracks

Small children often draw houses with a vaulted ceiling, like the one you see above. While it's less common, some garages are built with this style and design. If this is the case in your home, then you'll need Inclined Garage Door Tracks to operate your door.

Honestly, a photo can say more than words can! This garage (with an absolutely timeless traditional Eastman E-12 Design garage door in Claystone and White real overlays) has a vaulted roof. That means that this garage door can only operate on inclined tracks that account for the odd roof shape. Look below to see how they work while maintaining that wonderful ceiling space!

Yeah, they look different. But what are the tangible differences between Inclined Tracks and High Lift Hardware?

• The major difference between these two tracks lies in how the doors recede back into the house. An inclined tracks guide the door with the existing bend of the roof, keeping the tracks flush with the wall and ceiling. A high lift will still have a track gap where the ceiling and the wall meet.
• While the track path is different, a torsion spring is still vital to the door's function and needs to be well balanced.
• This kind of track also requires a wall-mounted garage door opener, like the LiftMaster 8500.

What a stunning classic country style of garage doors! This design comes from the Townships Collection. The Eastman E-11 design in Moka Brown with Desert Sand accents truly complements the house's style.

So, when do you need inclined tracks?

• If the garage has a cathedral-type ceiling.
• If the garage ceiling is vaulted.
• If the garage door is in line with the roof's slope.

Number 3 and 4: Front or Rear Low Headroom Hardware

When is a front or rear garage door operating hardware the right choice?

• If that garage is oddly small or the ceiling is low.
• If the original doors were old swing doors apart of a detached shed. In the '60s, only 2 inches of headroom were required, making for tight spaces.
• If you're still not sure if your garage needs front or rear hardware, consult this helpful FAQ.

This California garage door with all glass was installed in a very tight space. This client wanted the door hardware to be seamlessly integrated into the design so she could enjoy a peaceful workspace.

While you may like the compactness of this hardware, when is it necessary to install it? And what's the difference between front and rear low headroom tracks?

• You need FRONT low headroom hardware if the headspace in your ceiling is between 7 and 10 inches.
• You need REAR low headroom hardware if the headspace in your garage is 5 to 7 inches.
• This kind of hardware is different from the other models we've talked about and standard lift models because it compensates for very low ceilings. This hardware allows the door to move one segment at a time, so the door can safely retract into the room.
• Despite what you may think based on these descriptions, you must use a ceiling-mounted garage door opener in spaces that have very low headroom. If you need a reliable and safe model option, we recommend the LiftMaster 87504-267. It's a standout next-generation model of the very popular LiftMaster 8550.
• Know that if you install a garage door in a low ceiling space, you will always have approximately 8 inches of door hanging over the door opening.
• Know that the use of this hardware is always a need. It's used when no other hardware will fit, and if you can use another model in your space, it is recommended to do so.

Number 5: Standard Garage Door Hardware

This is an odd example! One door uses incline tracks, while the other uses a standard lift. They are like fraternal twins! Besides that, though, isn't it great for the traditionalist that arched garage doors are coming back into style! If you're an admirer, these Classic MIX Design are perfect for you.

When is the standard garage door lift hardware the best option?

• In most cases, a standard garage door lift is best.
• You can only use standard garage door hardware if you have at least 10 inches of headroom.
• This hardware comes will different opening mechanism choices than the others. With standard hardware, pick from two extension springs installed on the 2 horizontal tracks, or use torsion springs, which specialists still prefer.
• You can also choose whichever door opener you'd like, though LiftMaster 87504-267 is still a great option that comes with all the modern innovations you want!

Things to Consider Before Deciding

Do you love the aesthetic of the old swing doors? Then this North Hatley SP design speaks to every classic country heart! The Ice White color is classic, and the arched Richmond windows create a beautiful illusion that is finished by the touch of this decorative hardware.

Should you get an insulated or non-insulated door?

A garage door can be costly, so choosing a non-insulated door can seem like a great way to save some money.

Before you decide, consider some things:

House Beautiful reveals that the biggest energy consumer in your house is heating and cooling. It can total over half of your home's energy use! If you choose an insulated garage door that prevents more air from escaping your home, you're saving a lot of money in the long run.

While you may not heat or cool your garage, this door is a huge element that could be letting in unwanted hot and cold air from the outside.

Why not feel more comfortable in your garage by isolating it? This will protect your home for a quarter of a century by getting an insulated door. On top of that, according to Green Builder Media, wall insulation will also help you cut heating and cooling costs. Using a spray foam like polyurethane can offer your space the highest-rated insulation. If you need help picking the best insulation, we recommend Standard+, which ranks R-16 for its R-value. Exceptional!

Add Value and Appeal to Your Home!

A quality garage door adds the most resale value of any home renovation project, and a good door will last over 25 years! To make the most of this investment, get a garage door that:

• Has windows: Natural Light is a great asset in usually dark space
• Has a design that fits the homes current exterior and is not bland
• Is cost-effective; in the long run, 1 double garage door should equal the cost of 2 single garage doors. Wonder how? Read more about it.

The wood finish on these doors creates a standout look, which adds interest to this detached garage. The Chocolate Walnut color adds depth to the design, supporting the classic shape of the Shaker-Flat XL garage door design.

Get Help Picking the Best Options for Your Home Today!

If your renovating your existing carport into a proper garage, building a new detached unit, or are remodeling an attached garage, North Country Door Systems can help you make the most of the job! Our services offer the most customizable garage door options, from styles to hardware and we love taking on challenging projects and offering innovative garage solutions.

Get in touch, and we'll help you come up with the perfect plan!

Contact us at 518-562-8310.

On average, most homeowners only purchase 1 or 2 garage doors in their entire lives! This can be a big investment, and you don't have to make it alone. Overhead doors and garage door openers are our specialty. Our on-hand specialist will be delighted to help you pick the best options for your needs and budget.

Do you already have the style of your fantasies picked out?

Get a free, emailed quotation now.

Need more time to consider your style options?

Use our special Design Centre to make a custom garage door style and even see what it will look like on your house before it's installed!