Are you tired of bumping your car’s roof on your garage door every time you pull in or out? Or maybe you’re looking to create more space in your garage for storage or a workshop? Either way, a high lift garage door conversion could be the solution you’re looking for.
High lift doors are an increasingly popular option for homeowners who want to maximize their garage space and provide more headroom for their vehicles. Unlike traditional garage doors that hang parallel to the ceiling, high lift doors are installed at an angle, allowing them to travel higher up the wall and provide more clearance for your car or truck.
But before you jump into a high-lift conversion, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of high lift doors, what to consider when installing them, and the steps involved in the installation process.
What is High Lift Conversion?
With a high-lift conversion, the track of your existing garage door is lengthened so that the door moves higher and closer to the ceiling, hugging the wall. With at least 12 to 15 inches more headroom, a high-lift garage door lets you make better use of the vertical space in your garage. This extra space can be used for additional storage or to accommodate a car lift.
One of the most common misconceptions about high-lift conversions is that they give more clearance so that tall vehicles like RVs can fit. But that’s not true. A high-lift conversion doesn’t make your garage taller; it just gives you more space to use.
What Parts does High Lift Conversion have?
For a high-lift garage door conversion, your existing tracks, drums, cables, and springs will need to be replaced to fit the new door path. For example, the tracks will need to be made longer, the torsion springs will need to be replaced with stronger ones, and the cables will need to be wound around the drum differently to keep the tension even.
After changing to a high-lift door, you may also need to replace your ceiling-mounted garage door opener because it may no longer fit in the space above the door. For example, jackshaft openers are mounted on the wall of your garage as opposed to the ceiling, allowing you to free up headroom by eliminating the need for an opener rail. The powerhead of this model is even built with wifi and the Aladdin® Connect smart system.
Benefits of High Lift Doors
The most obvious benefit of a high lift door is the increased headroom it provides for your vehicle. This is especially helpful if you own a taller vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, or if you have a lift or roof rack installed on your car. A high lift door can provide up to an additional foot or more of clearance, making it easier to maneuver your vehicle in and out of the garage.
Another advantage of a high lift door is the additional storage space it can create in your garage. By raising the door higher up the wall, you can install shelving or cabinets along the sides of the garage without interfering with the door’s operation. This can be particularly useful if you’re using your garage as a workshop or need extra space to store tools, equipment, or other items.
Considerations for Installation
Before you decide to convert your garage door to a high lift system, there are several factors you should consider. First and foremost is the height of your garage ceiling. High lift doors require more vertical clearance than traditional doors, so you’ll need to have enough space between the top of your garage door opening and the ceiling to accommodate the new system.
You should also consider the weight of your garage door. High lift systems use larger springs and cables to lift the door, so your door will need to be strong enough to handle the added weight and stress. If your door is old or in poor condition, it may not be suitable for a high-lift conversion.
Finally, you should consider your budget and your skill level. While high-lift conversions can be done as a DIY project, they can also be quite complex and time-consuming. If you’re uncomfortable working with garage doors and have limited tools or experience, consider hiring a professional to install the system.
Steps for Installing a High Lift Door
If you’ve decided to install a high lift door yourself, here are the basic steps you’ll need to follow:
- Measure your garage opening to determine the size of the high lift tracks and hardware you’ll need.
- Install the high lift tracks along the sides of the garage opening, using brackets and lag screws to secure them to the wall.
- Install the new high lift torsion springs above the tracks, using winding bars to adjust the tension and ensure the door is balanced.
- Attach the high lift cables to the bottom of the door and run them up through the tracks, attaching them to the drum at the top.
- Install the high lift cable drums and end bearings, making sure they’re securely fastened to the shaft and the wall.
- Test the door to make sure it’s functioning properly and adjust the tension on the springs as needed.
Tips for DIY Installations
If you’re planning to install a high lift door yourself, there are a few tips and tricks that can make the process easier and safer:
- Make sure you have all the necessary tools
- Take your time and follow the instructions carefully. High lift conversions can be complex, so it’s important to read the instructions thoroughly and understand each step before you begin.
- Use caution when working with the springs. High lift doors use larger torsion springs that can be dangerous if mishandled. Make sure you have the right tools and take the necessary precautions to avoid injury.
- Have a helper on hand. High lift doors are heavy and can be difficult to install alone. Having a helper can make the process easier and safer.
- Consider using a garage door opener. While high lift doors can be operated manually, they’re much easier to use with an automatic opener. If you don’t already have an opener installed, now may be a good time to add one.
Cost of High Lift Conversion
The cost of a high lift garage door conversion will depend on several factors, including the size and weight of your door, the height of your ceiling, and whether you choose to do the installation yourself or hire a professional. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a high-lift conversion.
While this may seem like a significant investment, the benefits of a high lift door can make it well worth the cost. Not only will you have more headroom for your vehicle, but you’ll also be able to create more storage space in your garage, making it a more functional and organized space.
Professional High Lift Conversion Service
Most high-lift conversions are hard to do and should be left to the experts. Among other things, it can be very dangerous to try to replace the torsion springs on your garage door because they are under a lot of tension. So, if something goes wrong, you could hurt yourself or damage your property if you don’t have the right tools and enough knowledge.
Lucky for us, the expert technicians at Affordable Garage Doors know how to quickly and safely convert garage doors to high-lift versions. We’ll come to your house, measure your garage, and do a series of precise calculations to figure out which parts are needed for your conversion. We’ll figure out the right number of drums, cable lengths, springs, and tracks. Once the conversion is complete, we’ll thoroughly test and calibrate the system to ensure it works.
You can use your old garage door, but you might also want to think about upgrading. For example, if you’re already thinking about getting a new garage door opener, you might want to think about a high-lift door at the same time to save money on labor costs.
Indianapolis, IN Routine Maintenance
A high-lift garage door requires routine maintenance to ensure it works optimally year-round. Garage doors are complex systems with several moving parts. So, if something goes wrong, your garage door could get stuck or not work at all.
At Affordable Garage Doors, we’re happy to say that we have a fully planned maintenance program. Our team of technicians can come to your home as often as you want to check, lubricate, and make adjustments to the door parts. We’ll also check the weather strip for wear, shrinkage, and damage. We’ll also adjust the door’s balance to make sure it works well for years to come. It’s our goal to catch any minor problems before they become major issues and help you avoid the need to prematurely invest in a completely new system.
HOW TO DECIDE IF A HIGH-LIFT CONVERSION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you’re considering a high-lift conversion, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, think about your garage’s ceiling height and whether you have enough room to install a high-lift track without compromising your headroom. Secondly, consider your storage needs and whether you would benefit from the additional vertical space. If you’re planning to install a car lift, a high-lift conversion is a great way to create more clearance. Lastly, think about your budget. A high-lift conversion is typically more expensive than a standard track replacement, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the benefits.
Ultimately, a high-lift conversion can be a great investment for homeowners who need more storage or are looking to install a car lift. It’s important to work with a professional garage door technician to ensure that the conversion is done safely and correctly. With the right garage door opener and proper installation, you can enjoy the benefits of a high-lift garage door for years to come.
Reliable High Lift Garage Door Conversion in Indianapolis, IN
Now that you know what a high-lift garage door conversion is, let’s explore why Affordable Garage Doors is the right company for the job. First and foremost, Affordable Garage Doors is known for its reliability and professionalism. We take pride in delivering high-quality services that meet the needs and preferences of our clients.
Affordable Garage Doors is made up of a team of skilled and experienced technicians who are dedicated to providing personalized services that meet the specific needs of each client. We understand that every garage is unique, which is why they take the time to assess the space and provide customized solutions that work.
Aside from reliability and expertise, Affordable Garage Doors also uses high-quality products that are durable and long-lasting. We work with top brands in the industry to ensure that our clients get the best products that meet their needs and preferences.
If you’re interested in learning more about high lift garage door conversions or want to schedule a consultation with Affordable Garage Doors, visit their page. There, you’ll find more information about our services, products, and pricing. You can also read reviews from past clients to get a sense of our experience working with Affordable Garage Doors.
If you’re in Indianapolis, IN and looking for a reliable and efficient high lift garage door conversion, then you should consider Affordable Garage Doors. Our team of skilled technicians and high-quality products will ensure that you get the best service possible.