If you’re in the market to replace your garage door opener and also want to create some extra space, you might want to consider a side-mount model.
With the various models of garage door openers available, it can be difficult to choose one. Start by figuring out your budget, as well as the door size and space in your garage to help you narrow the options.
You aren’t limited to just trolley operators, either. About a decade ago, the newest side-mount model debuted. It is also known as a jackshaft opener or wall-mount and is designed for residential use.
How does it work?
Wall-mounted openers work similarly to central trolley systems. However, they are installed on the wall of the garage instead of the ceiling. It also has a different method of operation than a central opener. Above the door, there is a torsion counterbalance system that rotates the torsion shaft to open and close the door. The opener is connected to the torsion shaft, and when engaged, it causes the door to go up or go down.
Like this jackshaft-type opener? This is the 8500W model.
Not only does the jackshaft opener look cleaner and more presentable, but it offers several other perks. They’re a bit more expensive initially, but there are at least three reasons they could be your more practical choice. Read on to find out!
Make room for storage and more
Are you running out of room? Do you feel like your garage is just a home for junk that gets tossed out of the way to be dealt with “later”? What can you do when you feel like you’re out of room? We’ve got the answers below.
First, though, let’s declutter and get rid of anything you don’t need
Check out this blog to get some insight on what to keep and how to declutter your garage in the best way possible. In it, you’ll see the author posit three important questions:
How much is it to replace if I need it later?
If I do need it, can I locate it?
Will I ever actually need it, or do I just want to keep it?
The American-based WebMD has also proven that getting rid of clutter can increase health and wellbeing in several ways:
- Improved Focus: When your environment is decluttered, you’ll be less distracted. This can boost productivity and more.
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: Having a more organized garage can help you feel accomplished and reduce the stress you face. It can also increase your confidence in many ways.
- Improved Relationships: When your home is in better shape, you’ll be more inclined to invite family and friends over. Plus, there will be fewer conflicts over clutter when you live with someone.
- Reduced Asthma and Allergies: When you clean your house, you can reduce the number of allergens and the amount of dust in the air. This can also cut down on pet hair, pollen, and other dangers for those with respiratory issues or allergies.
- Other Health Improvements: When your home and garage are organized, your mind will be clear and you’ll be able to sleep peacefully. You’ll also enjoy cooking more in an organized, functional kitchen, for example.
Check out this garage image from Unsplash. Would you even be able to work in here? Imagine if it were organized—how much more space would there be?
It’s easiest to deep clean your garage by clearing it out first. That will make it easy for you to clean shelves and floors, and other areas of the garage. Then you can visualize and plan the space, and sort through your belongings as you’re looking to put everything back in place.
Remember to sort things into donations, items to sell, and trash so that you can keep your decluttering organized, too. It could take some time, but it’s worth the investment.
Ensure the items in your garage are safe and secure
Here’s a list of 15 things you shouldn’t store in your garage. There are just some items that don’t belong in a garage, no matter what. Follow this list to avoid dangers and create more effective storage space for your tools, car supplies, sports gear, or appliances that you want to keep in the garage. If you want to be safe, make sure that you never keep the following types of items in your garage:
- Hazardous substances and objects, such as gasoline, rags coated in oil or other fluids, propane tanks, and so forth
- Firewood, bedding, pet food, and other items that might attract rodents and bugs
- Items that are climate-sensitive or delicate, such as photographs and documents, clothes, and electronics
This will avoid any unpleasant surprises and keep your garage hazard-free.
Tips for effectively clearing and organizing the garage
When you choose a jackshaft (wall) opener, you’ll free up overhead space so that you can install storage racks or give yourself clearance for a roof rack on your vehicle, for example. You won’t have the opener taking up so much room and can embrace all the storage options.
You can find a variety of affordable garage storage equipment and products. You’ll find insight on how you can capitalize on ceiling space in this blog that was published in a major home improvement publication. You’ll find everything from simple bike hooks and shelving to plastic bins and more, giving you plenty of different ways to organize your garage space.
IMPORTANT! The jackshaft opener will work with any ceiling in any garage. They can be more practical for high ceilings or cathedral ceilings since headspace isn’t a requirement. For example, unlike a trolley opener that may need up to 24 inches of space, you’ll only need about eight inches to one side of the garage door to install the opener itself.
If she moved the shelves, this woman could save a ton of space and use a wall-mounted opener. It can do wonders for you, too, so check them out now!
More safety
Every opener out there includes a photoelectric reversal system that helps ensure safety. The system works by detecting objects in the way of the door and causing the door to reverse. The wall-mounted opener ensures that the motor is covered and there is no dangerous movement of mechanics exposed or putting people at risk. There are no belts, chains, or other potential safety hazards that you need to worry about with children, either.
These motors are quieter than trolley openers installed overhead. They provide a clean look and are ideal for anyone who wants to keep the noise down because they have a room above the garage or want to use the garage as a living space.
myQ security camera
When you choose a side-mount opener, you’ll want to consider also adding a security camera. The myQ intelligent camera from LiftMaster is the best choice for the tech-savvy homeowner, and it offers a lot of great convenience and safety features today.
The camera can be controlled from your laptop or phone, thanks to the convenient myQ app. You’ll get notifications when movements are detected and the 140⁰ wide-angle lens ensures that you get a good look at what’s going on in your garage at all times.
At LiftMaster’s website, you can learn everything you need to know about myQ.
The myQ app from LiftMaster makes it easy to control movement in and around your garage.
Less maintenance
One of peoples’favorite benefits of this type of opener is that less maintenance is required. The opener doesn’t use the standard trolley rail so there are fewer moving parts. That means less lubrication, among other things.
You’ll also never have to worry about adjusting chains and belts, cleaning the system or its parts, or any other hassles. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about how you’re going to reach the opener like you would with a standard trolley-type opener. This is safer for everyone, too.
With the wall mount, you also run less risk of lubricant getting on your vehicle or other belongings. There’s nothing worse than lubricating your garage door only to have to wash the car after or clean off your personal property. If you don’t clean up the mess, that could become a fire hazard.
With a jackshaft wall-mounted opener, these are never concerns!
Check out the 8500C model if you’re considering a jackshaft opener.
Want more help finding the best garage door opener?
Regardless of what you have in mind for your garage door opener, all residential models come with their own features and factors to consider. Don’t let the selection overwhelm you though, because we can help you sift through the options.
Call to schedule your appointment now: 508-752-4677!
Perhaps you’re not sure where to start or you just aren’t familiar with the lingo. The garage door specialists at Door Systems Worcester can help you with all that you need! You can contact us to get more assistance, whenever we’re open.
We know you’ve all got different needs and we will make it our priority to discuss all the options, answer the questions that you need, and more. To find out more about the door you love, ask about a free quotation for the system you like best.
For those who are thinking of going the extra mile, feel free to find inspiration for a brand new garage door in our photo gallery. We hope that you’ll be the next in our line of satisfied homeowners and can help in any way you’d like.
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