What Is a High Lift Garage Door? The 2024 Garage Door Conversion Guide
Are you struggling with a garage door that doesn’t have enough vertical clearance?
Installing a high lift garage door is ideal for taller vehicles or creating a workspace under the open door.
Discover the best use for a high lift door, pros and cons, and some of the common questions associated with high lift garage door installation.
Table of Contents:
What Is a High Lift Garage Door Conversion?
Converting your standard garage door to a high lift garage door involves modifying your existing garage door frame. It's not simply adding new tracks. The process typically involves replacing key components such as tracks, springs, drums, and cables to create a new trajectory for the door to fold upward and hug the ceiling. This creates extra headroom for taller vehicles, storage, or even installing a car lift.
To install a high lift garage door, you need:
- Specialized tracks: High lift garage doors use special vertical and horizontal tracks that are longer than standard tracks. These tracks allow your garage door to recede farther into your garage space, increasing the doorway's clearance.
- High garage ceiling: Some high lift garage door systems, such as vertical doors, require a minimum of 12 to 14 feet of clearance above the garage door opening to meet installation requirements. To get an exact measurement for the amount of clearance you may need, consult a garage door professional near you.
- Torsion springs: Specialized torsion springs are equipped to handle the weight and smooth operation of high lift garage doors. Since high lift doors are typically larger and heavier, a larger torsion spring is required to assist with opening and closing the garage door.
- Dedicated high lift hardware: Any hardware typically associated with your garage door's movement, such as cables, drums, or brackets, may need to be replaced to accommodate your new door's weight and operation.
- Structural integrity: The heavier door and its components put more stress on the structural components in your garage. The framing needs to be strong enough to support the additional weight.
Pros and Cons of High Lift Garage Doors
Weighing the pros and cons of a high lift garage door is important before making the switch. On the plus side, you'll gain valuable headroom to accommodate your opening for taller vehicles. However, there are other factors to consider, such as potential modifications to your garage structure to ensure it can handle the additional weight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
How To Measure High Lift on a Garage Door
While not overly complicated, accurate measurements are crucial for a proper high lift door fit. The key measurements you or a professional will need to take before installation include the:
- Height of the garage: Begin by measuring the distance from the finished floor to the ceiling.
- Door height and headroom: Next, measure the height of your current garage door (if applicable) and subtract it from the floor-to-ceiling measurement. This will give you the opening height. Subtract an additional 12 inches to account for the space needed for the spring line and other hardware. This result is your maximum potential high lift.
- Track clearance: Finally, measure the distance from the top of your garage door (when fully open) to the ceiling. This will help determine if there's enough clearance for the horizontal track and hardware when the door is raised to its maximum height.
Remember, these measurements are crucial for proper installation. If you're unsure about any steps or prefer a professional to help you, consult the team at your local Precision Garage Door Service™. We can take all the necessary measurements and ensure a smooth installation process.
Trust Precision Garage Door Service for Installation
If you’re considering having a high lift garage door installed and want to learn more about what’s required, the team at your local Precision Garage Door Service can evaluate your current system and determine if replacing your garage door with a high lift garage door is right for your home.
Contact the experts at your local Precision Garage Door Service to get started on your high lift garage door conversion.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
High Lift Garage Door FAQ
Precision Garage Door Service’s professionals have answered thousands of questions over our decades of service ensuring that customers get the garage door they need and want. Reach out to us directly if you have any additional questions.
Can I install a high lift door on my existing garage?
Whether a high lift door is a good fit for your garage depends on a number of factors, specifically your garage's ceiling height. It's best to consult a garage door professional to provide tailored solutions for your needs.
Do high lift garage doors require more maintenance?
Yes, high lift garage doors tend to require more maintenance because they are heavier, which can put more strain on your garage door system. However, with proper maintenance, high lift doors can run as smoothly and last as long as a conventional door.
Do high lift garage doors come in different materials?
Yes, high lift garage doors can be made of a variety of materials, such as steel, wood, or aluminum, to fit your style preferences and budget.
What is the difference between a vertical lift and a high lift garage door?
A vertical lift door travels directly up the wall in a single, straight motion. In contrast, a high lift door uses a combination of a horizontal track near the ceiling and then curves upwards to hug the ceiling, providing more headroom underneath the open door.
Where can I buy a high lift garage door conversion kit?
High lift garage door conversion kits can be found online or at specialty garage door stores. However, due to the complexity of installation and modifications needed to the garage structure, consulting a professional for installation is highly recommended.
