Garages are a mainstay in most modern homes. Naturally, it is also a very important component of that home. Most people with homes also own a vehicle to store in a garage.
The garage door is the only way to bring the vehicle in and out. There are manual garage doors but those are physically taxing.
Jackshaft is one of the few kinds of garage door openers. Even though it can be greatly beneficial to own one, it is not always practical to install this particular garage door opener in your garage.
Let’s get to know why that is.
Possible Issues With Jackshaft Garage Door Opener
In a jackshaft garage door opening system, the mechanism is attached to the torsion bar of the garage door.
The system works by turning the torsion bar and using the springs to open the garage door.
Jackshaft garage door opening systems were mostly used for commercial purposes.
However, these days, more and more houses are starting to use jackshaft systems for their garage doors.
Despite the rising popularity of jackshaft garage door openers for houses, the system is not always practical for every household. This system has a few potential problems that could be deal breakers for some people.
So, without wasting any more time, let us take a look at all the possible issues with jackshaft garage door openers.
- A Jackshaft System Is More Expensive Than Other Systems
While this is not an issue with the system itself, the price point of installing a jackshaft system can already dissuade some people.
Compared to most other garage door opening systems, installing a jackshaft system can cost twenty-five to fifty percent more. With such a drastic increase in the price, it is understandable that a lot of people choose not to have this garage door opening system installed.
While as a system, a jackshaft may be more convenient and easier to use than others, the price may just be too much for some people.
- A Jackshaft Systems Needs To Be Professionally Installed
Another reason why a jackshaft garage door opening system may not be for everyone is that most of the time, it needs to be professionally installed by a company.
This adds even more to the already high price tag of getting a jackshaft system installed. Most other garage door opening systems can be installed by yourself, provided you have a moderate amount of knowledge about what you are doing.
However, jackshaft garage door opening systems only work properly when the torsion springs are perfectly aligned and in tune with the system.
As this is beyond the capabilities of most people, it is recommended to get a garage door company to install the system for you. Doing this will cost you even more excluding the cost of the jackshaft system itself.
Because of this, many people may choose not to get a jackshaft garage door opening system installed in their homes.
- A Jackshaft System Has Extra Requirements That Need To Be Met Before Installing
Another reason why it may not be the best option to get a jackshaft garage opening system installed is its extra requirements.
Most other garage door opening systems can already start working after it has been properly installed. However, to get a jackshaft system installed, you must have an electrical outlet near the garage door.
Ideally, the electrical outlet needs to be within six feet of the jackshaft opening mechanism. Along with that, there need to be at least seven inches of clearance on the side of the garage door and three inches of space above the torsion rod.
Only once these requirements have been met can a jackshaft system be properly installed. Because of all these extra prerequisites, it may be easier and more convenient for you to just get a different garage door opening system installed in your home.
- A Jackshaft System Is Not Compatible With Every Kind Of Garage Door
A possible reason why getting a jackshaft opening system for your garage door may not be the best choice is that this system is not compatible with every garage door.
There are a few different kinds of garage doors available. Some examples are single-panel doors, counterweight doors, sectional doors, roll-up doors, etc.
Not every garage door opening system is compatible with every door. This is also the case when it comes to jackshaft door opening systems.
Because of the way the system works, a jackshaft door opener is not compatible for use with a single-panel garage door. This system can only be used if your garage has a sectional or roll up style garage door.
Because of this shortcoming, a jackshaft garage door opening system may not be suitable for every kind of garage. If your garage does not have a sectional or roll up garage door, you cannot use a jackshaft opening system with it.
- A Jackshaft Garage Door Opening System Has A Weight Limit
The final reason why a jackshaft system may not be the best for you is its weight limit.
Unlike most other systems, because of the way the system operates, a jackshaft garage door opening system has a weight limit.
On the other hand, a system like a trolley opening system does not have a weight limit. Since it is installed overhead, it has the necessary capabilities to open and close even the heaviest of garage doors.
However, the same cannot be said for jackshaft systems. They will usually have a weight limit to their opening capabilities.
Is A Jackshaft System Worth It?
Despite all the possible issues with it, a jackshaft system is still completely worth installing for your garage door.
Compared to other garage door opening systems, a jackshaft system is by far the most convenient and easiest to use. It is an overall excellent system for its purpose.
To get a better idea as to why a jackshaft system is so great, take a look at all the pros of getting one installed in your garage.
- Getting a jackshaft garage door opening system installed means you will have more storage space on your ceiling.
- A jackshaft system runs on DC power. It also starts to open slowly and also closes slowly while speeding up midway. This cuts out a lot of noise and vibration.
- Compared to most other systems, a jackshaft garage opener has relatively easier prerequisites to getting installed.
- A jackshaft system is installed beside the door so no components can fall on your vehicle from the ceiling.
- With a jackshaft system, there is no safety cord that hangs from the ceiling. This means burglars cannot get inside so easily.
- Most jackshaft systems have backup batteries so they can work even during power outages.
All these features make a jackshaft system ideal for most homes and garages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A jackshaft system is expensive to install and is not compatible with many kinds of garage doors.
The safety reversing sensors may be blocked or misaligned causing your door to not close.
You need eight inches of space beside the door and three inches above it for a jackshaft system.
Conclusion
Automatic garage door openers have made the process of getting in and out of the garage much easier. There is no physical requirement, you simply get the system to do it for you, and a jackshaft system is one of the best of them.
Hopefully, this article on jackshaft garage door opener problems gave you all the information you were looking for.
