What Are High Lift Garage Door Tracks?

High-lift garage door tracks can make all the difference regarding efficient garage door systems. Our article explains high-lift garage door systems, from the various types available to the installation process and maintenance tips.

What are High-Lift Garage Door Tracks?

High-lift garage door tracks alter the typical movement of a garage door. Instead of the door quickly curving horizontally, high-lift tracks extend the vertical track section. This allows the garage door to travel upward before transitioning to the horizontal track along the ceiling. This extended vertical lift provides the additional headroom and clearance that high-lift systems offer.

Types of High Lift Tracks

• Standard High Lift: These tracks offer a balance between headroom and storage. They provide an increased vertical lift before curving to run horizontally along the ceiling. This type is a good option for those needing extra clearance but not requiring the door to travel to the ceiling.
  

• Vertical Lift: If maximizing ceiling space is the priority, vertical lift tracks are the ideal choice. These tracks guide the door straight up, keeping it flush with the wall. This configuration is perfect for garages with very high ceilings or where maximizing overhead storage is essential.
  

• Follow the Roof Pitch: Garages with sloped ceilings require a specialized track system. Follow-the-roof-pitch tracks are designed to accommodate the roof angle, ensuring smooth operation and preventing the door from hitting the ceiling. This type of track system is crucial for maintaining functionality and avoiding damage in garages with non-standard rooflines.

Key Components of a High-Lift System

• Extended Vertical Tracks: The defining feature of a high-lift system is the extended vertical tracks. These longer tracks enable the increased upward travel of the garage door. They are specifically designed to accommodate the higher lift and ensure smooth and stable door operation.
• High-Lift Springs: Counterbalancing the garage door’s weight is crucial for safe and reliable operation. High-lift systems use specialized springs designed to handle the increased weight and lift of the door. These springs ensure proper balance and prevent the door from becoming too heavy to operate safely.
  

• Specialized Drums and Cables: High-lift systems often require specialized drums and cables due to the extended lift and unique track configuration. These components are engineered to work with the high-lift tracks and springs, ensuring proper operation and longevity of the system.

Types of High Lift Garage Door Tracks

• Vertical Lift Tracks: These tracks lift the door straight up, providing maximum headroom and clearance. They are ideal for garage spaces with high ceilings, ample storage, and taller vehicle accommodation.
• Follow the Roof Pitch Tracks: Designed to match the slope of your garage’s roof, these tracks provide a smooth and aesthetically pleasing alignment. They are commonly used when the roof has a significant pitch, ensuring the garage door tracks follow the roofline closely.
  

  

Benefits of High Lift Garage Door Tracks

• Increased Headroom: The primary advantage of high lift garage door tracks is maximizing headroom. Lifting the door higher up creates a spacious environment where you can move freely without worrying about door height.
• Taller Vehicle Accommodation: High lift tracks allow for parking taller vehicles, such as SUVs or RVs. This flexibility is especially beneficial for those with larger vehicles or needing additional storage space.
• Accommodate a Car Lift: The high lift system keeps your garage door away from the car on top of your lift.
• Enhanced Storage Options: With high lift tracks, you can use the increased vertical clearance to store items overhead, freeing up valuable floor space. From bicycles and sporting equipment to seasonal decorations, the possibilities are endless.

Installation

1. Confirm measurements. Standard high lift measurements range from 24″ to 54″, so measuring the opening properly is crucial. While most taller tracks can be cut down to size in the field, we recommend ordering the correct size from a garage door manufacturer like Amarr or Clopay.
2. Gather the necessary tools and materials, including a ladder, measuring tape, drill, high lift track kit, fasteners, and any specific tools mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Lay the frame on the ground before taking down the existing track to confirm you have the correct pieces and that the tracks match your measurements.
4. Remove the existing tracks by unscrewing and detaching them carefully. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the new high lift tracks, customizing their alignment and angles to accommodate your specific ceiling slope.

Maintenance and Care

• Regularly inspect the tracks for any signs of wear or damage. Look for loose fasteners, misalignments, or any debris that may impede the door’s smooth operation.
• Keep the tracks clean and free from dirt, dust, and debris. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any buildup affecting the door’s movement.
• Lubricate the tracks, rollers, and hinges periodically using a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, which can attract dirt and cause more harm than good.

High Lift Garage Door Track Conversion

Thinking about upgrading your garage door system to a high-lift configuration? Converting your existing setup is possible, but it requires careful planning and professional expertise. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Assessing Your Existing System

Before embarking on a high-lift conversion, assessing your current garage door system is crucial. This involves determining if your existing door and opener are compatible with a high-lift configuration. Factors to consider include the weight and size of the door, the type of opener, and the condition of the existing tracks and hardware. A professional garage door technician can thoroughly inspect your system and advise on its suitability for conversion.

Gathering Necessary Components

Once you’ve determined that your system is compatible, the next step is to gather the necessary components for the conversion. This includes sourcing high-lift tracks appropriate for your garage door’s height and weight and high-lift springs that can effectively counterbalance the door. You’ll also need specialized hardware, such as brackets, drums, and cables, designed for the high-lift configuration. Choosing high-quality components from reputable manufacturers is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your converted system.

Professional Conversion Process

Converting a garage door to a high-lift system is a complex process that is best left to experienced professionals. The conversion typically involves modifying the existing track system, replacing the springs, and adjusting the opener to accommodate the new configuration. A skilled technician will carefully measure and install the new tracks, ensuring proper alignment and clearance. They will also adjust the spring tension to ensure smooth and balanced door operation. Finally, they will test the system thoroughly to ensure safety and functionality.

High Lift Garage Door Questions

Here are a few questions and answers to some of the most common high lift garage door questions.

How much headroom do you need for a high lift garage door?

If your garage ceiling height is ten feet, and your garage door height is 7′, you have 36″ of headroom to install 24″ of high lift track. A good rule of thumb is to reduce your ceiling height by one foot to determine how much lift you can attain.

How long does it take to convert a standard lift to a high lift?

For one garage door, whether a one- or two-car garage, swapping tracks can take up to three hours. The first hour is spent confirming your measurements, materials, and laying out the new track. Next, you’ll remove your existing garage door and track before finally installing the high lift assembly while installing your garage door sections.

What type of garage door opener works with a high lift garage door?

You need a wall mount or jackshaft operator with a high lift track assembly. A traditional overhead operator uses a rail above the door, which won’t work with a high lift system. Right now, the LiftMaster 98022 is our preferred jackshaft operator. These types of operators attach directly to the torsion bar, to the side of the drums and springs, and are quieter than the ceiling mount operators.

In closing

High-lift garage door tracks offer many benefits, from increased headroom and taller vehicle accommodation to enhanced overhead storage options. Please contact us if you have questions about converting your standard lift or general garage door questions.