CHI vs Garaga and swapping out old chain driven openers?

[eoren1]

Hi everyone,

Newbie to the forum. I've been trying to research my two door options online but there is little in the way of data comparing them.

I've had two quotes on 2 new garage doors (6'9" x 8') to replace aging wooden ones as we update the house siding, etc. Wife wants carriage style. Options:
1. CHI 5283 $1600 installed
2. Garaga Stratton 138 $2000 installed

The only thing I can see on specs is the Garaga is 26G steel vs the CHI at 27G. Would really appreciate your thoughts. We live in MA.

Second issue is the opener...

Currently have an Allstar that came with the house (likely 10-15 years old) and a Chamberlain that I installed 5 years ago. The Garaga quote included an option to replace both with Liftmaster 8355 belt driven openers for an extra $800. Seems like a bit of a rip off at essentially $200 install cost each when already there.

I'm also wondering if it is worth getting new openers when the current chain ones work fine. Yeah, they're loud but we don't care. If anything, it lets us know when someone is home.

I looked into the Liftmaster 8500 which seem really cool but the Garaga guy said those are only for 'highlight doors' - not sure if that was autocorrect for highlift doors. The manual says they are fine for standard lift doors though. I can get those off Amazon for $600 for the pair and seems like they are relatively easy to install.

Really appreciate your thoughts!

E

 

[kbs2244]

Re:
The doors.
Look into just getting new panels and using the existing tracks.
Look for a smaller, one man shop, type door company.
He will be more flexible since he has no one to please but himself.
Re:
The openers.
Why fix something that isn't broke?

 

[eoren1]

Thanks kbs2244

The existing tracks are old and rusted. It's a 1940's house in MA only a few miles from ocean so they really need to go. Also not installed all that well in the first place.

I spoke to the CHI guy who explained to me his doors are 2" vs the Garaga at 1 3/8". He used to sell a lot of Garaga but says he preferred the recessed look of the stamped carriage doors from CHI vs the raised panels on Garaga. I'll check the style with my wife but am leaning toward CHI and saving $400.

He was also much more in favor of the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' approach vs the Garaga one who was pro-Liftmaster belt to replace current. Also, the CHI guy told me that he say now problem with upgrading to the Liftmaster 8500 jackshaft in the future so I may go that route if/when the current chain driven motors break down.

If anyone else has experience with CHI vs Garaga, please let me know.

Thanks again!

E

 

[The Cobbler]

Doubtful you will find anyone that discounts the cost for using existing tracks. far to many possible complications fro it to be feasible.
On the doors, I have used Garaga in the past & that's what's going in my new garage build. I had a small warranty issue and they handled it without hesitation, they get my vote!

 

[eoren1]

Thanks Cobbler!

I was looking at more photos online and realized there was a bit of a style difference between the two. My wife and I preferred the fully recessed short panel look of the CHI doors over the raised panels on the Garaga.

I figure the two products have to be pretty darn close and I don't see any huge red flags about CHI doors after extensive Google searches. Given that, the style preference, and saving $400, I think I'm sold on the CHI doors.

E

 

[93calypsohatch]

I ordeted CHI 4216 doors. Will get installed next week so no word on the quality yet

 

[eoren1]

We are waiting for the siding and framing to get done so no doors for a few weeks. Please post here with your thoughts of the doors. Thanks!

 

[froggert]

We put CHI doors in 4 years ago. No complaints - they work as they're supposed to.

 

[eoren1]

Good to hear Froggert. 4 years is perfect to know that the doors haven't caused any issues.