Garage Door Help

[Seascaper]

I am in need of advice on what garage door opener to get for my home shop.

My door is a 12x12 sectional. I currently do not have an opener, but would like one for the convenience. I am not too worried about security since I live in a very rural, low crime area.

I first considered a jack shaft door due to relatively low cost and ease of installation. After reading some of the threads here, I am have second thoughts. Mainly due to the problems people are having with the Liftmasters, although the random opening doesn’t bother me much for reasons listed above.

I also considered purchasing a ½ hp track system from FB marketplace or Craigslist, but since most of them are for 7 or 8 ft doors, I wasn’t sure if I could extend them.

I would like to keep the cost fairly low as the door will probably not open more than 5 or 10 times per week.

Please feel free share your suggestions.

 

[nadogail]

Find the highest regarded professional garage door company in your area and ask their recommendation.

 

[bdbecker]

A lot of the residential garage door openers are setup for 7-8' doors, but also offer extension kits for taller doors. I see the Chamberlain I have only supports a 10' door with an extension kit, so you'll have to shop around a little to try and find a unit that is compatible with a 12' door. I see Genie and Ryobi have 12' options, but I had enough trouble with my old Genie opener that I'd have a hard time ever recommending that brand to anyone. No firsthand experience with Ryobi, but they seem to get mixed reviews on Home Depot's website. You might have to look into a commercial grade opener instead of a residential one.

 

[TractorJeff]

I put a Chamberlain with an extension kit on a 10 by 12.
I asked about the higher horse power rated ones. The reply is if you are opening it multiple times a day, then they are needed.
If you open and close to leave, then return later to open and close.
There is no reason spend more money on a bigger motor.
Its all about Duty Cycle.

 

[Rickster]

Kid has one with an App for the phone. Tells you at a glance if the door is open or closed. Can't tell you how many times I forgot if we closed the garage door. Next one I get will have the phone app.

 

[Jlbc212]

If you have torsion springs the least expensive choice is the Liftmaster 8500. It will do what you need it to do.