Garage door opener rail hitting ceiling

[str8shot]

Came across an issue with a new to us house.

It looks like the garage door rail is extremely close to hitting the ceiling. It's especially evident when you open or close the door - the trolley seems to wack the ceiling slightly when opening or closing.

The rail seems to be installed at a weird angle:

It's hard to tell, but it's not level. It's lower at the opener and higher at the door header.

Here's where the trolley is wacking the ceiling:

My question is - can I simply move the header bracket below the torsion spring to the red arrow making the rail level (and adjust the door bracket to suit)?

Seems that would make the rail level and avoid ceiling interference with the trolley.

 

[gnpenning]

No you can't move the rail below the spring.

Is the only time it hits is in the fully closed position????

 

[PWC Repair]

Is the rail bowed up? Or has the ceiling bowed down? If it's the latter then you better have a look in the attic.

 

[Innovate1]

If you move the rail below the spring the door will likely hit the rail as it goes around the corner.

Why the step in the ceiling? Can you notch out around the rail where it is hitting? Maybe a beam here so that may not be an option.

Can you lower the rail at the spring end slightly? Looks like a bit of clearance there that may be enough to give trolley clearance. If not maybe make a bracket in front of the spring to lower the end of the rail to be even with the top of the spring. Looks like a tight situation.

Jackshaft opener?

 

[LX-Markham]

live with it until it fails, then install new jackshaft opener as Innovate1 suggested.

 

[str8shot]

Is the rail bowed up? Or has the ceiling bowed down? If it's the latter then you better have a look in the attic.

The rail looks pretty straight. Ceiling doesn't look like it's moved - the master bedroom is above it.

No you can't move the rail below the spring.

Is the only time it hits is in the fully closed position????

I'll have to open and close it when I get home to take a look.

live with it until it fails, then install new jackshaft opener as Innovate1 suggested.

This will probably be what I do. :|

Thanks all.

 

[rlitman]

How much clearance is there between the opener and the door. One potential option would be to hang the opener a little lower.

 

[firebirdparts]

It looks like they squeezed it in there the best they could. The requirements are only:
1. Above the door at all times
2. Below the ceiling
3. Straight

 

[Innovate1]

Put a small block in the center of the rail to spring it down enough for trolley clearance. Make it narrow enough to allow the trolley to pass. Have to keep it centered on the rail.

 

[BillK]

Is that some type of "high lift" door setup ? On mine the springs are a lot lower, probably no more than a foot above the door, if that. Without seeing the entire setup its hard to say but could you move the spring / shaft assembly down some ? You would have to wind the cable up a little more but that would give you the room you need.

 

[str8shot]

Is that some type of "high lift" door setup ? On mine the springs are a lot lower, probably no more than a foot above the door, if that. Without seeing the entire setup its hard to say but could you move the spring / shaft assembly down some ? You would have to wind the cable up a little more but that would give you the room you need.

The door does hug the ceiling quite a bit, which I appreciate. Lol.

I'll try to stick a block in there, and otherwise live with it until the opener dies (and then go jackshaft style).

 

[wrenchguy]

Put a small block in the center of the rail to spring it down enough for trolley clearance. Make it narrow enough to allow the trolley to pass. Have to keep it centered on the rail.

this will work if trolley has a slot opening where we can't see. mine don't but its old.

if op's trolley is open... tac weld small fitted piece of t style fence post to the rail.

 

[BillK]

After looking at your picture a little closer are you sure the drywall isnt sagging a little at that spot ? Almost looks like it is at a seam. Have you tried pushing it up and see if it moves ? The other option would be to lower the motor end of the opener a little. It wont hurt if it is on a little bit of an angle.

 

[wrenchguy]

Ibelieve its corner bead the trolley is hitting, with ceiling lowered toward opener for hvac trunk lines or sunken living area.

 

[Viper98912]

Ceiling doesn't look like it's moved - the master bedroom is above it.

 

[CJseven]

Do you have plenty of clearance between the raised door and the opener track, if so just lower the opener head a bit.

 

[wrenchguy]

Ceiling doesn't look like it's moved - the master bedroom is above it.

Message to Viper

Mine used to!!

 

[steel 35]

I ordered a door for my new at the time build, told them what I wanted for a door and he asked how tall my ceiling was, 8'.
Asked again is it over or under? I said you wouldn't be able to measure either way it's exactly 8'.
Sent the installer out put the door up, hand out paid them & said I hope I can get a door opener in he told me no way! I almost told him take it down then
I got it to fit it looks as close as that but does not touch the paint, wasn't easy.