I am modifying my garage ceiling so I can install a four post storage lift. I need a garage door track that will follow the slope of my rafters to clear the lift and car. I have seen pics of these systems but am not sure what they are called. If any one could post a link to a site that would great. I am posting two pics here so you can see my current set up and the new ceiling area. Thank you.
Looking for high clearance overhead door track
- Thread starter Mopar Man
- Start date
wssix99
Well-known member
You want a Follow the Ceiling track - https://cgdtampa.com/clopay-track-options
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Rought ro...
FYI. I didn't bother showing the rest of the mods. 5.25x14 LVL ridge beam with a layered 2x10 and 3/4" plywood gusset at the ridge, built up end posts, additional support added at the top plate of the exterior wall. I had this engineered. Been a contactor for 40 years.
Kezorm
Well-known member
Not sure if you can buy off the shelf set of tracks for this. I modified a set of normal tracks to follow my 5:12 roof slope. Just cut off the appropriate bit of curved track and join back up with appropriate bracing. You will also need new springs - essentially weaker springs wound more turns so they still hold a reduced load in up position. This app will let you calculate the necessary springs - https://www.servicespring.com/spring-engineering/
andyvh1959
Well-known member
I did something similar when I built my storage shed in the back yard. I wanted a 4' wide OH door, so I got two used flush 16' panels and cut them down to make four 4' panels. Then I cut the curve of the track as needed to get the angle I wanted, in my case it was 15 degrees off vertical. I used a set of weights to counterbalance the door, and it works great still now 20+ years later.
For your application you could probably just buy a set of vertical tracks for a 5-panel OH door, and cut them to the height you need to get the horizontal run of the tracks up tight against the bottom of the trusses. I'm assuming that's what you plan to do?
For your application you could probably just buy a set of vertical tracks for a 5-panel OH door, and cut them to the height you need to get the horizontal run of the tracks up tight against the bottom of the trusses. I'm assuming that's what you plan to do?
Kezorm
Well-known member
Yeah, the garage door company that was going to install mine said the same. "Can't be done". Bull. It's basic physics. Perfectly sound design. I told them to leave the door and don't come back. (And don't get me started on all the issues with the other 2 standard doors they installed. Unsafe death traps might begin to describe the installs. And this was one of the larger more well known companies in the area)
Anyway, the spring calculator app has settings for exactly this configuration. Looks like your roof pitch is reasonably shallow. The math starts to fall apart the steeper you go - to the point where you are doing vertical lift with special drums. I don't know where the cutoff is, but I know that my 5:12 is not an issue. I expect might start getting into issues over 12:12. The other aspect of this install is that the spring math / settings work best if you transition right to the sloped section. See the picture of my door. This is just standard lift set of tracks where I shortened the radius section such that the "horizontal" track comes off at an angle to match the roof pitch. Any extra vertical stretch in there starts to turn it into a high-lift situation needing different pulleys and more complex spring math.
jstroede
Well-known member
Roof pitch track is what you need, and what Kezorm stated is pretty good information. For most basic roof pitches, you can modify what is there. In theory, you could add a tiny bit of high lift it looks like from the pics, but frankly that would add un-needed complication. You might need to change your cable length slightly depending on the exact geometry you end up with (more roof pitch will cause the center line of shaft to need to move up to clear the top section past the drums in many cases). Springs will definitely need changed. Sometimes you can get away with using a trolley opener if you remount it, but most people will change that out as well. If you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, this is a doable job onsite.
John
By the way, yes once you get over 12:12 pitch you want to go to vertical lift drums.
John
By the way, yes once you get over 12:12 pitch you want to go to vertical lift drums.
firebirdparts
Well-known member
I just cut the curve off on mine to leave the amount of curve that I wanted. For a slope like that, regular drums would work and you'd need a longer spring. My door at the lift has a worm gear spring winder and the springs are enclosed, and so I don't know of any way to replace that spring, and I haven't. I just have it adjusted so that it's workable.
