Need advice to raise garage door

[priobe]

Hello all,

I am in the process of of purchasing a 4 post lift. I measured the depth and width and all looks fine.

However, I live in Fl. and the garage doors are beefier than usual. I have 3 large beams that brace the garage door in case of a hurricane. With the door open I need 82" to clear the post. I have 82" currently and that is cutting it close.

With the door up I have a pocket of about another 2 feet that I can raise the door. I am trying to doo this a cheap as possible because I dont plan on staying in the house for long.

How can I raise the door a few inches if not more to clear the post of the lift height.

Suggestions please

 

[Ray-CA]

I believe that you can add vertical track above the door then the curved track to get the door parallel to the ceiling. You may have to increase (?) the tension on the spring(s) and/or add a panel to the top of the door. I haven't had to do this, but have read quite a bit here haw others have made this modification. A search should pull up a lot of information.

Ray

 

[priobe]

Ray,

Will I be limited where the torsion spring is installed. Meaning can I raise the door above the torsion spring and cable?

 

[Schtauffer]

If you just need an inch or so, just move everything up. The vertical tracks do not need to touch the floor, as long as the bottom roller is firmly in the track. All you should have to do is adjust your lock or operator.

Another option is to run the horizontal tracks uphill a little. Moving it up 6" or less should still work with a regular spring.

A third option is to extend the vertical tracks a few inches. Just cut some off the back of the horizontals; there's usually extra for the people who throw doors up with all their strength.

If none of these cheap options get enough clearance for you, then you're up against doing some highlift, which means you'll need to spend a little money.

 

[TheShrine]

My answer to a similar issue....

 

[priobe]

Great ideas

SO I guess the torsion spring should remain on top of the door. That will be my limitations

By the way how much is usually a high lift kit. I have garage guy coming tomorrow for a quote (yikes)

 

[Schtauffer]

2' more clearance on a 7' high door = 3/12 roof pitch-- spring will not hold the door open. Winding it more will make it strong at the bottom, weak at the top. A new spring (assuming torsion) will probably be around $100, give or take.

 

[Schtauffer]

Yes, the torsion spring needs to stay above the door; but it can be moved up with the entire track assembly if you just need an inch more clearance. Same for extending the verticals, but I wouldn't extend them more that 4".

 

[priobe]

I guess it is better to pay someone with experience to move the tension spring. I heard it has enough force to rip your head off

 

[priobe]

question ???

Can I add a rail before the radius bend maybe about 6 inch, then pitch the rails in a inclind postion.

Or

lift the rail before the radius, change the radius to a 120 degree or something, and have the horizontial rails incline.

Wouldnt the garage opener hold the door in place?

 

[nova65ss]

If you just need a few inches pie cut the horizontal where it meets the vertical and run the tracks on an incline. It will need to have the tension removed first though. If you only have two extra feet a couple of extra turns will be enough to keep it up.

 

[Nugent1021]

I'm in Tallahassee and Allied Doors has been incredibly helpful and patient with my doors. I have a door that they hung so it follows the vault (to clear a lift). I guess it matters if there is an Allied Doors close to you. Ryan in Tallahassee was great. They didn't nickel and dime me at all.

http://www.allied-doors.com/

 

[cobrar97]

Listen to Schtauffer, he's right on with what he's saying.

 

[nate379]

Sure... but that is pretty much any big spring.

I guess it is better to pay someone with experience to move the tension spring. I heard it has enough force to rip your head off

 

[72chevy]

Here's a site that offers kits for a high lift conversion. A short write-up beneath the kits describes the how-to.

http://www.diygaragerepair.com/Garage-door-springs-door-parts-for-garages-s/345.htm

I intend to get some local quotes to compare against the DIY route.

 

[ilateapex]

I just installed a new garage door along a rake on a scissors truss. I purchased the doors direct from Wayne Dalton. The doors have 15" radius rails and two of them where installed the standard way. They could not factory make the rake due to only having 9'-4" to the start of the rake. SO.. we added 4" to the bottom of the rails, rotated the horizontals to match the rake and cut the radius on the tangent.

Now for my problem: The spring is not strong enough for the lift of the door. It has only torsion spring. How can I figure out how big of a spring I need to add to get it to work?

Thanks,

Michael

 

[StumpXJ]

Call a good door guy. They can figure exactly how big and how many springs you will need based on the weight of the door. My door weighed in at 519 pounds. It took 4 springs to make it balance right.

~James