When you have a new garage door opener installed, there will be several different types out there that you can buy. Most customers tend to choose overhead mounted garage door openers, but more and more are going for a wall-mounted version instead. What is a wall mount garage door opener, and why would it be the best option for you?
What Is A Wall Mount Garage Door Opener?
Ok, so what is a wall mount garage door opener? You may have heard of them by other names, such as jackshaft garage door openers, but they’re all the same. Simply put, they’re a garage door opener mechanism that allows you to mount them to the wall instead of up on the ceiling.
It usually sits to either the left or right of your garage door and uses a pulley and torsion system to open the door for you.
The Difference Between Wall Mounted And Overhead Garage Door Openers
So, what makes a wall-mounted opener different from an overhead one? The most significant difference is in where they’re mounted. The wall mount opener sits to the side of the garage door, while the overhead one sits suspended from the ceiling.
The way they open the door is different too. An overhead garage door opener can use a few other methods in order to open it, such as belt, chain, and screw drives — all having their own benefits. As such, you can choose the one that works best for you.
Should You Choose A Wall Mount Over An Overhead?
Now that you know the difference between these two openers, you’ll need to find the one that works best for you. But, which one should you choose if you’re going to get a new garage door opener?
The wall-mounted garage door opener has a few benefits that you should be aware of, including:
Saving space
This is the biggest reason why homeowners choose to go with a wall-mounted garage door opener. As it sits at the side of the door, you don’t have to give up ceiling space to it. Many like to add racks to the garage ceiling for storage, and this allows you to do that. You’ll also see that it’s a good option if your garage has a low ceiling and doesn’t allow for a suspended overhead opener setup.
Perfect for High Ceilings
Low ceilings aren’t the only issue with overhead mounted garage door openers. You’ll also have problems if you have a very high ceiling. If you have a higher ceiling and want an overhead mount, then you’ll need a mounting bracket that’s larger than average. That can make installing it difficult, so a wall-mounted option is better in this instance.
Quiet Operation
This is something that a lot of homeowners are concerned with. Your garage may be under a bedroom or near your neighbors’ property. Wherever it is, you’ll want the garage door opener to be quiet as not to disturb others. An overhead opener can do this if you pick the right opener type, but a wall-mounted opener is one of the quietest openers out there.
Extra security
You’ll want your garage to be as secure as possible, as they can often be a target for thieves. As such, there are lots of measures you can put into place. One of these is to install a wall-mounted garage door opener. Overhead garage door openers have manual release cords, which are great for safety but can be manipulated from outside. That’s not something you have with wall-mounted models, so you can keep your garage and your valuables safe from intruders.
Extra Safety
Although a wall-mounted garage door opener doesn’t have a manual release cord, plenty of other safety features make them safe to use. These can include things like extra lighting, auto-reverse features, and so on. What you get will depend on the model you buy, so be sure to shop around and see what’s out there.
Low Maintenance Needs
One of the best things about a wall-mounted garage door opener is that they’re lower maintenance than other types. They contain fewer moving parts, so there’s less to have to take care of during your garage door inspections. As such, they’ll be able to stay in good working condition for longer.
These are all some very compelling reasons to go with a wall-mounted garage door opener. However, an overhead model may still be the right one for you. But, how can you be sure it’s the best option?
Cost-Effective
There’s no denying that an overhead garage door opener is going to be cheaper than a wall-mounted model. If budget is a serious concern, then you’re always going to go with an overhead garage door opener for your home.
Choice in Opener Types
There are lots of options when it comes to picking your overhead garage door opener. For example, if you go with a chain drive, it helps lower costs even further. If you go with a belt drive, you’ll be able to get a very quiet performance. As such, you can choose the options that make the most sense for you and your home.
Reliable Performance
Something you need to know before installing a wall-mounted garage door opener is that they typically have a weight limit. If your garage door is over that limit, then you’ll need to go with an overhead option. They can offer the heaviest loads while still offering good performance, so there’s a lot less worry when it comes to your garage door.
Reap the Benefits of a Wall Mount Garage Door Opener
Both garage door opener types are good options for your home, but a wall-mounted garage door opener gives you benefits that you can’t get with an overhead type. If you’re looking for a garage door opener that works with your ceiling type and offers extra safety and security, it’s going to be the model for you.