High lift garage doors are a specialized type of garage door system designed to maximize vertical space in a garage. They are particularly useful in situations where you need to make better use of the height of your garage, such as for vehicle storage lifts or in garages with high ceilings. Here’s an in-depth look at what high lift garage doors are, their benefits, and their installation considerations:

What does it mean to “high lift” an overheard garage door?  

High lifting or ‘highlifting’ a garage door means extending the height of the door’s vertical track so that it hugs the wall and goes up higher before reaching the horizontal curve. This modification allows for better use of the vertical space in a garage by moving the garage door track closer to the ceiling, giving you at least an additional 12″- 24″ of headroom in your garage. This allows the door to open vertically for a longer distance before transitioning horizontally, which is different from standard garage doors that begin to curve towards the ceiling almost immediately.

What are the benefits of high lifting a garage door?

The benefits to high lifting an overhead door include:

  1. Increasing clearance: High lifting the garage door allows for greater vertical clearance, which can be useful if you have taller vehicles or need to store larger items in your garage.
  2. Improving natural light: By raising the garage door higher, you can increase the amount of natural light that enters the garage particularly if you have transom style windows above your garage opening.
  3. Enhancing accessibility: If you use your garage for more than just parking vehicles, such as a workshop or storage area, high lifting the door can improve accessibility. It allows for easier loading and unloading of large items. It also provides more headroom for working on projects or the installation of a car lift.
  4. Flexibility for future needs: High lifting the garage door gives you greater flexibility for future use of the space. If you decide to convert your garage into a living space, studio, a gym, or home office, the increased clearance can be hugely beneficial.
  5. Potential for increasing property value: A high lifted garage door could add value to your property. It can be an attractive feature for potential buyers or renters who require additional clearance for specific vehicles or storage needs.

Installation Considerations

  1. Ceiling Height: To install a high lift garage door, your garage ceiling needs to be significantly higher than a standard garage. Typically, an additional 12 to 24 inches of headroom above the door opening is required.
  2. Professional Installation: Installing a high lift garage door system is more complex than a standard one. It requires precise adjustments and alignment, so professional installation is highly recommended.
  3. Track and Spring Adjustments: The tracks and springs in a high lift system are different from those in standard doors. The springs need to be adjusted to accommodate the extra lift, and the tracks need to be extended upwards.
  4. Opener Compatibility: Standard garage door openers may not be compatible with high lift systems. You might need a side-mounted jackshaft opener, which is designed for high lift doors and mounted on the wall beside the door rather than the ceiling.
  5. Cost: High lift garage door systems are generally more expensive than standard systems due to the additional materials and complexity involved. However, the benefits often outweigh the initial investment, especially for those needing the extra vertical space.

Applications

  1. Residential Garages: Homeowners with tall garages or those using car lifts can benefit greatly from high lift systems.
  2. Commercial and Industrial Settings: High lift doors are common in warehouses and other commercial spaces where maximizing vertical storage is essential.
  3. Specialty Vehicle Storage: Ideal for storing recreational vehicles, boats, and other large vehicles that require additional clearance.

What’s involved in installing a high lift?

High lifting a garage door typically requires modifications to the door system, such as tracks, springs, drums, rollers, and installation of a side-mounted opener. The conversion project is often done in a single visit.

What does it cost to high lift my garage door?

Prices vary a bit depending on configuration and opener selection, but expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 per door.  High lifting is most cost effective when done as part of a new garage door installation.

In conclusion, high lift garage doors offer a practical solution for maximizing vertical space in garages with high ceilings. They provide several benefits, including better vehicle clearance, enhanced storage options, and increased security. While the installation process is more complex and often requires professional assistance, the advantages make high lift systems a worthwhile consideration for many homeowners and businesses.

Want to learn more?

If you are interested in learning more about high lifting your garage door, give Garage Door Doctor a call at (704) 800-5800.  We’d love to discuss your project and see how we can help.