Updated: December 06, 2024
If you need a garage door opener, there are plenty of models on the market today. The most common options are overhead openers or a garage door opener mounted on your wall.
While they are both safe and offer the convenience of being able to open and close your garage door with just the click of a button, there are some differences between them that homeowners should consider before making a purchase.
Things to Know in This Article:
Wall Mounted vs. Ceiling Mounted Garage Door Openers: Key Differences
An overhead or ceiling-mount garage door is a common option for residences. They are mounted on the ceiling and use either a chain, screw-drive or belt mechanism, rail track and lift to open and close your garage door.
A wall mount, side mount or jackshaft garage door opener, is generally placed on either side of a garage door. This style is common in garages with high or irregularly shaped ceilings. Unlike the ceiling mount, this type of system is connected to a torsion bar that operates the garage door.
Pros and Cons of Wall Mount and Ceiling Mount Garage Door Openers
When comparing a jackshaft opener versus an overhead opener, there are various advantages and drawbacks to consider. Examine these factors before committing to either.
Wall mounted garage door openers offer several key benefits:
- Wall mounted garage doors typically have fewer moving parts, which means they are quieter than other types of garage door openers. This can be particularly advantageous if you live in a quiet area or quite close to your neighbors.
- A jackshaft is ideal if you want to highlight space and appearance in your garage. Their space-saving design will not clutter the ceiling with equipment and parts.
- Jackshafts are also an excellent choice if your garage does not have much headroom and if there are ducts, pipes or lights on the ceiling that would interfere with a ceiling mount opener.
- Most wall mounted garage door openers have smart technology integration that allows you to operate remotely using your smartphone. Most wall mounted openers also feature battery backup systems.
Depending on your needs, wall mounted garage door openers can have two main drawbacks:
- Wall mounted garage door openers tend to cost more upfront to install than traditional overhead openers.
- Jackshafts have a weight limit that makes them an ineffective choice for particularly heavy garage doors.
- You will also need to ensure that you have adequate space and an electrical outlet adjacent to your garage door for jackshafts to operate properly.
Before choosing an overhead garage door opener, it’s vital to understand its benefits and drawbacks. The pros of choosing an overhead garage door opener include:
- Overhead garage door openers are traditional openers. They have been a reliable go-to in the industry for many years.
- Overhead openers are generally cost-effective — both in the initial cost of the purchase and for ongoing maintenance.
- They are versatile garage door openers that can accommodate various garage door types and sizes. This also means overhead garage doors can accommodate some of the heaviest doors available.
- Some overhead garage door openers include battery backup systems, and many newer models have smart technology that allows you to operate your door remotely using your smartphone.
Overhead openers do have some drawbacks to consider:
- Ceiling-mount openers require a lot of overhead space.
- This style can also be louder than the side-mounted alternative, so it may not be ideal if your garage is under a bedroom.
- Overhead garage door openers may not be the right fit if you want to style your garage and don’t want overly noticeable components.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Side Mount Garage Door Opener vs. an Overhead Garage Door Opener
The right garage door depends entirely on your requirements and preferences. The main considerations include installation requirements and compatibility with your garage door, cost requirements and style preferences. If optimizing space and stylizing your garage with a modern garage door is your top priority, a jackshaft opener is the answer. If you would like a budget-friendly solution, overhead openers are ideal.
To understand your requirements for a specific opener, the best route is to speak to an expert in garage door installation. They can evaluate your space and determine which opener would work in your garage.
Maintenance of Garage Door Openers
Whether you choose a wall-mount or overhead garage door opener, one key thing remains — good maintenance will keep your garage doors and openers functional and help ensure its longevity. Simple garage door maintenance can keep your garage door opener in top condition:
- Conduct regular visual inspections to ensure there is no frayed wiring or loose components. Tighten any loose parts and replace any components that are worn.
- Regularly lubricate the moving components, including the springs, hinges and rollers.
- Test the opener’s safety mechanisms, including the auto-reverse mechanism and the safety sensors that stop the door from closing if there is an obstruction.
- Keep your garage door opener clean by simply dusting and wiping debris away with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
Get The Right Garage Door Opener From DistribuDoors
Since each type of opener has its pros and cons, it may still be difficult to decide which one you should choose. Your final decision will likely depend on factors such as your budget, the size and shape of your garage, your preferred garage door and the available features.
Fortunately, if you need expert guidance, DistribuDoors is here to help. Since 1985, we’ve been serving homeowners throughout the Seattle and Tacoma area by providing everything from repair services to new garage doors, opener installations and opener replacements. We’re an exclusive dealer of Clopay® and LiftMaster, so you can be assured that we place a high value on quality craftsmanship.
If you are trying to decide which is the best wall mount garage door opener versus ceiling mount opener, our experts will be more than happy to help. The DistribuDoors team is fully trained and certified, and we’ll be by your side throughout the entire installation process.
If you have any questions or would like to set up a free estimate, please reach out to us today.
