Finding the correct amount of high-lift track to install is fairly easy to calculate. Since the spring line on a high lift assembly uses about 12 inches of space we need to subtract that amount from our high-lift garage door track calculation. High lift applications use special drums that are much larger than standard lift drums in most instances. If you don’t give the drums enough space they will scrap against the ceiling during operation. The formula for calculating the maximum amount of high lift you can use is:
(Floor to Ceiling Height) – (DOOR Height) – (12 inches) = (Maximum High Lift)
- Measure from the floor to the nearest obstruction on the ceiling (ex. 144 inches)
- Measure the rough opening height of your door (ex. 96 inches)
- Subtract 12 inches from that figure to account for the spring line (144-96-12=36 inches)
- The most high lift you can use in the example above is 36 inches or 3 feet of high lift.
NOTE: YOU MUST KNOW THE WEIGHT OF THE DOOR OR WEIGH THE DOOR IN ORDER TO GET THE CORRECT SPRING AND DRUM SIZE. ADDITIONALLY OVERHEAD RAIL OPENERS SHOULD NOT BE USED SIDE MOUNTED “JACK SHAFT” GARAGE DOOR OPENERS SHOULD BE USED. 8500W FOR MOST RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS. COMMERCIAL OPENER REQUIREMENTS VARY.
NOTE: YOU MUST KNOW THE WEIGHT OF THE DOOR OR WEIGH THE DOOR IN ORDER TO GET THE CORRECT SPRING AND DRUM SIZE. ADDITIONALLY OVERHEAD RAIL OPENERS SHOULD NOT BE USED SIDE MOUNTED “JACK SHAFT” GARAGE DOOR OPENERS SHOULD BE USED.
*CABLE LENGTH CONVERSIONS
HIGHLIFT CABLE LENGTH CHART
This is a project for a professional do it yourself conversion kits available starting at $399.00 plus shipping. Free delivery is available in selected areas in Georgia, and Colorado.
The distance from the top of the track to the ceiling can vary due to drum size requirements.
