A high-lift conversion replaces the standard curved track with track that runs further up the wall before turning back, so the open door stores close to the ceiling instead of hanging low over the garage. The torsion springs and cable drums are changed to suit the new lift, and the opener usually moves to the wall. The result is clear ceiling height for racks, a car lift or simply more headroom.
What the visit covers
- Ceiling height, headroom and obstructions measured first
- Standard track removed and high-lift or vertical track installed
- Torsion springs and drums sized for the new lift height
- Lights, sprinkler heads and racking checked for clearance
- Opener relocated or replaced with a wall-mount unit
- Balance, travel and safety reversal tested
High-lift track kits
Most residential conversions use high-lift track: the vertical rails extend partway up the wall, then curve back toward the ceiling. How much extra height you gain depends on how tall the garage is above the door. We measure from the top of the opening to the ceiling and to any lights, beams or vents, then tell you exactly where the door will sit when open.
Full vertical lift
In tall garages, the door can run straight up the wall and stay vertical when open, leaving the entire ceiling free. It is the right choice for car lifts and tall storage systems. Vertical lift needs a lot of headroom and different springs and drums, so it is specified only after we confirm the garage can take it.
Openers after the conversion
A standard ceiling-mounted opener usually cannot run a high-lift door. The common solution is a wall-mount jackshaft opener that drives the torsion shaft directly from beside the door, which also frees the ceiling where the old opener hung. Every opener we install in California includes battery backup.
On the job
Garages that do more than park cars
Half of San Diego County's roughly 1.25 million homes are detached houses, and for many owners the garage is also the storage room, the gym or the workshop. On a house with a 1980 build year, the median for the county, the original standard-lift track usually still hangs the open door right where an overhead rack would go. A high-lift conversion is one of the few ways to add usable space without adding square footage.
How high-lift conversions are priced
High-lift work is quoted after we measure, because the amount of track, the spring and drum changes and the opener choice all depend on your garage. The main factors:
Questions callers ask about this job
It depends on how high you want the door to store. We measure from the top of the opening to the ceiling and to any obstructions, and tell you exactly how much space the conversion gains.
Often, yes, especially with full vertical lift. Tell us the lift's height and position before we plan the track so the door clears it.
Usually not on high-lift track. A wall-mount jackshaft opener is the common solution and frees the ceiling too.
Yes. High-lift track uses different cable drums and spring sizing, so the counterbalance is rebuilt for the new lift.
Most sectional doors can be converted. One-piece tilt-up doors cannot; those are converted to sectional doors first.