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1-Minute-Versus: Ceiling-Mount vs Jackshaft

Ceiling-Mount

Pros:

    • Most common type
    • Most energy efficient 
    • Offers more options
    • Less moving parts
    • Less wiring 
    • Can be used on torsion and extension style doors


Cons:

    • Needs headroom above the door
    • Sticks out a couple feet past the door taking up more space
    • Can only be used on doors up to 10ft tall

Jackshaft

Pros:

    • Can be used in zero headroom situations 
    • Takes up less space as it is on the side of the door
    • Can be used on doors over 10ft tall


Cons:

    • More parts that can go bad
    • Requires outlet near unit so not a standard place for an outlet
    • Can only be used on torsion

* View a jackshaft operator application in a video walkthrough from Paladin Garage Door

Verdict

Jackshafts are niche. They were created to solve a problem and that is no headroom above a door. We generally don’t recommend them unless you have garage ceiling storage or limited headroom. We always recommend going with a ceiling mounted operator due to the efficiency and every company can install and fix them

Paladin Garage Door