Question:
The plastic gears in my Sears chain drive opener failed again, so I
chose to replace the opener with a new Genie screw drive opener.
After assembling the new opener and taking measurements, I
discovered there would be insufficient clearance between the rail
and the door as it opened, even if I mounted everything as high as
the ceiling (my ceiling is 8 ft. and my door is 7 ft.).
Upon contacting Genie customer service, the agent said I would
have to purchase a low headroom kit. Anybody had this experience?
Answer:
I replaced my 20 year old Genie screw drive with a new one and encountered the
same problem. I was able to gain enough space by making my own mounting
brackets to hold the new opener tight to the ceiling. The bracket as supplied
mounted the drive unit down an inch or two. I just used a piece of aluminum
angle and drilled the proper holes.
If you do use a low headroom kit, this will have to come from the door
manufacturer. Home Depot carries them for their Clopay doors at a very
reasonable price and they will possibly fit other door tracks. If the only
point the door hits the screw drive is right where it turns at the highest
point, you may be able to get away with just using 'quick turn' upper hinges.
