What this covers
An opener lifts a balanced door; it does not do the door's work. Before mounting one, the technician checks that the door moves freely by hand and stays put half open, then hangs the motor head from the ceiling, assembles and aligns the rail to the door's center, attaches the arm, and mounts the photo-eye sensors near the floor on each side. Chain drives are economical, belt drives are quiet for a garage under a bedroom, and wall-mounted jackshaft drives free the ceiling. Force and travel limits are set, the safety reversal is tested, and remotes, a keypad and any phone or battery-backup features are programmed and shown to you.
When to call
- An opener that is loud, slow, strains or stops partway.
- A garage below a bedroom where a quiet belt drive would help.
- An older opener without photo-eye sensors or rolling-code remotes.
- A new door, or a converted garage where ceiling space matters.
What to expect
- Check the doorBalance and travel are checked and any spring or roller problem fixed first.
- MountThe motor head, rail and arm are mounted and aligned, with the ceiling bracing they need.
- Wire and sensePower is connected at an outlet, the sensors mounted and aligned, and the wall control placed.
- Set and programForce and limits are set, reversal tested, and remotes, keypad and app programmed with you.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Chain, belt or jackshaft?
Chain is durable and economical but noisy. Belt is quiet and smooth, the usual choice under living space. Jackshaft mounts beside the door on the torsion shaft and suits high ceilings or garages with overhead storage.
Do the sensors have to be there?
Yes. The photo-eyes and the force reversal are required safety features on openers made for many years now. The technician tests both before leaving.
Can the opener be replaced without replacing the door?
Yes, as long as the door is balanced and in good repair. If the door is heavy or out of balance, that is fixed first so the new opener is not strained.
Related: Garage door installation · Garage door repair · All siding, windows and doors
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.