When it comes to modernizing your garage and maximizing space, few upgrades are as innovative as a side mount garage door opener. Unlike traditional overhead systems that hang from the ceiling, a side mount opener—sometimes called a jackshaft opener—installs beside your garage door, freeing up valuable overhead space and offering a sleek, quiet solution.
At ABA Garage Door Repair, we install, service, and repair side mount garage door openers regularly. What makes us stand out is simple: we do all the work ourselves. No subcontractors. No guesswork. Just our own skilled team handling your installation from start to finish, ensuring safety, precision, and long-lasting performance.
If you’re searching for side mount garage door opener install tips, comparing brands like LiftMaster and Chamberlain, or debating side mount garage door opener vs overhead, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about side mount openers—and why ABA Garage Door Repair is the team to trust.
What is a Side Mount Garage Door Opener?
A side mount garage door opener is a motorized device that operates your garage door by turning the torsion bar located above the door. Instead of hanging from the ceiling and pulling the door with a rail and trolley system, a side mount opener sits on the wall beside the door, directly controlling the door’s movement.
Benefits of side mount openers include:
- Space-saving design
- Quieter operation compared to chain-driven overhead units
- Cleaner look with no rail running across the ceiling
- Enhanced ceiling clearance for tall vehicles or storage racks
- Easier access for maintenance
At ABA Garage Door Repair, we love installing these systems because we handle every aspect ourselves, guaranteeing a seamless fit and flawless function.
Side Mount Garage Door Opener Install: What to Expect
If you’re considering a side mount garage door opener install, here’s how the process works with ABA Garage Door Repair:
1. Assessment
- We inspect your existing garage door system.
- We check for adequate side wall space and torsion bar compatibility.
- We ensure your door is balanced and in good condition.
2. Clearance Check
- Side mount garage door opener clearance is critical. Typically, you need:
- Around 7 inches of side space beside the door.
- Sufficient headroom above the door for the torsion spring system.
- A solid wall surface for secure mounting.
- Around 7 inches of side space beside the door.
3. Installation
- We mount the opener beside the door.
- Connect the drive unit to the torsion bar.
- Install safety sensors and wiring.
- Program remote controls and wall buttons.
- Test the system thoroughly.
ABA Garage Door Repair performs every install personally—we never subcontract the work, ensuring high-quality results every time.
Side Mount Garage Door Opener vs Overhead
Many homeowners ask us about side mount garage door opener vs overhead systems. Here’s a quick comparison:
Side Mount Openers:
- Mounted beside the door
- No ceiling rail
- Ideal for garages with low ceilings or high storage needs
- Quieter operation
- Higher upfront cost
Overhead Openers:
- Mounted to the ceiling
- Rail and trolley system pulls the door
- Generally more affordable
- Slightly louder, depending on drive type (chain, belt, or screw)
If your garage has space constraints, tall vehicles, or you simply prefer a clean ceiling, a side mount opener may be your best choice. At ABA Garage Door Repair, we help you weigh the options—and we handle whichever installation you choose ourselves.
Side Mount Garage Door Opener Brands
There are several trusted brands producing side mount garage door openers, with LiftMaster and Chamberlain among the most popular.
LiftMaster
- Highly reliable
- Integrated battery backup on many models
- Smart connectivity through MyQ app
- Excellent safety features
- Models like the LiftMaster 8500W are top-rated in side mount garage door opener reviews
Chamberlain
- LiftMaster’s sister brand, sharing similar technology
- Great for homeowners looking for smart features at a competitive price
- Compatible with most residential doors
At ABA Garage Door Repair, we install both brands—and we handle every step ourselves, ensuring proper alignment, programming, and testing.
Side Mount Garage Door Opener Reviews
If you’re researching side mount garage door opener reviews, you’ll see consistent praise for:
- Quiet operation
- Clean aesthetic with no ceiling track
- Space-saving benefits
- Smooth motion and advanced safety sensors
- Compatibility with smart home apps
However, some users mention:
- Higher cost than standard openers
- Need for a torsion spring system
- Requires proper wall space for installation
ABA Garage Door Repair helps homeowners choose the right model based on these real-world insights. We personally install and service the openers we recommend.
Side Mount Garage Door Opener LiftMaster
One standout choice is the side mount garage door opener LiftMaster series, especially the 8500W model. Features include:
- DC motor for ultra-quiet operation
- Battery backup
- Integrated Wi-Fi for smartphone control via the MyQ app
- Automatic garage door lock for enhanced security
- LED lighting for visibility
ABA Garage Door Repair regularly installs LiftMaster side mount units—and because we do all the work ourselves, you get expert installation and a perfectly working system.
Side Mount Garage Door Opener Chamberlain
Side mount garage door opener Chamberlain models are another excellent choice. Benefits include:
- Quiet DC motors
- Compact wall-mounted design
- Smartphone connectivity with MyQ
- Budget-friendly options compared to LiftMaster
While Chamberlain’s offerings are fewer than LiftMaster’s, they’re highly reliable and perfect for many residential applications. At ABA Garage Door Repair, we install Chamberlain systems with our own team, ensuring quality control.
Side Mount Garage Door Opener Clearance
A crucial consideration in any side mount installation is side mount garage door opener clearance. You’ll typically need:
- At least 7 inches of space between the garage door track and the wall.
- A minimum ceiling height of 10 inches above the door for the torsion spring system.
- A solid wall surface for mounting the opener.
If your garage has tight dimensions, ABA Garage Door Repair can evaluate whether a side mount opener will fit. We handle all measurements and installations ourselves, ensuring no surprises on installation day.
Maintenance and Care for Side Mount Garage Door Openers
Although side mount openers are low-maintenance, a few regular checks help extend their life:
- Inspect torsion springs: These carry the weight of your door and must remain in good condition.
- Lubricate moving parts: Reduce friction and noise.
- Check sensors: Ensure safety eyes are properly aligned.
- Test backup battery: Especially important during power outages.
- Listen for noise: Unusual sounds can indicate a problem.
ABA Garage Door Repair offers professional maintenance—and we perform all work ourselves, so you know exactly who’s working in your garage.
Why Choose ABA Garage Door Repair?
Here’s why homeowners trust ABA Garage Door Repair for side mount garage door opener installations:
- We do all the work ourselves. No subcontractors, ever.
- We’re experts in side mount technology.
- We provide honest recommendations. We’ll help you decide if a side mount system is right for you.
- We install and service top brands like LiftMaster and Chamberlain.
- We guarantee our work. Your satisfaction and safety come first.
When you choose ABA Garage Door Repair, you’re choosing local professionals who personally handle every step, delivering reliable results every time.
Final Thoughts
A side mount garage door opener is an excellent upgrade for any homeowner seeking:
- More ceiling space for storage or tall vehicles
- A cleaner, modern garage appearance
- Quieter operation than traditional systems
- Smart home integration and advanced security features
Whether you’re comparing side mount garage door opener vs overhead, looking for trusted side mount garage door opener reviews, or ready to invest in a top-tier model like the side mount garage door opener LiftMaster or Chamberlain, ABA Garage Door Repair is here to help. We handle every installation ourselves, ensuring your new opener performs flawlessly for years to come.
If you’re ready to explore side mount options or need service for your current system, contact ABA Garage Door Repair today. We’ll help you transform your garage with the best technology and craftsmanship available.
