Garage Door Openers?

[jltimm]

I want to put a garage door opener in my pole shed.It has a 16x10 ft insulated door.I'm contemplating between getting a professional to install it or just purchasing one and installing myself? I've installed one on my old garage, but that was a 7x16 ft door, in a garage with trusses 2 ft o.c.What are good brands to look at,Sears,Genie, ect...Screwdrive,belt,chain...? Any knowledgable opinions would be appreciated.

[18 inch Crappie]

I would go with a 3/4 hp for that big door, though with the springs set right. The opener will not know if it is a 8x7 or a 16x10. But most people will say go bigger because of the size/weight. Menards is where I bought mine and have no problems. But you could spend more to get a top of line one also.

[Justfishing]

There are only a couple of manufactuers. I would just stay away from the economy models for whatever brand you get. I bought a Chamberlain with a belt drive, it carries a life time warranty on the belt.

[percherman]

JT: Just as 18"er said, I would definitely go with a 3/4. I installed for **^%^( contract sales and used chain quite a bit until the new screw mech came out. You really can't beat the new system. It's quiet and very reliable. Watch out for the old two stepping salesperson trying to sell you that extended warranty. If the unit doesn't come with a three or five year warranty, its dump!

[hitthebricks]

Would a standard openner open door that size door all the way? HTB

[Surface Tension]

Quote:

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Would a standard openner open door that size door all the way? HTB

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Good question. You'll need to find a brand that offers an extension kit.

[chief]

jltimm,

I work in the Garage Door Industry.

Here's my two cents: As others have said, it's the springs that lift the door. So, you don't need a heavy duty operator, but for a 10' high door you might as well get a light industrial duty operator. In doing so you'll get rail length options long enough to pull the door completely past the opening, and you'll also get options for the more durable "I" beam rail construction as opposed to "T" frames found in residential operators. 3/4 hp is plenty for your application. Though not required by code, it's always a good idea to add photo eyes, or a reversing door edge, for safety reasons. I don't know offhand if the big box stores sell light commercial ops, but there are lots of garage door companies out there that do.

[jltimm]

Thanks for all the input guys! So from what I understand I should look for a 3/4 hp opener, possibly a commercial unit? I will have to call a couple of places around my area to see what they charge for an install, at least then I know it's done right as long as they aren't to expensive.