Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 1/29/2010

Question
Hey Bruce,  I recently bought a home and wanted to install an automatic garage door opener. Luckily, before I just went out and bought the opener I surveyed the situation and ran into this issue. As the door opens, and when it is fully open, the door is very close to the trusses.  The Garage does not have a ceiling so the trusses are exposed.  My question is, "What is the best way to install an automatic garage door opener with very little clearance between the door and the trusses?" "Is there a way to reinforce the truss to cut them?" "Is it safe to notch them to make room for the opener track, and if so what type of reinforcement is needed?"  Thanks for your help!

-Paul  

Answer
Hi Paul, have you done any research on garage door openers?  Genie has new models that require little clearance.  You didn't say how much clearance you have but some of these new openers don't require half the clearance of the older models which require up to 12" but if you have 5-7"  from the top of the open door to your ceiling you should have enough clearance. Let me know exactly what you are dealing with, check out the Genie website and write back if you need further assistance..sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com