Are you about to replace your home’s garage door but are stressed over which opener is best? You’re not alone. Generally, there are two types of garage door openers – Belt and Chain – and these come with their benefits and disadvantages.
To make it easier for you to choose, we will outline all you need to know about belt vs chain garage door openers. When considering a new garage door opener, there are several categories, such as noise, strength, operation, price, and more, that you’ll want to take a look at before making your choice.
Belt vs Chain Garage Door Openers: How Do They Work?
Let’s first consider the operation of these two types of garage door openers. As its name suggests, a metal chain is employed in a chain drive garage door opener to lift the door, it also has some tension strings. A rubber belt drives a trolley on an assembly unit so that it can slide open when you need to get into your garage.
Chain opener costs less than belt drive mainly because the materials used are more common than those in the latter which are made up of rubber.
Belt vs Chain Garage Door Openers: Comparison
Next, let’s talk about the two garage door openers based on diverse classifications such as price, power, sound, durability, maintenance, and so forth.
Strength
Chain drive garage door openers are stronger than belt drive ones due to the fact that they are made from tougher and more dependable materials. As a result, they are ideal for heavier doors like a 2-car garage door.
Conversely, heavy wooden or even three-car garage doors would prove problematic for belt-drive openers. They are best suited for lighter garage doors like those used in single garages.
It should be noted that there exist some stronger belt drives. However, these alternatives more expensive and are not easily available as chain drive systems.
Noise
If you’re someone who returns home late at night, the last thing you want is a noisy garage door that wakes the neighborhood or your sleeping baby. In this case, the best option is a belt drive door, as there are fewer solid components rubbing together to make a sound.
The only disadvantage with completely silent drives is that you won’t hear the sound of someone forcing their way into your garage unannounced. But you can easily fix that with a motion detector and alarm that turns on at night.
Maintenance
Work and other activities can make it harder to always take care of your garage door opener regularly. In this case, you’ll want one that’s easier to maintain, and that’s a belt drive. Why?
Belt garage door openers require less lubricant than chain drives, which lets them operate longer without much wear and tear. But that doesn’t make chain drives a lost cause; you’ll just want to ensure you keep up with a regular maintenance program.
Cost
Belt drives are generally more expensive than chain drives due to the parts required. However, it is also important to note that belt drives often come with better guarantees compared to their chain-driven counterparts.
Nonetheless, chain drives are the cheapest type of garage door opener.
Durability
Both belt and chain garage door openers can last longer than 10 years; generally, belt openers tend to last several years longer than chain drives. Since chain openers have more intricate parts, they require more maintenance and tend to wear out faster. If you’re looking for the longest-lasting garage door opener, a belt drive is the best option.
Need Help?
Making a choice regarding belt vs chain garage door openers may be difficult as both types have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision depends on which factors are most important to you.
A belt drive opener is generally more expensive, but it is quieter and requires less maintenance.
A chain drive opener is the more cost effective and common option, however it does require regular maintenance to remain in working order.
Still not sure what to choose – belt vs chain garage door opener? Contact Garage Pros to schedule a service. Our technicians can inspect your garage door and help you find the best option for your home. We offer same-day and next-day appointments; call us today!
