If you’re in the market for a new garage door opener, you know how important it is to make your selection carefully. After all, an attractive modern garage door or classic carriage style garage door is only as functional as the opener it’s attached to.
To help you choose the best garage door opener for your situation, here’s a comparison of the three most common types available.
Chain-Driven Garage Door Opener
What is it? The most widely used type of garage door opener is the chain-driven variety. This opener uses a chain resembling the kind found on a bicycle to push and pull the trolley connected to the J-arm, which attaches to the garage door itself. This is what lifts and lowers the door along the track when you push the button on your garage door opener remote.
What are the benefits? This could be the best garage door opener if you’re looking for the most affordable option. You can also expect highly reliable performance from the chain drive for years of trouble-free operation.
What are the drawbacks? Chain-driven garage door openers operate relatively loudly because the vibration during operation causes a metal-on-metal noise. This is especially bothersome if the garage is located below a bedroom. New chain drives are quieter than their predecessors thanks to softer start-and-stop features and a DC motor. In addition to the noise consideration, chain-driven openers require maintenance every few years. A simple adjustment is needed to keep them properly aligned with the track.
Belt-Driven Garage Door Opener
What is it? Belt-driven garage door openers are almost identical to their chain-driven counterparts, except that they use a metal-reinforced belt made of rubber, fiberglass or polyurethane instead of a chain to operate the door. Otherwise, the mechanisms of a belt-driven garage door opener are the same as the chain-driven version.
What are the benefits? Belt drives are reliable and boast the quietest operation of any garage door opener. They are also dependable for lifting heavy wood garage doors and can raise any door at a slightly faster rate than chain-driven openers.
What are the drawbacks? The only major disadvantage is that belt-driven garage door openers are more expensive than chain-driven versions.
Screw-Driven Garage Door Opener
What is it? This type of garage door opener works a bit differently than belt- and chain-driven models. The lifting device consists of a trolley riding along a threaded steel rod, which turns the motor to lift and lower the door. The forces in play are much different, but the door lifts and lowers just the same.
What are the benefits? Screw drives are low-maintenance because they feature few moving parts. This also allows for smooth, quiet operation, especially compared to chain-driven garage door openers. Screw-driven openers never need adjusting and often boast a long lifespan.
What are the drawbacks? These garage door openers are somewhat sensitive to sudden temperature changes and therefore aren’t optimal for regions with drastic seasonal shifts. They also tend to cost more than other types of garage door openers.
Install the Best Garage Door Opener for Your Home
As you can see from the information above, there is no single “best” one! It all depends on your needs, priorities and budget.
If you live in Fresno, Visalia or a surrounding area in California, choose Broken Drum Insulation of Visalia to install a new garage door opener. The information here should help guide your selection. However, if you’re still unsure which one is ideal for your situation, we can offer our expert opinion to ensure your satisfaction. Contact us today!
