Belt-Drive vs Chain-Drive Garage Door Openers: What to Know
Written by: Uplift Garage
A nice garage door can enhance the look of your home immensely and add to not only its value but also its usefulness. Of course, when it comes to functioning properly, the
garage door opener is the most important aspect as it is the machine behind the door that allows it to open and close with a push of a button. When it comes time to replace your automatic garage door opener with a new option, there are
two main choices to select from within the industry, and they are the belt drive or chain drive options. The following will outline everything you need to know about both varieties, giving you all the information you need to make an informed choice that best fits your needs and preferences.
What are Belt-Drive Garage Door Openers?
Belt drive garage door openers utilize a rubber belt to move the garage door up and down. This rubber belt works by moving a trolley on a rail that connects the door to the opener. You will likely also notice a piece of rope present, often colored red, that hangs from the trolley. This is placed in this manner to give you the option of disengaging and reengaging the opener should it fail.
Pros & Cons of Belt-Drive Garage Door Openers
As with virtually all products, there are some pros and cons when it comes to choosing the belt drive option as your garage closer of choice. The following will break down some of the most applicable reasons to choose and then maybe not to choose a belt-drive option:
Pros
- Faster when compared to chain drive.
- Smooth running and quieter option. This is especially important when there is a living space next to or over a garage.
- There is an optional battery override to operate the opener if power should fail.
- There is no need for consistent or regular lubrication. However, periodic cleaning and checking of the system are still best for optimal function.
Cons
- It doesn’t have the same lifting power when compared to a chain-powered option. This can be a deal breaker if your garage door is heavy, overly insulated, or wooden.
- The rubber belt can stretch out over time, meaning that it might need to be adjusted to ensure correct tension.
- The belt system can be negatively impacted by extreme heat and excessive humidity, causing it to slip.
- It can be a more expensive option when compared to the chain drive opener.
What are Chain-Drive Garage Door Openers?
A chain-drive garage door opener works by using a steel chain to operate the garage door. The chain is situated on the rail, which is located around the opener’s sprocket. It is then connected to a sprocket that is idle on the opposite end of the rail, meaning that the trolley moves back and forth, operating the garage door.
Pros & Cons of Chain-Drive Garage Door Openers
As with the belt drive option, the chain drive system also has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. When selecting which is right for you, it’s helpful to compare the pros and cons of each. The following is a look at the pros and cons relating to chain-drive garage door openers:
Pros
- Chain drive options have been around for a long time and are known for their reliability and value. They are sometimes described as the “workhorse opener.”
- Chain systems can lift even a heavy or substantive door easily without any issue.
- Chain systems can lift double-car or even triple-car garage doors.
- They are usually the more affordable option when compared to the belt variety.
- They perform consistently, no matter the outside temperature or humidity.
- They can be used in both commercial and residential settings.
Cons
- Some consider chain drive garage door openers as loud. This is due to the rattling noise they make when in operation. This can be heard nearby throughout the spaces closest to the garage.
- The drive system can bounce as it moves up the rail.
- Chain drive options do require regular maintenance, meaning they need to be lubricated often so they won't rust or wear out unevenly. This means that you do have to consider maintenance and that cost down the road, not just the installation cost.
How to Determine Which Garage Door Opener is Right for You: Belt Drive vs Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
Determining which garage door opener is right for you is based largely on your personal preferences, along with some facts you should consider. For example, if you are lifting a heavy door, one that is extremely large (like a two-car opening), or one that is made of heavy materials like wood, you likely need the power of a chain drive system. However, if you live in an area where sound is going to be a big issue, and you need to ensure that your garage opening and closing makes as little sound as possible, then a belt drive option is likely a better fit. It’s also important to consider the humidity levels in space and realize that belt systems can slip, while it’s also important to consider that you will have to maintain a chain drive option. Then, finally, you should consider the cost and how much you want to invest, as the chain drive option is typically more affordable overall. However, beyond all that, it’s really just up to you and how you want your garage door to function. Both are valid options and offer benefits and drawbacks, so when compared to each other, it’s clear they are both great options for some homeowners. It just depends on your preferences, along with the practical needs you want met.
Let Uplift Install Your Next Opener!
No matter what choice you make when it comes to your new garage opener, either a belt drive or chain drive option, contact us at Uplift Garage to install your new system. Our brand specializes in repairs, replacement, and maintenance services pertaining to residential garage doors in the Western suburbs of Chicagoland. Contact us to learn more about our garage opener replacement options and get your project scheduled today.
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