Choosing the Best Garage Door Opener: Belt Vs. Chain Drive

The average American garage door opens and shuts 1500 times a year. When shopping for a garage door, therefore, the type of mechanism is a critical factor to consider as a homeowner. A few others exist, but the belt and chain drive openers are the most popular garage door opening mechanisms for a reason.



The chain drive system uses a metal chain to open the garage door. The chain running assembly unit uses tension springs and gears to lift your garage door. The belt drive garage works similar to the chain drive except that it uses a rubber belt for the chain. The belt drive is slightly newer and represents multiple improvements over the chain drive.

The two systems have widespread application, and depending on your priorities, both are excellent choices. Discover some factors to consider when choosing to install your garage door opener.

Strength

A chain drive is stronger than a belt drive and is often the preferred choice for lifting heavy doors. Although belt drives have come a long way in improving lifting power, they still usually fall short of the more heavy-duty chain drive opener. 

A chain drive opener will have no trouble lifting a two- or three-door garage door, while a belt drive opener can handle a one-door garage or lighter two-door models. The rubber in belt drives cannot withstand very heavy loads and could even break from the stress.

A belt drive is more than sufficient for most residential doors. But if you have a heavy steel door or a heavy-duty commercial door, a drive chain may be the best option.

Noise

Belt drive openers are much quieter than their chain drive counterparts. 

A chain drive opener produces a lot of noise when the chain engages the sprocket and the metal on metal friction. The noise and vibrations can be annoying if you have an office or bedroom near the garage.

If your garage and house are detached, the noise may not be a concern, and lubricating the chain can help reduce the noise.

A belt drive opener's rubber belt and trolley mechanism make for a smooth, noiseless operation. If noise is an issue for you and you want a near-silent garage door, the belt drive is your best option.

Convenience

For safety reasons, garage doors are not very fast. At the same time, you don't want to wait for too long for a garage door to open. The belt drive opener opens faster than the jerky chain drive because of its smooth operation. 

In reality, the opening speed of the belt drive may only save you a minute or two in your day but could make a huge difference in today's fast-paced world. 

The chain drive opener will need chain readjustment. The chain will also need lubrication at least twice a year. On the flip side, the belt drive needs little to no maintenance but may require belt replacement from time to time.

While speed and maintenance may not be influential factors, homeowners may want to consider them.

If you want to replace an older garage door or shop for a new one, the belt and chain drive openers are your top two options. The two garage door mechanisms come at varying price points, with the belt drive being the more expensive of the two.

To compare, the chain brings muscle to the job while the belt drive opener is all about swift movement and convenience. However, understanding the two means that the one drive opener may suit your usage better than the other regardless of their costs.

If you are unsure what garage mechanisms suits your door, contact us for consultation and installation.